Non-combo hotkeys

SudoRandón · Joined: 05 Apr 2006 Posts: 4

When setting hotkeys for switching desktops, AltDesk prevents the use of single keys like F9, and instead requires something like "Alt-F9". I am under the impression this is an artifically imposed limitation, because competing programs allow such keys. Is there a chance this ability could be added?

Beyond this limitation, AltDesk is by far the most effective, stable virtual desktop software I have found.

SacRat · Joined: 28 Jul 2002 Posts: 335

This is an artificial limitation made in order to avoid some possible conflicts with the third-party applications.

SudoRandón · Joined: 05 Apr 2006 Posts: 4

I understand, but considering AltDesk is a tool targeted towards power-users, would it not make sense to allow users to take that potential risk for the sake of improved convenience?

If you are concerned about potentially user-unfriendly effects, could you at least allow the program to function correctly when a user changes the Mod field to zero in the altdesk.ini. That way it is pretty clear that it is "at your own risk," and users won't accidentally cause problems when configuring it normally.

SacRat · Joined: 28 Jul 2002 Posts: 335

We'll Think about this Wink

Edit: for now you might try setting a Win+Fx hotkey for switching and then rebind (any third-party software) Fx to perform Win+Fx action. Not the best solution, but it should work.

Liderc · Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 11:15 am Post subject:

Please do consider this, SacRat. I know I would love to have this feature available if nothing else. Wink

SacRat · Joined: 28 Jul 2002 Posts: 335

There're lots of potential problems.

And I'll be the first person voting against making this a default feature. Here's why:

F1-F5 keys are commonly used in Windows (Explorer), while many use file managers utilizing the whole row of Fx keys. Guess what this lead to.

So, this would probably be done as an "unclear feature" just like ones I've described in my blog Wink

Liderc · Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 2:00 pm Post subject:

I can deal with an "unclear feature". Wink

Goldy · Joined: 03 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

well, what about media keys? my keyboard has dedicated keys for numerous things, and I want to bind the mail button to thunderbird.. but cant (works if i use alt, or ctrl and bind)

there must be a file i can hack to change the bindings?

Veratil · Joined: 29 Aug 2003 Posts: 3536 Location: Texas

If it was customizable in Explorer, you probably had software to do it. Run that software.

If it's a designated media key, then set the default program for that application type. So for mail, set Thunderbird as your default email client.

Goldy · Joined: 03 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

Veratil · Joined: 29 Aug 2003 Posts: 3536 Location: Texas

Aston can't do it. That's what we've been trying to say. Confused

If you had to run another process in Explorer, then you have to run another process in Aston.

Goldy · Joined: 03 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

Veratil · Joined: 29 Aug 2003 Posts: 3536 Location: Texas

No no, we mean Aston can't do it because Aston doesn't allow single-key hotkeys. Confused

I will look at it though, maybe I can see something that'll let it work.

Goldy · Joined: 03 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

Veratil · Joined: 29 Aug 2003 Posts: 3536 Location: Texas

Haha, you really have to hack it to get it to work. I got my Mail button opening Notepad now. Laughing

OK, this is what you'll have to do.

1) Disable Multimedia keyboard support for Aston.
2) Make a hotkey for your program you want.
3) Go to your Aston folder (C:\Program Files\Aston) and open aston.rc
4) Locate the [Hotkeys] section
5) Find the hotkey you just added (most likely at the end of the list)
6) Completely delete the line M=whatever
7) Save the file
8] Recycle Aston (right-click the > in the system tray and select recycle)
9) Try your key.

THIS WILL ONLY WORK IF YOU DISABLE MULTIMEDIA KEYBOARD SUPPORT
If you want any of your other keys doing what they're suppose to, then there is NO way.

So I do have to apologize to you Goldy, it is possible. *bow*