script to fill in dialogue boxes? Options

[binary]

hi there as part of my ICT assignment by program has a basic serial input similar to that of microsofts 4 character boxes e.g


XXXX-YYYY-CCCC-VVVV-NNNN

the app i have has been protected to verify 2 seperate serial numbers in the above format which are inputted into the dialogue box on installation..

my extension of this task is to create an automated way of quickly installing a copy of the app from CD onto 10 different computers NOt on a network..

so this is pretty simple and doesnt have to be complex ive decided to reduce the time GREATLY i would need to put a little script on a seperate floppy disc or dongle which when excuted along with the installer automatically fills in the serial number and proceeds. as if i was sitting there typing XXX........... then press NEXT to install:


RULES u cannot extend the 4 character input boxes and simple make it possible to copy and paste all the digits in one go.
if .ur familar with the windows xp installer if u copy the whole serial number from wordpad for example u CANNOt paste it all at one go.

secondly: no modifications to the app or installer are permitted u cannot make the installer autofill byitself. the serial must be on an external source.

u must aim to reduce the time it takes to install the app singificantly on computers not on a network but WITH THE SAME SERIAL . otherwise u could just share the app which defeats the objective.

thereare some auto-it scripts outthere but these only run if the pc has the macro program installed which would need a seperate installer and just wastes time... i think the best way wud be to have a .VBS script that can just be executed to :

recognise the dialogue box of the installer ..probably by window name..

then input the serial which can be stored within the script..


this would be cool as if it works a second script could be produced with the second serial number in it..allowing me to use any of the 2...however as long as ONE works then this is fine.

lol any ideas where to begin?... i find this task quite interesting but am stuck here.. im sure it cant be very hard just need a little quidance.

This post has been edited by binary: May 16 2006, 12:09 PM

[usr.c]

How about this: You have your script or program running in the background and listening for, say, the F12 key. You then start the installer, get to the part where you have to type in the serial number, click on the first box if it's not already in focus and press F12. Then, all the script has to do is execute a series of key strokes (e.g. 1 2 3 4 \t 5 6 7 8 ...) You can have it execute a different sequence when a different function key is pressed. The script doesn't need to know anything about the installer or its components.

[binary]

How about this: You have your script or program running in the background and listening for, say, the F12 key. You then start the installer, get to the part where you have to type in the serial number, click on the first box if it's not already in focus and press F12. Then, all the script has to do is execute a series of key strokes (e.g. 1 2 3 4 \t 5 6 7 8 ...) You can have it execute a different sequence when a different function key is pressed. The script doesn't need to know anything about the installer or its components.

sound goods... this script running in the background could it also be exected from a simple vbs script or would it need any complex programming/ additional software , please keep in mind simplicity is the essence of the task.

[usr.c]

All you'd need to do is figure our how to generate key strokes in whatever language you choose to code it in.