Can a Function Key be mapped to launch an Application in XP?

[reconsulting]

I realize with Macro Scheduler you can assign a hotkey to run an executable file. Yet what I'm trying to find out is if there is a way to actually remap a Function key to launch an application I've created with MS within windows XP.

[JRL]

Back in the DOS era we used to use escape characters to remap the keyboard. I think you can do that now in the registry but I'm not certain of that. However you can use Macro Scheduler to create a script that will wait for a keypress by using OnEvent>.

This example will run until you kill it using Shift+Esc or until you press the F11 key. Pressing F11 will open notepad and close the script.

Code: Select all

OnEvent>KEY_DOWN,VK122,0,RunNotepad

Label>Loop
Wait>0.01
Goto>Loop

SRT>RunNotepad
  Run>notepad.exe
  Goto>EOF
END>RunNotepad

Label>EOF

[Marcus Tettmar]

I might have missed the point of the question but I'm not sure how that is any different to simply creating a macro that launches Notepad and assigning the macro a hotkey under macro properties.

[JRL]

This Microsoft link has information about using the registry to remap the keyboard. Back under DOS you could have a key launch a program. I'm not sure that would be possible using this registry remap technique. For one thing this requires a reboot to function so this is not a technique you would use on the fly. Maybe reconsulting will look into this and let us know.

I might have missed the point of the question but I'm not sure how that is any different to simply creating a macro that launches Notepad and assigning the macro a hotkey under macro properties.

One major difference would be I can compile the script and the OnEvent. "hotkey" will work on any computer. Another difference might be you could have the user select a key to be used as a hotkey during script execution.

That said, If your point is that software specific hotkey assignment is not the same as keyboard remapping I believe you are correct. I have no knowledge of what is really happening with the Macro Scheduler hotkey assignment but my understanding is that keyboard remapping changes the scan codes whereas software hotkey assignment changes the usage of the scan code. Feel free to correct me or elaborate, I have very little knowledge on this subject.

[Marcus Tettmar]

I think I just don't quite know exactly what reconsulting wants.

Want a key sequence to start an EXE and you don't have Macro Scheduler? Create a shortcut to the EXE/Application. Right click on it and select Properties. There you will see an entry called "Shortcut Key". Enter the key sequence you want to trigger it.

[Me_again]

Sounds like reconsulting wants to use just a function key, but a shortcut needs CTRL+ALT plus another key.

Update: Well, that's not true, but it is what the shortcut tooltip shows. A shortcut can use a function key.