VPN Launch

[CoachBarker]

I am creating a Remote Desktop application for work and one of the things I need to be able to do is launch the VPN from inside the application. When
installed the VPN only places a short cut on the desk top and I can't target
that to launch it. This application is being created in Visula Studio 2005
usin vb.net. I can call

Process.Start("iexplore") to launch internet exporer

so the VPN would be
Process.Start(" ") for the vpn.

Has anyone else had to do anything like this?

Thanks
CoachBarker

 

[ajeeshco]

I think you are trying to launch VPN client applications like cisco vpn client, d-link vpn client etc. if so, you can launch those applications using Process.Start() method.

 

[CoachBarker]

Yes I realize that, it is actually Microsoft VPN that I am trying to launch. But so far I haven't been able to find the correct syntax to name it.

Thanks
CoachBarker

 

[ajeeshco]

But so far I haven't been able to find the correct syntax to name it.

You mean you can't find the executable?

 

[CoachBarker]

Right all we want to do is launch the Log In dialog box.

 

[JohnH]

When installed the VPN only places a short cut on the desk top and I can't target that to launch it.

so the VPN would if you can't find another target be Process.Start("the shortcut.lnk")
Pretty sure that is a link to a Network Connection and not an application. There is also a RasPhone.exe that may be used.
If you don't put shortcut anywhere else the desktop is at My.Computer.FileSystem.SpecialDirectories.Desktop.

 

[CoachBarker]

RasPhone.exe is fine and as you probably know gives me the dialog box for network connection.
Don't suppose any one knows the code behind the Connect Button, That would be waht I need

Thanks

 

[CoachBarker]

OK i give up. I have tried to find a path for the short cut or the exe or the lnk for this vpn but it just is beyond me.

Process.Start("rasphone.exe") starts the Network Connections dialog box, and I can click the Connect button after selecting the Network Connection from the combo box and open the dialog box for the VPN. So what I need is to use

Process.Start("rasphone.exe", "path here")

SO if anyone would like to give it I shot I would be more than happy to send them the VPN.exe and let them find the rest of the path.

Thanks for all the previous advice
CoachBarker

 

[JohnH]

Why can't you just launch the shortcut? Remember it has a hidden .lnk extension.

 

[ajeeshco]

Don't suppose any one knows the code behind the Connect Button, That would be waht I need

are you trying to hide the dialup screen (or something like that) and by code to dial the connection?

 

[CoachBarker]

For the life of me I can't find the lnk path.

 

[CoachBarker]

All I am trying to do is launch the Login Dialog Window for the VPN.

 

[CoachBarker]

Launch VPN resolved

Thanks John H for pointing me in the right direction. After reading your suggestions and then looking at other forum posts regarding shortcuts I found your Tree View example to get a Shortcut path.

One more step in this project out of the way and done with.

Thanks again
CoachBarker