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Q196673: WD97: Window Stays on Screen Using Shell to Start MS-DOS Program

Article: Q196673
Product(s): Word 97 for Windows
Version(s): WINDOWS:97
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbdta kbwordvba word97
Last Modified: 13-MAY-2002

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Word 97 for Windows 
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SYMPTOMS
========

When using Visual Basic for Applications, if you use the Shell command to run an
MS-DOS program, the MS-DOS box remains on the screen, and you must manually
close the box.

CAUSE
=====

The Close On Exit property is not set for the MS-DOS window.

WORKAROUND
==========

To work around this problem, use either of the following methods.

Method 1
--------

1. Start the MS-DOS Prompt (click the Start button, point to Programs, and then
  click MS-DOS Prompt).

2. On the toolbar, click Properties.

3. On the Program tab, click to select the Close On Exit check box, and then
  click OK.

Method 2
--------

Start the program using the MS-DOS command interpreter, Command.com, with the /C
switch. This switch closes the window after the program quits. For example, to
run a batch file, use the following command:

  Shell "command.com /c example.bat"

The following example VBA code closes the window after the batch command
executes:

Microsoft provides programming examples for illustration only, without warranty
either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied
warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. This
article assumes that you are familiar with the programming language being
demonstrated and the tools used to create and debug procedures. Microsoft
support professionals can help explain the functionality of a particular
procedure, but they will not modify these examples to provide added
functionality or construct procedures to meet your specific needs. If you have
limited programming experience, you may want to contact a Microsoft Certified
Partner or the Microsoft fee-based consulting line at (800) 936-5200. For more
information about Microsoft Certified Partners, please visit the following
Microsoft Web site:

  http://www.microsoft.com/partner/referral/

For more information about the support options that are available and about how
to contact Microsoft, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

  http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

     Sub TextShell
        Dim RetVal
        RetVal = Shell ("C:\WINDOWS\command.com /c  example.bat ", 1)
     End Sub

REFERENCES
==========

For help with Command.com switches, start MS-DOS Prompt, type "command /?"
(without the quotation marks), and press ENTER.

Additional query words: 8.0 doesn't remains stays open

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbdta kbwordvba word97 
Technology        : kbWordSearch kbWord97 kbWord97Search kbZNotKeyword2
Version           : WINDOWS:97
Issue type        : kbprb

=============================================================================

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