Load flash .exe then move to next page

[scargin]

Is it possible to load an .exe flash file (I think it is a projector file) from a page and then close the .exe file and move to the next page?

I have used the following commands:

File.Open (open, "%SrcDir%\Resources\Flash\VirtualClassroom.exe ")
Application.Exit
Page.Jump ("%PageNext%")

Unfortunately the flash file that is a product trailer ( I can not alter it), loops at the end of the last scene and the application exit command doesn't work.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Due to the nature of the .exe file I am unable to stop it from looping and move to the next page.

Thanks in advance,

Stuart Cargin

[Corey]

Re: Load flash .exe then move to next page

Check out the "Wait for program to finish running before continuing" aspect of the FILE > EXECUTE action.

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software

[scargin]

Re: Load flash .exe then move to next page

Thanks Corey.

I tried your solution but due the .exe Flash file looping in the last scene it never ends and the Page.Jump command is not called.

Stuart

[Corey]

Re: Load flash .exe then move to next page

Well for this atypical scenario you could use an APPLICATION > SLEEP action attached to a WINDOW > CLOSE action as a workaround I guess but I've never done this so you'll have to just experiment with it... This way won't be 100% accurate since fast systems play Flash projectors faster than slow systems. Basic concept here is to set your app to sleep for as long as your .exe plays (time it) and then close the .exe window...

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software

[scargin]

Re: Load flash .exe then move to next page

I have tried the Application > Sleep action but I still can't get it to work. Not sure whether i have the order wrong.

File.Execute
Window.Close
Application.Sleep
Page.Jump

I was thinking...

Is it possible to open the Flash Execute file in a new window and when it reaches the end the client can close the Flash player window. The Autoplay Window would remain active in the background and the client can move to the next page.

Currently once Autoplay opens the flash file it dissapears. So when the Flash Player is closed the user cannot get back to the AutoPlay application.

Thanks in advance,

Stuart Cargin

[Corey]

Re: Load flash .exe then move to next page

Not sure Stuart, give it a shot... Its a very atypical scenario so you'll probably just have to experiment.

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software

[scargin]

Re: Load flash .exe then move to next page

Any tips for a new user on how to do this?

Not quite sure where to start?

Thanks,

Stuart

[Corey]

Re: Load flash .exe then move to next page

Sorry Stuart, my tip is not to do it at all to be frank, so I'm not of much help to you... Personally I would tell the client to cough up:

1. A proper Flash movie.
or
2. A version of the original which exits at the end.

But that's just me. Bottom line is that if you fool around for a while you'll probably be able to come up with something but you should really get some better materials to work with... You're basically taking something which was specifically intended not to do what you need and then trying to bend it to your needs, this is a marvellous source of grey hair. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software

[scargin]

Re: Load flash .exe then move to next page

Corey,

Unfortunately I do not have that option.

The client needs the .exe file to be the second last page of the presentation and unfortunately the flash .exe file that they want to use was created to promote Lotus Learning Space Classroom which they will be installing within their organisation.

As expected Lotus will not provide the original flash file that they created the .exe from.

I thought there must be a way to open the .exe file from within Autoplay without Autoplay itself closing.

As with most developers, I am quite often given materials that clients want included in presentations that I would prefer not to include. But due to the client / developer relationship it is not always possible to refuse to use something. They expect you to find a solution.

Thanks,

Stuart

[Corey]

Re: Load flash .exe then move to next page

Best of luck...

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software

[Brett]

Re: Load flash .exe then move to next page

You should not be using Application.Exit. That will cause your autoplay app to abort.

[scargin]

Re: Load flash .exe then move to next page

I found a program that allows you to extract a flash .swf file from a projector file.

Once I had the .swf file I was able to incorporate it into my project without any problems.

Stuart Cargin

[Corey]

Re: Load flash .exe then move to next page

Yeah but Stuart you don't have permission to extract that file. I wouldn't reccomend anyone modify in any way the work of someone else without their express permission. That's not good practice. One thing to consider is whether or not you would enjoy other people modifying your work without your permission. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software

[scargin]

Re: Load flash .exe then move to next page

Good point.

I didn't think about it that way.

The only thing is that all though I did extract the undelerlying .swf file I have not altered the content in any way. But I see your point.

I will mention this to the client and get them to obtain permission to use the extracted file.

Thanks for the advice.

Stuart

[Corey]

Re: Load flash .exe then move to next page

If you forward a copy to them for approval, and you haven't altered it, they'll likely be OK with it...

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software