Start programs in high priority

[allc0re]

I'm trying to figure out how to start a program in a different priority than normal on Windows XP Pro. I always want DivX Player to start in high priority on my Movie Box. Thanks.

 

[Nodsu]

Read the help for "start" command..

For example if you do "start /high '<command>'" the command will be run at high prioriy.

 

[allc0re]

I've found this answer before, but no one has explained how to use it. Do I type it at the command prompt? Can I create a batch file to do this? Can I create a shortcut to run a program with high priority? What I'm looking for is a way to double click an icon and have it start my program in high priority automatically. Can you help? Thanks.

 

[Nodsu]

You can do all these things.

For example. If you want to play all .divx files in DivX player at high priority:
In Windows Explorer take Tools->Folder Options->File Types.
Select the DIVX extension, click advanced.
Select the "play" action, edit.
You see a command line similar to 'G:\Program Files\BSPlayer\bplay.exe "%L"'. In your case it will probably be pointing to DivX Player. Change the command line to 'start /high "G:\Program Files\BSPlayer\bplay.exe" "%L"' (or whatever it should be in your case).

If you want a shortcut to run something in high priority, just right click the shortcut, properties. Add "start /high " before whatever you have as "Target". Click OK and you're set.

Another nifty trick is to add "Run at high priority" command to Explorer context menu:
Open regedit, go to "HKCR\exefile\Shell\". Create a new subkey called "runhigh" (or whatever). Set the default value to "Run at high priority".
Under your new key create another called "command". Set the default value to 'G:\WINDOWS\System32\cmd.exe /c start "runhigh" /high "%1"' (note the name of the key you created before, the path to cmd.exe is probably different on your system). (This can also be done with tweaking utilities like X-Setup)

 

[allc0re]

I get an error when I try the shortcut method. (see attatched image) What am I doing wrong? Damn. The image wont attatch.

 

[allc0re]

Trying to attatch image again

 

[Nodsu]

I guess windows wants a real executable there..

I now actually tried it.. Copy the thing from the registry:
(G:\WINDOWS\System32\cmd.exe /c start "runhigh" /high "%1") leaving the original target in the place of %1

 

[allc0re]

That works great. Thanks for the help!