Execute DOS command within console application VB

Question

I need to be able to execute a DOS command, such as 'ipconfig', using a command line application in Visual Basic. I can simply use start.process("CMD", "ipconfig"), but that opens a new instance of CMD. I want to be able to run a command like I would with CMD, using a console application, without opening another CMD window. Thanks!

Yes :) I don't want more windows popping up, I just want it run in the original CMD application form. — Sam Stenner
– Sam Stenner, Commented Jan 7, 2015 at 19:44
I know what's the next question! "How can I read the results" — SQLMason
– SQLMason, Commented Jan 7, 2015 at 20:31
You can launch a command window from your console app but keep it invisible to the user... is this what you are looking for? — laylarenee
– laylarenee, Commented Jan 7, 2015 at 20:56

Jason Faulkner · Accepted Answer · 2015-01-07 20:50:22Z

1

You can use this to run the ipconfig command in hidden console window and redirect the output to local variable. From here you can manipulate it as needed:

Dim cmdProcess As New Process
With cmdProcess
    .StartInfo = New ProcessStartInfo("cmd.exe", "/C ipconfig")
    With .StartInfo
        .CreateNoWindow = True
        .UseShellExecute = False
        .RedirectStandardOutput = True
    End With
    .Start()
    .WaitForExit()
End With

' Read output to a string variable.
Dim ipconfigOutput As String = cmdProcess.StandardOutput.ReadToEnd

edited Jan 7, 2015 at 20:50

answered Jan 7, 2015 at 20:26

Jason Faulkner

6,6682 gold badges31 silver badges33 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

12 Comments

Matteo NNZ Over a year ago

It's not at all a bad idea, but I think he wants to get the output in his own command line application. At least this is what I have understood from the title.

Jason Faulkner Over a year ago

@MatteoNNZ - If so, just write the contents of ipconfigOutput to the console.

Sam Stenner Over a year ago

Matteo NNZ, yes, I would like to do what you said. Jason, I tried what you suggested and got this error: StandardOut has not been redirected or the process hasn't started yet.

Jason Faulkner Over a year ago

@SamStenner - I updated the answer. I forgot to add the .RedirectStandardOutput = True under the .StartInfo.

Chris Dunaway Over a year ago

I agree, but what I meant was that I took the code you posted and changed only the one line to: .StartInfo = New ProcessStartInfo("ipconfig.exe") It works as expected.

|

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Execute DOS command within console application VB

1 Answer 1

12 Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

12 Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related