Excel and MS 8.3 filename format

[Verald]

Hello, I'm not sure if this the right place to ask, so if it's not, please move it accordingls, but here goes:

I am in a multi computer environment trying to run a script that will open Excel (In a WRQ enviroment, but that's not really relevant) The script opens an excel file; however language forces us to write file names in 8.3 format (shell C:\progra~1\micros~2\office11\excel.exe C:\file.xls)

The script works fine for most; however, we have a couple people where Office11 is installed under micros~3, not micros~2.

The script fails to open if I change it to shell "C:\program files\microsoft office\office11\excel.exe" C:\file.xls

Does anyone know of a way to change the 8.3 filename? Or any other fix?

Thanks for any help.

 

[xenou]

I would probably try to first verify the existence of the file, then open it ...
For example (Pseudocode):

Does C:\progra~1\micros~2\office11\excel.exe exist?
Yes ...
Go

No ...
Does C:\progra~1\micros~3\office11\excel.exe exist?
Yes ...
Go

No ... Stop (we can't find excel).

I wouldn't change the file names as these are possibly important for other programs in the office application environment.