PRB: Developer Studio Macro's ExecuteCommand Requires Quotes

• Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions, versions 5.0, 5.0sp1, 5.0sp2, 5.0sp3
• Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 4.0, 4.01 for Windows NT 4.0
• Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 4.0, 4.01 for Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

A VBScript macro ExecuteCommand method does not perform its specified command. Instead, it may perform an unexpected command or have no effect at all. Often, the macro generates no error messages.

CAUSE

The ExecuteCommand method takes one parameter--the keyword that Developer Studio will attempt to execute. If this keyword is not enclosed in quotation marks, the problems above may occur.

RESOLUTION

Enclose the command keyword following the ExecuteCommand method in quotation marks.

If this does not correct the problem, verify that the command is valid:

1. Click Customize on the Tools menu.

2. Click the Keyboard tab.

3. In the drop-down box labeled Category, select All Commands. Make sure that the command appears in the "Commands" list box.

   ExecuteCommand "ProjectSettings"

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q165681
   TITLE     : "INFO: Visual C++ 5.0 Readme, Build Issues"

STATUS

Microsoft is researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

Always use quotation marks around the command keyword of ExecuteCommand. Developer Studio's behavior varies otherwise. Some commands, such as "Build", work without quotation marks. The "New" command generates a syntax error if it is not enclosed in quotation marks. Most commands perform no action at all when quotation marks are absent.

The ExecuteCommand method requires a string parameter. This can be a literal string or a string variable. For example, the word "New" might be assigned to a string variable, such as "MyNewVar". This variable can then be used in place of "New" with the same result:

   Dim MyNewVar
   MyNewVar = "New"
   ExecuteCommand MyNewVar

REFERENCES

"ExecuteCommand Method," Visual C++ Online Books