Active Desktop w/ hyperlinks to run programs?

[SGtheArtist]

I was wondering if you can have picture hyperlinks in a HTML file, which is set as the Active Desktop in windows98, which has hyperlinks to run programs? I've tried and i usually get the download prompt, and when I tell it to run from location it wants to install before running even tho its already installed ? Does anyone know if this can be done or if it requires a different code, like java scripts or something? Thanks

[Grizzly]

Hahahah! Oh I love it! I actually attempted to do this about a year ago myself, I think we all have this thought cross our minds at least once in our lives. (Computer geeks at least http://www.sharkyforums.com/ubb/biggrin.gif )

Anyways, the answer is no....sad but true. The reason being is...when your desktop is set to "Active desktop" than the desktop is actually nothing more than Internet Explorer without all the buttons. What you're looking at is a webpage...and as such, you have the exact same limitations as you would normally. Web browsers do have that ability to "Run from current location" when you're prompted, but it can only execute that specified file, and nothing else. Any other files associated with that application will be ignored.

I have a threory that you could write a Perl script which when accessed would return some HTTP headers, or some JavaScript that would close you "browser" and then serve you up the application in question. I'm not entirely sure if this is do-able...but hey...it's computers, ANYTHING is doable http://www.sharkyforums.com/ubb/smile.gif

So I guess what I'm saying is...if it is indeed possible, it would probably be exceeding difficult. There's no 'quick & dirty' way to link off to applications on your desktop.

[SGtheArtist]

Thanks, that's unfortunate. It would make Windows desktop sooo much more customizable. Oh, well I guess I'll save myself the pain of trying it and screwing up my computer. Thanks again.

[Haven]

From HTML embedding in active desktop you can launch batch files...so, if you don't mind making a batch file for each program you will be launching from the desktop... ;P

[SGtheArtist]

Since this post I've found a batch file maker and have been able to do this http://www.sharkyforums.com/ubb/smile.gif Thanks for your help.

[dighn]

Well you could always make an ActiveX control that allows you to run programs. Make it and install it then you have access to every program from HTML http://www.sharkyforums.com/ubb/smile.gif

It requires programming but making it in Visual Basic is super easy.

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