Automation of tasks in Windows

Luko69 · 05 Nov 2017

Hi Guys,

There is a specific task that I would like to automate on a laptop with Windows 10:

The situation is as follows: .zip file is downloaded to folder Download. Now I want the following to happen automatically:

1. Extract the .zip file to folder Extracted
2. Delete the .zip file from folder Download

I have already searched on Google but from what I understand it doesn't do it automated. One still has to push a button or type some command to execute it. I would like this to be automated. Anyone ever done this?

Greetz

dalchina · 05 Nov 2017

Hi, you'd need to write a script or perhaps use a 3rd party macro tool.

Consider using a bat file or Powershell script.
Or Autohotkey (free) - a well documented scripting tool that
- allows hot keys to be assigned
- manipulates existing processes and windows
- can create complete small programs

Luko69 · 05 Nov 2017

Thanx! I'll try autohotkey. What programming skills do you need for that?

dalchina · 06 Nov 2017

There's a huge help file with examples, and a forum where you can seek help and find further examples.
Best to look at the help file.

You can even write useful 1 line scripts.

It's quick and easy to play with- you can run the ahk (text file) or rt click the ahk and compile it with one click to produce an exe.

It supports the usual logical constructs including procedures, and a lot of specialised syntax unique to it.
The help file includes an intro: