IDEA: warn if IE has been running for too long

[brotherS]

Hi,

I need a script that checks every 5 minutes if iexplore.exe is running - if iexplore.exe has been running non-stop for the last 48 hours, it should pop up a warning.

The script (which I want to add to my main AHK script) doesn't need to be extremely fancy, it's just that I can't come up with a good idea of how to approach this problem...

Reason why: if I let IE (typically several instances) run for several days, a "msiexec.exe" process will sooner or later show up. I'm not totally sure if it's my A/V trying to install something there or whatever, but if I don't close all IE instances, the existance of the "msiexec.exe" process will result in high(er) CPU loads, which result in more noise, more energy consumption and more heat.

I failed in monitoring the "msiexec.exe" process directly (no problem with other processes), Microsoft somehow keeps that info hidden from AHK.

[jgpaiva]

Ok, this should do it:

Code inside

[Select]

IEtime := 0
settimer, checkIE, 300000 ;5 minutes
return

checkIE:
Process, Exist, iexplore.exe
If Errorlevel<> 0
  IEtime +=1
else
  IEtime := 0
If IEtime > 576   ;48 hours in groups of 5 minutes
  msgbox, Internet Explorer has been running for more than 48 hours!

Notice that if you open and close ieplorer in the space of 5 minutes, the script might think you haven't closed it at all, and you might fool it.

Other than that, i think it should work!

[kimmchii]

i found this:
Another way to stop processes after a time limit
Limiting the time processes can run

[Carol Haynes]

Fascinating idea that anyone would want to keep IExplorer active on the desktop for 48 hours. Why?

[tomos]

I use Avant (which uses Explorer) to look at saved .mht files.
I close it afterwards.

A couple times I've noticed this:
Some time later (hours, days?) when closing down computer a window has popped up, saying its closing Avant.

Just an idle observation which I havent really tested - dont know if thats ie that keeps running secretly or Avant.
Last time after closing Avant, I checked in Proccess Explorer but couldnt see it.
Havent closed down though since. !!

 as I say, "Just an idle observation" - if I notice it again I could always use your script

[brotherS]

Ok, this should do it:

[...]

-jgpaiva (July 05, 2006, 04:43 AM)

Thanks jgpaiva, I will try it!

i found this:
Another way to stop processes after a time limit
Limiting the time processes can run

-kimmchii (July 05, 2006, 04:48 AM)

Both things won't do what I need - I just need a warning, I have to check what is going to be closed first

Fascinating idea that anyone would want to keep IExplorer active on the desktop for 48 hours. Why?

-Carol Haynes (July 05, 2006, 06:20 AM)

Easy: I use them as reminders... some book I consider buying, some (long) article I plan on reading, etc. Sometimes other tasks or life in general also interferes, so I just let it rest on my desktop for a while

[skrommel]

  I think detecting ahk_class IEFrame is more universal than detecting IExplore.exe. Many programs use the Internet Explorer engine without showing IExplore.exe in the tasklist.

Skrommel