VB.net lauching a program from sub folder

Question

So I need to lauch an external application from the sub folder of the program. The application will be deployed with the program but may be in different locations so I can't hardcode it to "c:\folder\example.exe"

When I run this I get an error that file cannot be found although I have the folder and file in \bin\debug.

Private Sub btnUpdate_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles btnUpdate.Click
    System.Diagnostics.Process.Start("\app\ds104.exe")
End Sub

Even when the application is in the root folder which will not be ideal I get the same error.

Private Sub btnUpdate_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles btnUpdate.Click
    System.Diagnostics.Process.Start("ds104.exe")
End Sub

Thank you for taking a look.

You need to remove the first backslash. Anyway can you check what is the value of "Environment.CurrentDirectory"? — Amiram Korach, Oct 13 '12 at 18:45

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Oct 13 '12 at 18:47

2

The Process.Start() method takes a full path as the argument.

You can get the path your application is running from by using the My.Application.Info.DirectoryPath property. You then join it with the location of the application you want to run and then call the Process.Start() method.

Example:

Imports System.Diagnostics

...

Private Sub StartApplication()
    Process.Start(My.Application.Info.DirectoryPath & "\Path\To\App.exe")
End Sub

answered Oct 13 '12 at 18:47

Alex Essilfie

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I was being an idiot and didn't realize the version (which is its name) of the app was different. But I like the "My.Application.Info.DirectoryPath &" and will look into it. – NoNo Oct 13 '12 at 18:57

VB.net lauching a program from sub folder

1 Answers1