Converting Multiple Excel Files One-by-One in Downloader App (Metastock) in Parallels

Questions & Suggestions
1

Hi. I'm trying to convert multiple excel files (containing stocks price data) to metastock format using the downloader app that I have on my windows in Parallels desktop.

  1. What I have is multiple csv files. I need to first change them into old excel format files ('95 or earlier)
  2. I have to replace the data in one column of each file (each cell has the same text) by another text (old stock code to new)
  3. After saving them, I need to open Parallels, then Windows, then downloader app.
  4. Then click on the correct path of the input (these excel files) & output (folder remains same every time). Select the date of conversion from & to (that also remains same every time) and then click ok.
  5. The app takes a few seconds to a minute to finish the conversion. It then shows all the names of stocks converted (in this case one,as each csv file represents one stock).
  6. Then the app needs to close. It has to reopen for the next conversion.

Since I have 2600 odd files, I am not sure what to do. I tried combining multiple csv files in one (using windows command prompt), then converting into excel & then using, but the downloader (being an old app) doesn't allow more than 4 files in one go. That's still a lot of repetitive & time consuming . Can I do this via Keyboard Maestro? Please help. I've tried, but am unable to figure out how to do it.

2

Hey @paxj,

I'd be very surprised if you can do what you need to with Keyboard Maestro.

Keyboard Maestro doesn't see the Windows UI-Elements in Parallels.

I think the best you could do is use the Found Image functions to click on images displayed on-screen.

Keyboard Maestro may or may not be able to pass keystrokes to Parallels. I don't have the ability to test this at present, so I don't know what the limitations are.

Windows does have a very powerful, free automation tool named AutoHotKey.

https://www.autohotkey.com

It might be worth looking at.

I gather you're stuck using Metastock in Windows for your workflow – yes?

-Chris

3

Thanks so much for the reply. Yes, I am stuck using Metastock in Windows :frowning: and unable to select anything in Windows using Keyboard Maestro. I’ll try Auto Hot Key & see if that works. Thanks again.

4

As Chris noted, KM cannot access apps/files in a VM like it does in the macOS.

So, here is an untested idea you can consider:

  1. Process steps 1-2 with KM and/or Excel Mac using Excel VBA, or AppleScript.
  2. Process Step 3 using KM to open the Downloader app, which you should be able to store in your Mac Dock.
    • I used to do this with Quicken Windows, and clicking on the app would start Parallels, then Windows, then open the app.
    • This may require the proper settings in Parallels.
    • -- OR --
      you might need to start with opening an AHK file
  3. Process steps 4-6 using AutoHotKey (as Chris suggests)

If you are able to develop a solution, please post back here so others can benefit.

5

Thanks. If I do get it working, I’ll definitely post. Thanks for all the help.