Flash controlling external applications?

[JimTheNim]

Is it possible to have flash run an external application, then wait until that application has finished what it was designed to do, and then continue onto the next function command?

i.e. Flash runs a batch file to start a file back up, then flash waits at that point until the back up has completed. Once completed flash will continue and run the next batch file.

Can this be done? If so, with Actionscript?

 

[Beepcake]

It can certainly launch external apps (if it's running as an exe itself.. not from a browser), not 100% sure on waiting for completion.

The bigger question is.. why on EARTH would you do this with a Flash application?

 

[JimTheNim]

I am using flash for the aesthetics of what I can produce graphically. This project must run completely automated and without input from the user (something like a scheduled task).

I only have exposure to flash, batch files & vbscript - currently.

C++, Java etc. is all alien to me.

What would be your suggestion for the ideal application to use?

 

[Beepcake]

VB script sounds like it will do what you need. I'm not sure why you need a flash GUI for what sounds like a console scheduled task.

You could also put it together in vb.net pretty simply if you know vbscript.