how to make Automator script start when Mac starts up?

[himanshu]

--Dear all,

--I need my script at Automator want to start when MAC start
--choose=>Finder=>Launch application Connection is invalid. (-609)

--how to solve prob

--through err in automator
--script is
(*
AppleScript : himanshuk@live.com

1.This AppleScript used to delete folders and files from path "Temporary Files" of "AEx" folder
2.There is preference directory, that is permently get removed from system (after 3 minutes system get automatically created this directory)
*)
set p_path to do shell script "echo ~/Library/Application Support/AEx/Temporary Files"
set pref_path to do shell script "echo ~/Library/Preferences/"
set m_path to POSIX file p_path
tell application "Finder"
activate
delete (every item of folder m_path)
try
--here you are deleting all items permently in preferences directory of current login. this "directory folder" is getting deleted by this script and created automatically by system after some some time by system
do shell script "rm -rf ~/Library/Preferences/"
on error -609
--empty trash at the end
if not (trash is null) then
empty the trash
return 0
end if
beep 10
end try

end tell

[himanshu]

what is permenent solution for keep script permenent at start up ?
Finder->Launch Application

i want my script run at Mac start ,script is OK
but it get disappears from LogIn items in Accounts
after 2-3 restart

I use automator giving err Connection is invalid. (-609) for same script


set p_path to do shell script "echo ~/Library/Application Support/AEx/Temporary Files"
set pref_path to do shell script "echo ~/Library/Preferences/"
set m_path to POSIX file p_path
tell application "Finder"
activate
delete (every item of folder m_path)
try
do shell script "rm -rf ~/Library/Preferences/"
on error -609
--empty trash at the end
if not (trash is null) then
empty the trash
return 0
end if
beep 10
end try
end tell

[renaultssoftware]

Is the script in application format? It shouldn't disappear like that. If it deletes preferences, that may go with it.

[tw]

ok, it's a good thing this script is throwing an error, because you wouldn't like the results if it worked. Basically, the script says to delete everything in your user preferences folder. that's not a good thing.

I'm assuming that what you want is to delete all the After Effects temproary files in the ~/Library/Application Support/AEx/Temporary Files folder at startup, is that correct? if so, the easiest way to do this is with a launchd item. copy the following text into a plain text file (Use TextWrangler or some other programmer's text editor - if you use Text Edit, make sure that the file is saved as plain text and not rich text):

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
<key>RunAtLoad</key>
<true/>
<key>Label</key>
<string>user.AEtempfiles.deleter</string>
<key>ProgramArguments</key>
<array>
<string>rm</string>
<string>-rf</string>
<string>/Users/<yourname>/Library/Application Support/AEx/Temporary Files</string>
</array>
</dict>
</plist>
replace the <yourname> bit with your username (note that launchd doesn't expand the tilde - ~ - so you have to use the full path). save it as user.AEtempfiles.deleter.plist in ~/Library/LaunchAgents, and log out or restart.

If you like, you can add a timed clear as well, so you don't need to restart your machine. add a bit that looks like this (right before the last </dict> in the above plist):
<key>StartCalendarInterval</key>
<dict>
<key>Hour</key>
<integer>6</integer>
<key>Minute</key>
<integer>0</integer>
</dict>

[renaultssoftware]

ok, it's a good thing this script is throwing an error, because you wouldn't like the results if it worked. Basically, the script says to delete everything in your user preferences folder. that's not a good thing.

I'm not sure what the OP is doing this for, but still.

Are you sure Launchd will work?

[tw]

I'm not sure what the OP is doing this for, but still.

Are you sure Launchd will work?

yes, I have this kind of thing set up on my own machine. In truth, the login items pane in the accounts section is just a GUI front end for launchd anyway, but it only accepts application, not scripts. if you just want to run a quick script, best to go straight to the horse's mouth.

[himanshu]

Is the script in application format? It shouldn't disappear like that. If it deletes preferences, that may go with it.

This script is application format (during save as, uncheck all 3 checkboxes and save as application, so that it should run without displaying message box)

The main problem this script add at login items in accounts is getting disappear when MAC restart

I log on as Admin and try to access Parental Controls want to add script over there but I am not getting access of parental account after admin login

I attach a pic of Login Item, the script add there is disappear after mac restart
what can I do?

[himanshu]

yes, I have this kind of thing set up on my own machine. In truth, the login items pane in the accounts section is just a GUI front end for launchd anyway, but it only accepts application, not scripts. if you just want to run a quick script, best to go straight to the horse's mouth.

I make application of script and launch
still it is gone after system restart from login Item

and by the way u can run script also in login Item ....there is no prob

I log as adminstrator and want to access parantel control still admin have no access
I want to know how to do it?
can we configure login items at start up from parental control?

[himanshu]

I'm not sure what the OP is doing this for, but still.

Are you sure Launchd will work?

1. this script work as (app or script) from Login items from accounts ...perfectly
2. it get disappears from login item after system restart...why? do not know?
3. I search about Parental control for admin account
I can log in as Admin on MAC but still not see anything in parental control (MAC 10.4.11 PPC Tiger)

4. I access automator and try to run script from finder->launch application
it gives err : connection is invalid (-609) attached with this note

So by both the ways 1.login Item 2. Automator
I can not run script as application when system restart

I just fade up of this prob man
Pls help me I travel a huge miles after this
pls help me man

[tw]

If you want help, you need to respond to the help you've already been given, above. what are you trying to do with the script? why can't you use the launchd item? continuing to repeat the question without adding better explanations is not going to get you anywhere.

[tw]

can a moderator merge this, please, with the thread at http://hintsforums.macworld.com/showthread.php?t=113899? thanks.

[hayne]

can a moderator merge this, please, with the thread at http://hintsforums.macworld.com/showthread.php?t=113899?
The two threads have been merged.

[anothermatt]

I found a handy little app the other day for running scripts on login (so startup too), logout, idle, end idle, sleep and wake up (you choose what scripts run for each one, if any).

It's called Scenario from MacChampion (http://www.macchampion.com) and is now free (as they've stopped developing it - but it works fine for me in SL 10.6.4)

It runs as a demo, but you can email them and ask for a free license. They emailed me mine this morning :)

[himanshu]

I found a handy little app the other day for running scripts on login (so startup too), logout, idle, end idle, sleep and wake up (you choose what scripts run for each one, if any).

It's called Scenario from MacChampion (http://www.macchampion.com) and is now free (as they've stopped developing it - but it works fine for me in SL 10.6.4)

It runs as a demo, but you can email them and ask for a free license. They emailed me mine this morning :)

Dear, I download from link one circle appear around cursor pointer
and nothing happen?
what is this??
this is nothing related with script????

[renaultssoftware]

I'm collaborating with Duane on Scenario, seeing if there's any market for the application. We might upgrade.

Scenario runs an appropriate script when the specified events are called.

Would you like me to tell you what to do with it, himanshu?

[himanshu]

ok, it's a good thing this script is throwing an error, because you wouldn't like the results if it worked. Basically, the script says to delete everything in your user preferences folder. that's not a good thing.

I'm assuming that what you want is to delete all the After Effects temproary files in the ~/Library/Application Support/AEx/Temporary Files folder at startup, is that correct? if so, the easiest way to do this is with a launchd item. copy the following text into a plain text file (Use TextWrangler or some other programmer's text editor - if you use Text Edit, make sure that the file is saved as plain text and not rich text):

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
<key>RunAtLoad</key>
<true/>
<key>Label</key>
<string>user.AEtempfiles.deleter</string>
<key>ProgramArguments</key>
<array>
<string>rm</string>
<string>-rf</string>
<string>/Users/<yourname>/Library/Application Support/AEx/Temporary Files</string>
</array>
</dict>
</plist>
replace the <yourname> bit with your username (note that launchd doesn't expand the tilde - ~ - so you have to use the full path). save it as user.AEtempfiles.deleter.plist in ~/Library/LaunchAgents, and log out or restart.

If you like, you can add a timed clear as well, so you don't need to restart your machine. add a bit that looks like this (right before the last </dict> in the above plist):
<key>StartCalendarInterval</key>
<dict>
<key>Hour</key>
<integer>6</integer>
<key>Minute</key>
<integer>0</integer>
</dict>

no success :
I want to apply the script (app) more than 1 machine,want generalize script
how to configure:
1.parental control-> not accepting script when i configure finder for script as app. sending error ("Scriptfilename.app" does not work with the limitations you have selected)
2.I use loginwindow.plist in preferences to launch application, I add node with "Scriptfilename" as string but after login again script is gone from login item, when more than 2 times MAC is getting restart
3.LaunchAgents->how to write code in .plist to generalise , run same code on 200 machines at least, ur code is not work
want to generalise <youname> as system home folder,as <yourname> is different for machine to machine and by the way this code is not work for single machine also, I attach file below changing extension as .txt
4.automator is throwing err connection is invalid(-609) finder->Launch Applications

[anothermatt]

Dear, I download from link one circle appear around cursor pointer
and nothing happen?
what is this??
this is nothing related with script????

Ah, you downloaded the wrong thing.

You want the one called "scenario" (look towards the bottom left of the macchampion.com homepage)

Sorry for the confusion!

[tw]

no success :
I want to apply the script (app) more than 1 machine,want generalize script
how to configure:
1.parental control-> not accepting script when i configure finder for script as app. sending error ("Scriptfilename.app" does not work with the limitations you have selected)
2.I use loginwindow.plist in preferences to launch application, I add node with "Scriptfilename" as string but after login again script is gone from login item, when more than 2 times MAC is getting restart
3.LaunchAgents->how to write code in .plist to generalise , run same code on 200 machines at least, ur code is not work
want to generalise <youname> as system home folder,as <yourname> is different for machine to machine and by the way this code is not work for single machine also, I attach file below changing extension as .txt
4.automator is throwing err connection is invalid(-609) finder->Launch Applications

Himanshu: this is the last time I am going to ask for clarifications. if you don't answer clearly, I will stop trying to help you. Ok? Please answer these questions:

what exactly are you trying to accomplish with this?
who will be installing it - you, your employees, random unknown users?
why does parental controls matter? is this on a school system where parental controls are used?

We understand that you are getting a 'connection is invalid' error - I'm pretty sure this is because your script is trying to delete all the user preferences files, and that is making the system unhappy. I am NOT going to try to delete all my preference files just to figure out the exact reason why your badly written script is throwing an error. Tell us what you are trying to accomplish so we can help you write a script that works.

[NovaScotian]

I'm collaborating with Duane on Scenario, seeing if there's any market for the application. We might upgrade.

Scenario runs an appropriate script when the specified events are called.

I've been using Scenario for years now and it's survived every upgrade so far. In a recent email exchange with the developer, he said he was looking into resurrecting it; but the original problem was simply that it didn't sell well, not that it didn't work well; it works exactly as advertised and is easier to set up than launchd. I suspect the small market has more to do with the relatively small number of AppleScripters. A "fix" that might appeal to users would be the ability (if it doesn't have it) of running Automator Workflows.

[renaultssoftware]

I've been using Scenario for years now and it's survived every upgrade so far. In a recent email exchange with the developer, he said he was looking into resurrecting it; but the original problem was simply that it didn't sell well, not that it didn't work well; it works exactly as advertised and is easier to set up than launchd. I suspect the small market has more to do with the relatively small number of AppleScripters. A "fix" that might appeal to users would be the ability (if it doesn't have it) of running Automator Workflows.

I don't like the way the system he has, works. However, to each his own. Duane doesn't have much time; I offered him to help out with this stuff. Basically, it goes into the NSWorkspace > NSNotificationCenter and registers for some events.

Either way, I hope he can send some programmers (like me and you) the source code and resurrect the system. This would have to be an email conversation though. Drop me an email sometime soon?

[himanshu]

Himanshu: this is the last time I am going to ask for clarifications. if you don't answer clearly, I will stop trying to help you. Ok? Please answer these questions:

what exactly are you trying to accomplish with this?
who will be installing it - you, your employees, random unknown users?
why does parental controls matter? is this on a school system where parental controls are used?

We understand that you are getting a 'connection is invalid' error - I'm pretty sure this is because your script is trying to delete all the user preferences files, and that is making the system unhappy. I am NOT going to try to delete all my preference files just to figure out the exact reason why your badly written script is throwing an error. Tell us what you are trying to accomplish so we can help you write a script that works.
1.there in one tool continuously generating temp files, for that I want to delete it, to delete cookies like things i want to delete preferences and some other folders ,actually there is no need to delete preferences but still i need to empty all these folders generating temp files while system login
Preference is not a folder, this is directory so I can not do it empty
I tried it but can not become empty using simple delete command
2.I m learning appscript and nobody else involve it, I do not want particular script for single machine, I want generalize it so given example
3.to install app. at login I am curious about using different ways I want to configure finder from parental control,.plist, automator for generalization
4.no help like MSDN available for Appscript, if mac is so restricted then how one can learn? and customise
5.If is it so hard to get help for mac,MSDN, javascript, VBscript is better option?

[tw]

1.there in one tool continuously generating temp files, for that I want to delete it, to delete cookies like things i want to delete preferences and some other folders ,actually there is no need to delete preferences but still i need to empty all these folders generating temp files while system login
Preference is not a folder, this is directory so I can not do it empty
I tried it but can not become empty using simple delete command
2.I m learning appscript and nobody else involve it, I do not want particular script for single machine, I want generalize it so given example
3.to install app. at login I am curious about using different ways I want to configure finder from parental control,.plist, automator for generalization
4.no help like MSDN available for Appscript, if mac is so restricted then how one can learn? and customise
5.If is it so hard to get help for mac,MSDN, javascript, VBscript is better option?

you are probably getting the error either because you are trying to delete files that you do not have proper permissions for, or that are actively being used by some application or by the system. The Preferences folder contains a number of plists that fall into one or another category. The system will not let you delete a file that an application is currently using.

My guess about the problem you are having with setting the app as a login item is that the application does not have a proper bundle identifier. the bundle identifier is set in the application's info.plist file, and it's what the system uses to uniquely identify an application; without it, the system may lose track of the file across restarts.

You need to figure out precisely what files you want to delete, and target your script on specifically those files. trying to delete the entire preferences folder is just going to cause you headaches.

To learn about applescript, download the AppleScript Language Guide from apple. Keep in mind, however, that what you're doing here is not vanilla applescript. There's going to be a bit of a learning curve.

[anothermatt]

I don't like the way the system he has, works. However, to each his own. Duane doesn't have much time; I offered him to help out with this stuff. Basically, it goes into the NSWorkspace > NSNotificationCenter and registers for some events.

Either way, I hope he can send some programmers (like me and you) the source code and resurrect the system. This would have to be an email conversation though. Drop me an email sometime soon?

If you guys are looking into bringing it back, that would be great. For something that hasn't been updated for a while, it works brilliantly!

I would love to help out in one way or another.

[NovaScotian]

I responded to your PM -- what don't you like about how it works? Do you think it should be an interface to launchd? Do you think it should accept any executable? Does it need more trigger events like launching a script after an application is started? Perhaps others will chime in here to say what they'd like to see in an event triggered launcher.

[himanshu]

you are probably getting the error either because you are trying to delete files that you do not have proper permissions for, or that are actively being used by some application or by the system. The Preferences folder contains a number of plists that fall into one or another category. The system will not let you delete a file that an application is currently using.

My guess about the problem you are having with setting the app as a login item is that the application does not have a proper bundle identifier. the bundle identifier is set in the application's info.plist file, and it's what the system uses to uniquely identify an application; without it, the system may lose track of the file across restarts.

You need to figure out precisely what files you want to delete, and target your script on specifically those files. trying to delete the entire preferences folder is just going to cause you headaches.

To learn about applescript, download the AppleScript Language Guide from apple. Keep in mind, however, that what you're doing here is not vanilla applescript. There's going to be a bit of a learning curve.

I attach loginwindow.plist, I need to write node of my script app.and generate this .plist from appscript and save in preference folder, when u add node then it appears in login window automatically, skype is already there and skype.app is not getting disappearing from my login window I observe from last 1 week, OR write this node and add on LaunchAgents,
I tried but script disappears from login items,rename attache file with loginwindow.plist and check, I remove code to delete directory preferences and run simple delete script, giving err (-609) by automator

[anothermatt]

I responded to your PM -- what don't you like about how it works? Do you think it should be an interface to launchd? Do you think it should accept any executable? Does it need more trigger events like launching a script after an application is started? Perhaps others will chime in here to say what they'd like to see in an event triggered launcher.

<chime>
Launching a script after a certain application is started would be a good feature. Also, launching a script when a volume in mounted (either external HDD or network share) would be useful.
</chime>

[himanshu]

Ah, you downloaded the wrong thing.
You want the one called "scenario" (look towards the bottom left of the macchampion.com homepage)
Sorry for the confusion!
this requires license, I want free man !!!,....Understand!!!!
By the way I get keyword, logout thank u very much
or any other way I will find a way to do it?
how to empty directory "Preferences" any script

[renaultssoftware]

If you go to the very same site, himanshu, you'll find you can ask for a free license.

[hayne]

himanshu:
Please stop using the font SIZE feature when posting - just post in the default size.

[NovaScotian]

Of course, Hayne, there is the possibility that he/she is visually impaired.

[hayne]

Of course, Hayne, there is the possibility that he/she is visually impaired.

himanshu has been in the habit of using SIZE = 1 in his/her posts. I.e. the posts have been using very small fonts.
This of course is not what a visually impaired person would be likely to do.
It makes the posts harder to read for visually impaired people.

But I also discourage using the SIZE tags to enlarge the font size of posts (which is what you assumed). It is not a good idea to inconvenience all users even if you are visually impaired.

[NovaScotian]

I agree with that.

[renaultssoftware]

Only use SIZE tags if you want something to really stand out, or to do a stupid signature like mine. :D

Have you asked for a free license yet, himanshu?

[himanshu]

Dear, I download from link one circle appear around cursor pointer
and nothing happen?
what is this??
this is nothing related with script????

from last 3 days not getting any code by mail to open editor

[himanshu]

himanshu has been in the habit of using SIZE = 1 in his/her posts. I.e. the posts have been using very small fonts.
This of course is not what a visually impaired person would be likely to do.
It makes the posts harder to read for visually impaired people.

But I also discourage using the SIZE tags to enlarge the font size of posts (which is what you assumed). It is not a good idea to inconvenience all users even if you are visually impaired.

OK hayne, I think I post more than 2-3 threads per day, and occupy more space may feel inconvenient to reader, unnecessary scroll down and not getting anything and just discussion to read , small font size prevent more scroll down
I request moderator to delete all or merge my comment have no content of code and any fruitful information relevant to subject
I think there is only need of "Go advance" editing and not normal editing feature while edit, Unnecessary wasting more time and page post back event saves one server trip(Sense and Simplicity "Philips" http://www.lighting.philips.co.in/v2/index.jsp is required),Only tech people using this blog and not enduser
OK I will use normal FONT and for code take help of code snippet or use attachment and by the way go advence preview feature is not working correctly if your content is more in reply message, snapshot is attach. I learned from foreigners that optimum use of anything that you are getting e.g "Editor"
You just scroll whole page the information is not at all useful in this page to anyone, Imagine normal font size increase your scrolling patience and not getting anything at the end, Still I obey your instruction and work as per you said

[renaultssoftware]

Sir, your code box is a mess.

Thank you, however, for using normal size. None of us likes to squint.

Regarding the free license, he could be busy -- after all it's the weekend.

[himanshu]

Himanshu: this is the last time I am going to ask for clarifications. if you don't answer clearly, I will stop trying to help you. Ok? Please answer these questions:

what exactly are you trying to accomplish with this?
who will be installing it - you, your employees, random unknown users?
why does parental controls matter? is this on a school system where parental controls are used?

We understand that you are getting a 'connection is invalid' error - I'm pretty sure this is because your script is trying to delete all the user preferences files, and that is making the system unhappy. I am NOT going to try to delete all my preference files just to figure out the exact reason why your badly written script is throwing an error. Tell us what you are trying to accomplish so we can help you write a script that works.

I got a script from "regulus6633" without permanently deleting "Preferences"
--tell application "Finder"
--property delPref : path to preferences folder from user domain
--move every item of delPref to trash
--end tell
As per u said above I write previous script badly, I agreed ,But now what is the problem for automator gives err (-609)
how to write node and save loginwindow.plist file in LaunchAgents to ,not go script from LoginItem in Accounts

[himanshu]

Sir, your code box is a mess.

Thank you, however, for using normal size. None of us likes to squint.

Regarding the free license, he could be busy -- after all it's the weekend.
I am waiting for reply code of "Scenario Editor"
But man why need this editor just We all know it is code not more than 3-5 lines at system login
Is it really need of this "Scenario Editor"?? (e.g If I want to run my code on 1000 machines then I would like to install this editor in 1000 machines)
One more thing, this site have bug->more characters in Reply message not post quoted + reply message correctly
--
under tension and pressure my mass remains constant--Avogadro's Law_surface tension

[himanshu]

If you guys are looking into bringing it back, that would be great. For something that hasn't been updated for a while, it works brilliantly!

I would love to help out in one way or another.

Yes one more time I also have got err containd "NSArgumentsWrongScriptError", I do not know Xcode, yes I also need to understand NSObjects and use them in appScript, any more guidance about NSObject in AppScript..any link..PDF..most Welcome
Thanks,

[renaultssoftware]

NSObject has absolutely nothing to do with AppleScript. This error of yours must be the underlying tech of that app.

Your error may be because of the run handler.

[himanshu]

I'm collaborating with Duane on Scenario, seeing if there's any market for the application. We might upgrade.

Scenario runs an appropriate script when the specified events are called.

Would you like me to tell you what to do with it, himanshu?
I got Scenario code but script does not work I mail them problem
script or App does not work at all in login/out/hot key folder

and even if it will work in future prob end on my pc, this is not generalization
Still you please continue to guide me

[himanshu]

ok, it's a good thing this script is throwing an error, because you wouldn't like the results if it worked. Basically, the script says to delete everything in your user preferences folder. that's not a good thing.

I'm assuming that what you want is to delete all the After Effects temproary files in the ~/Library/Application Support/AEx/Temporary Files folder at startup, is that correct? if so, the easiest way to do this is with a launchd item. copy the following text into a plain text file (Use TextWrangler or some other programmer's text editor - if you use Text Edit, make sure that the file is saved as plain text and not rich text):

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
<key>RunAtLoad</key>
<true/>
<key>Label</key>
<string>user.AEtempfiles.deleter</string>
<key>ProgramArguments</key>
<array>
<string>rm</string>
<string>-rf</string>
<string>/Users/<yourname>/Library/Application Support/AEx/Temporary Files</string>
</array>
</dict>
</plist>
replace the <yourname> bit with your username (note that launchd doesn't expand the tilde - ~ - so you have to use the full path). save it as user.AEtempfiles.deleter.plist in ~/Library/LaunchAgents, and log out or restart.

If you like, you can add a timed clear as well, so you don't need to restart your machine. add a bit that looks like this (right before the last </dict> in the above plist):
<key>StartCalendarInterval</key>
<dict>
<key>Hour</key>
<integer>6</integer>
<key>Minute</key>
<integer>0</integer>
</dict>


I was done as per above...no result....I think in above solution how shell script will work in <> tags, it may require syntax declaration in side in <string>, and also how to add more items<dict></dict>, Is <key> required for each dict? and instead of <yourname> how to generalize it so that can work on any mac without change

[renaultssoftware]

Would you like to chat on Skype quickly?

[himanshu]

i m not getting any particular info to store script in Login Items in applescript when mac is start. Login items are getting disappear from here.....i attach snap shot and want a functionality to lock this Login Items using current login user id and password

we discuss previously...not getting firm solution and do not suggest any trial tool for this, log in items should lock

[renaultssoftware]

That's probably your script to delete preferences. I know that my stuff stays in there.