Windows 8 - Start MetroUI from desktop

[GeoTrail]

I'm working on a small utility and I need to be able to launch the Windows 8 Metro UI from the Desktop. I was thinking something like sending a keyboard shortcut or something, but I can't find any info on this.

Does anyone have a clue how I can launch the Metro UI from the Desktop? It needs to work even if a thirdparty Startmenu program is installed.

[Danilo]

Code: Select all

Procedure OpenStartMenu()
    keybd_event_(#VK_CONTROL,0,0,0)                ; press   CTRL key
    keybd_event_(#VK_ESCAPE ,0,0,0)                ; press   ESC  key
    keybd_event_(#VK_ESCAPE ,0,#KEYEVENTF_KEYUP,0) ; release ESC  key
    keybd_event_(#VK_CONTROL,0,#KEYEVENTF_KEYUP,0) ; release CTRL key
EndProcedure

OpenStartMenu()

Works here, but don't know if some 3rd party start menus catch this message with a keyboard hook.
It is CTRL+ESC, see Complete list of Windows 8 shortcuts

[GeoTrail]

Thanks for the reply
Unfortunantly that don't work with most 3rd party start menus as they catch the keyboard combo and opens the 3rd party startmenu instead.

[Danilo]

Another way, but not so good:

Code: Select all

Procedure OpenStartMenu()
    PostMessage_(#HWND_BROADCAST,#WM_SYSCOMMAND,#SC_TASKLIST,0)
EndProcedure

OpenStartMenu()

Best way I found seems to be by using a .vbs script, which I create in TEMP here:

Code: Select all

Procedure.i OpenStartMenu()
    ;
    ; .vbs script from thread @ http://www.7tutorials.com/download-shortcut-windows-8-start-screen-desktop
    ;
    Protected file
    Protected tempFileName.s = GetTemporaryDirectory()+"$tmp"+Hex(Random(-1))+".vbs"

    file = CreateFile(#PB_Any, tempFileName)
    If file
        WriteStringN(file, "Set objShell = CreateObject("+#DQUOTE$+"WScript.Shell"+#DQUOTE$+")")
        WriteStringN(file, "objShell.SendKeys "+#DQUOTE$+"^{ESC}"+#DQUOTE$)
        FlushFileBuffers(file)
        CloseFile(file)
        ;Delay(50)
        RunProgram(tempFileName,"","",#PB_Program_Wait|#PB_Program_Hide)
        ;Delay(50)
        DeleteFile(tempFileName)
        ProcedureReturn #True
    EndIf
    ProcedureReturn #False
EndProcedure

OpenStartMenu()

[GeoTrail]

The first one worked great even with a thirdparty startmenu installed.
The second one with the VB script only opened the start menu.
Seems the first option is going to work perfect for me.
Thanks a million Danilo

[SFSxOI]

Windows 8, the operating system its self, is great, however, the GUI is like it was designed by a bunch of circus clowns on crack for those who are not power users.

[IdeasVacuum]

Windows 8, the operating system its self, is great, however, the GUI is like it was designed by a bunch of circus clowns on crack for those who are not power users.

Huh? They must of made some serious improvements since the Beta then

[GeoTrail]

I was, honestly, one of the biggest sceptics when I first tested an alpha version of Win8. But after using it on my 6 year old mini laptop with a single core 1.6GHz atom CPU with 1GB of RAM, I am convinced that this is the best Windows so far. It is super optimized and very fast.
Yes, the Metro UI gave me nightmares for a long time, but I'm getting used to it. But, that said, I do have Stardock Start8 on all my computers now, so they basically all work and look almost the same as Windows 7.

[skywalk]

That is encouraging. I heard Windows 8 is tighter but no chance yet to try.

[GeoTrail]

Yeah it does feel tighter. Like it's better "screwed together" in car-terms hehehe