starting program on the webserver from any location on the world

I'm using Skype (a Voice over IP program). The program is 10 mb and I'm only using it with one friend.
Therefro the program does not need to active all the time, taking up resources from my systeem. So here is my plan. On a webpage a link that wil start skype on the webserver. After clicking taht link my friend can ring me with his Skype. So the only thing I want is to start a program on the webserver initiated from any place in the world by a webpage link. Is this possible? asp, php or whatever. Mime types?

Greetings,
Eric

it's possible only if this program has command line interface, or if it's designed to work in the background, as Process only (without visible window). if so, you can use Server.CreateObject("WScript.Shell") and Run that program.

No it has a window and remains resident in the toolbar.

so I fear it's impossible... sorry.

Found something called aspexec but can't get it to work.

Windows XP sp2 problem?

nope... as I said twice already I fear what you want is not possible and you're wasting your time. if you want you can search anyway, let me know if you find a way...

I was able to start an aplication on the server.
Only the programs is running invisible. So it can work, not complete the way I want it.

Now I wil investigate if I can invisible start a program that wil start skype visible. Don't have much time for it. And perhaps that's the reason why you are telling that it is not possible.

Greetings,
Stray Cat

you can create VB application as activeX dll that will start it visible - it would work great if you call it directly, but you'll find that once called via ASP code it does not work. the reason is permissions... by default annonymous user account does not have permissions for such actions. and granting more privilages to that account is highly not recommended for security reasons.

Oke,

So it is possible when I let a user logon with an account and password?

Greetings,
Straycat

no, it make no difference - the user will still run under the annonymous user account on the server.

Oke,

That's the end of it. An executable starting through flash from teh web, will do the exact same thing?
So the security from Microsoft is the main reason, that there is no solution for my problem.
The only option for my friend is to leave me a message in my chat program (Trillian), so I can start Skype manualy.

For another solution I wait for "cerulean studios" to add Skype accounts in Trillian. I have to be patient I think. Thanks for your replies.

Greetings,
Eric