XCLN: Using AppleScript for Drag-and-Drop Support on Macintosh

ID: Q166714

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Exchange Macintosh client, versions 4.0, 5.0

SUMMARY

The Microsoft Exchange Macintosh client does not support drag-and-drop functionality from the operating system to an Open Compose message or folder. However, there is limited support for attaching files to a New Compose message. Using AppleScript, you can create a script that prompts for a file and allows you to open the Exchange Macintosh client, open the New Compose message window, and attach the selected file.

NOTE: AppleScript is included with the Macintosh operating system; if it is not present, re-install the operating system to add AppleScript.

MORE INFORMATION

NOTE: This AppleScript requires System 7.5 or later to function correctly.

Apple Events allows you to automate certain actions and save them as scripts. These AppleScripts (similar to a macro) work with any application that is scriptable. The Exchange Macintosh client is ONLY scriptable in the following manner.

To create the script:

Open the Apple Script Editor, usually located on the computer's local hard disk drive, in the AppleScript folder within the Apple Extras folder.

In the script window at the bottom of the Apple Script Editor, type the following:
```
      on run
         set file1 to choose file
         tell application "Microsoft Exchange & Schedule+"
            open file1
         end tell
      end run 
```
The script above applies to Microsoft Exchange Macintosh client version 5.0. For Microsoft Exchange Macintosh client version 4.0, change the third line to:


         tell application "Microsoft Exchange"

Click Check Syntax; there should be no errors reported. You must correct any syntax errors before you continue.

On the File menu, click Save As. Select a location for the script to be saved; remember this location. Under Kind, select Application, and then select Never Show Startup Screen.

Save the script with the following name, Exchopendoc, in your chosen location.

You can now double-click the saved script to test it. A Chooser window is displayed that allows you to select a file to attach.

The Exchange Macintosh client starts using the default profile; you are prompted for your user name and password information. After this information is validated, Exchange Macintosh client opens a new message window and attaches the selected file. Upon sending or closing the new message, Exchange Macintosh client closes and the script finishes.

NOTE: Use this script when Exchange Server is running. If Exchange Server is not running, nothing happens and no errors are reported.

NOTE: If the Exchange application is hidden, the new compose message also appears hidden. The new compose message only appears if you unhide the Exchange application.

You can use this script to create a macro in Microsoft Word to call the script. After you create the macro it can appear as a toolbar button or menu command. Here is an example of a Word macro:


         Sub MAIN
   MacScript("exchopendoc")
   End Sub

NOTE: The macro does not attach the current open Word document. You must save and then select the current document when you use the macro with Word.

You can also use this script to make an alias to the AppleScript file and place the alias file in your Apple Menu Items folder in the System folder. This allows the script to be called from anywhere within the Macintosh operating system.

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbcode kbusage XCLN
Version : WINDOWS:4.0,5.0
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbhowto