Program to emulate keypress

[angusmann]

Hi all. Not sure if this request belongs in this forum but here goes ...

I need to find a program (or write a script or batch file) that can emulate the user pressing specific key sequences on the keyboard.

Here's why :

I have a Microsoft keyboard with a collection of "multimedia" keys such as play, stop, skip etc.

The keyboard came with software to control media applications but not all of the buttons are allocated to the proper function.

What I need is to press (for example) the "play" button and the key-sequence CTRL-SHIFT-P be sent to windows. The existing software does not allow me to do this.

But I can set any of the keys to load a specific program when pressed. So I thought if I can write a small program to generate the keyboard emulation I will just allocate that key to load that program....

Any suggestions?

TIA

[IceBlackIce]

AutoIt :D

[angusmann]

Thanks I had a look at AutoIT.

I think the program and the scripting language is a bit beyond me...

That's not to say I'm lazy or dumb, it just seems a very complicated way to tackle the problem.

In fact I think my original question was badly worded. In fact what I need is a program to re-assign or re-map the keyboard.

So when I press (for example) the fast-forward key it sends CTRL-SHIFT-F to Windows. I've found a few programs to do this but none work quite well enough. The major problem is identifying the button I'm pressing. Since most keyboards do not have the keys in question, the mapping programs do not allow me to select them to re-assign them!

Still looking....

[+BudMan MVC]

AutoIT is what your looking for - its NOT difficult to use, and has a recording function to record your mouse and keyboard movements.. On the other hand, if your keyboard has special media keys.. Then IT should have came with some software to allow for mapping of these keys..

For example MS has the intellitype software for their keyboards;

IntelliType Pro software enables you to customize the unique features of your Microsoft? keyboard to fit your needs. With IntelliType software, you canreassign many of the keys to open a program, file, or Web page, or to perform commands>, such as Find, Show Desktop, or other application-specific functions

Heres another idea - how about if you want "CTRL-SHIFT-P be sent to windows" how about you press "CTRL-SHIFT-P";)) How many nanoseconds of thought or effort do you feel you will be saving by mapping this keystroke to one key just pressing the keys you want?

[angusmann]

Whoa BudMan take it easy.

In fact I do have IntelliType software installed, and it's a microsoft keyboard. But its functionality does not allow me to do what I need.

I'm running MCE 2005 (Microsoft) and the intellitype software is set up for windows media player, not MCE. I have tried to re-program the keys using this software but it only allows me to either disable the key, or choose from presets (none of which work with MCE) or launch a program.

I did actually try to solve the problem myself before I asked and note that none of the options "Open a program" "Open a file" "Open a web page" "Find" Show Desktop" etc. are actually useful for pausing or rewinding.

And yes I can learn all the key-sequences and in fact I have. But my mother has not, neither has my wife or 6 year old son. My friends and guests would rather press the play button than learn half a dozen key sequences and after all-they are only visiting for the day. They quite rightly think they should be able to press the pause button and the program will pause. Otherwise why bother having the pause button at all?

[xJoshua]

I'd recommend that for new users. But if you really want the best of the best, use AutoHotKey... I've used it for months now and I can't live without it. It is both good for new and experienced users..

[angusmann]

Thanks xJoshua.

I just finished downloading Autohotkey and so I'll take a look now.

[+BudMan MVC]

Take it easy?? About what dude? I was making a joke, and pointed out that your keyboard should of came with software to control its extra keys.. And that AutoIT would allow you to do ANYTHING you could do with the keyboard and mouse - and assign it to keys, etc..

Here since it seems your all to lazy to type a few keyboard buttons or use the mouse ;) <--- Take it easy = JOKE! ;)

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/m...ew_04dec13.mspx

Control Media Playback with Voice Commands

Does not your Remote Control for your MCE do what you want? How about the special remote keybord for MCE, I would think it designed to handle all the special features of MCE with just a few keystrokes..

[angusmann]

Perhaps I'm uptight because of a few hours frustration getting this thing working.

The Windows media keyboard for MCE has some serious flaws. The worst is that it works by infra-red, so the range is very limited and if line-of sight is not maintained (read cup of coffee in the way) it does not work.

So I got a bluetooth keyboard instead. Works just about anywhere.

I just finished writing a script with AutoHotKey and it works!

I also downloaded AutoIT and it seems a very capable program. It will take a while to learn its finer details but I think I could make good use of it.

Well I've got a script going now under AutoHotKey so I'll continue with this, but thanks for the other suggestion of AutoIT because it may be just what I need to do a few other odd-jobs.

And yep the Windows remote can handle just about all the tasks but sometimes the keyboard is best, especially when you want to enter text. So I figured if I've got the keyboard I might as well get all its various buttons working. Not essential but I'd get sick of explaining to visitors why only selected buttons work. No way to impress a visitor.

Thanks both for your input.

[Advance]

I LOVE Autoit.. great for making silent installers.