Warning
Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support Services for assistance.
Issue
Is it possible to have a link on a GxPage to run an executable file to launch an external application outside of the web browser?
Product Line
TAC IA Series
Environment
I/A Series R2 graphics
Firefox web browser
Cause
To launch an external application via a link on graphics page in a web browser.
Resolution
It is not possible to launch an external application from an I/A Series R2 GxPage. Two suggested workarounds are as follows.
- Create a hyperlink on a GxPage that links to a standard HTML web page. There would be a link to run a script on the standard HTML page to launch the external application.
- If the site graphics has a HTML tree created, create a new link in the tree which will run a script to launch an external application.
* Take note that the HTML web page with the script link has to reside on the same computer as the external application.
As an example the following script and procedure which will launch an external application in a Firefox web browser. In this case, the script will launch Windows notepad.exe. This method has been provided as a workaround but you should use and troubleshoot any information given below at your own discretion.
Example of a script to launch an Notepad in Firefox:
Right Click on this link and select "Save target as" to download this script as a text file
We also need to configure Firefox to allow Java script to run.
- Run Firefox and type in 'about:Config' at the address field.
- Set the 'signed.applets.codebase_principle_support' to true. Be careful not to make any other changes.
NOTE: This script and browser configuration may or may not work in other web browsers. Further changes may be required for this functionality in any other web browser other than Firefox.
