From: RichardOnRails <RichardDummyMailbox58407@...>
Date: 2008-10-26T13:24:48+09:00
Subject: How to invoke Windows program with a Ruby command

Hi,

I've got a command that works in the Command Window of WinXP-Pro/SP3:

F:\Docume~1\AllUse~1\StartM~1\Programs\_Microsoft
\Micros~3\Micros~2.lnk
K:\_Projects\Ruby\_Rails_Apps\PayrollLoader\TestSheet.xls

As I write this post,  the command is written on two lines.  But in
the Command Windows are submitted as a single line with a space
separating the program from the argument.  The command brings up Excel
with the content from the file named in the program's argument.

However, I have not been able to get this to work in Ruby with
system(pgm_name, file_name).  The command does nothing.  It doesn't
crash, as evidenced by the fact that following commands are executed
correctly.

How can I achieve the Command Window result with Ruby 1.8.6?

Thanks in Advance,
Richard