Automation Action: Run A Program

Execute any Windows program or command with optional parameters. The Output of the program can be assigned to a variable.

Enter the Program Or Command To Run and any Parameters. You can use %fieldname% replacements in both entries.

Run Via

This option defines which process runs the program:

1. Run Via: Message Processor Service

The Message Processor service itself runs the program. You can optionally specify user Credentials that the program should execute as.

2. Run Via: ThinkAutomation Studio Or Desktop Connector On Behalf Of The Message Processor Service

The message processor service sends a request to the ThinkAutomation Studio or Desktop Connector to start the program on it's behalf. The Studio/Desktop Connector executes the program and sends the results back to the message processor.

You also have the option to specify a ThinkAutomation User Name if you want the program to be executed by a specific logged in Studio/Desktop connector user (for example a user running the Studio on a remote machine). If no user is specified then the process will be executed by the first running instance of the Studio/Desktop connector.

This option can be used in instances where the program you want to run needs to execute under the security context of the logged in Windows user rather than under the security context of a running service. For example, you may have an AutoIt script that interacts with the user's desktop applications. However for this to work the ThinkAutomation Studio or Desktop Connector applications must be running when the Automation executes.

Redirect Output

Select the Redirect Output if you want to receive the output of the program. The output can then be assigned to a variable selected from the Assign Output To list.

Wait For Exit

Select the Wait For Exit option if you want ThinkAutomation to wait for the program to complete before continuing with the remaining actions on the Automation. You can also specify a Wait Max in milliseconds.