Launching multiple applications with a single command/script/shortcut

Question

I realized a few days ago that every time I sit down at work, I do a few things after unlocking my computer. First, I open up Firefox, then I open up Chrome, then I log in to Digsby. I realized I could probably save repeating this daily by writing a small batch script to open up Firefox and Chrome , but I couldn't figure out how to make it work.. and since the whole effort is to save time I don't want to bash my head around in the windows command prompt to do it. I also tired this in powershell but ran in to a bunch of security nonsense.

Is there a way to do this that I am missing? Bonus points if somebody has figured out how to manipulate Digsby via COM , scripting, or python =)

Answer 1

You could also try this idea

http://lifehacker.com/5651042/choose-which-applications-launch-on-startup-with-autohotkey

You can compile and AHK Script to an EXE File and link it in your startup folder (if you don't want to keep Autohotkey)

Answer 2

You can place a shortcut of any application you want to start automatically inside

%systemdrive%\users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

For example

c:\users\administrator\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

Answer 3

Found it here: http://www.knowledgesutra.com/forums/topic/54068-start-multiple-programs-with-one-shortcut/

Basically, in your batch file (*.bat), '@echo off' shuts off output on the command prompt, 'rem' lines are comments, 'cd' changes to a directory, 'start' starts up the program without waiting for that program to finish. If you just had 'foo.exe' instead of 'start foo.exe' then the command prompt would stall until you closed the foo program. 'exit' closes the command prompt so you don't get left with an empty black window staring at you.

@echo off
rem SLASH'EM
cd C:\games\slashem-v0.0.7e7f3
start slashem.exe

rem Firefox
cd C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox
start firefox.exe

exit

Answer 4

7apl is a free multi program launcher that lets you set up groups- you can run anytime not just at start up.