How to Create Instrument Shortcuts for Agilent OpenLab Software

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent OpenLab CDS, OpenLab CDS ChemStation, OpenLab CDS EZChrom.

Issue

Process for creating a desktop shortcut for your instruments, with OpenLab software, to enable quick access to your acquisition window.

Background

Different versions of OpenLab behave slightly different, but broadly the process to create the shortcuts is the same. The differences between; OpenLab CDS, OpenLab CDS ChemStation, and OpenLab CDS EZChrom, are explained in the following sections.

Steps to Follow

1. Open the OpenLab CDS Control Panel.
   
   • If you are using an authentication provider, you will have to go through a login screen first. (Figure 1)
     

               
     
     Figure 1. Control Panel login screen (applies if you are using authentication provider).
     

   • If you are not using an authentication provider, you will access the Control Panel directly. (Figure 2)

                      
     
     Figure 2. Control Panel screen.
     
     

2.  Select the instrument that you want to create the shortcut for by highlighting it. (Figure 3)
   Note: If already highlighted, proceed to Step 3.
   

                     
   
   Figure 3. Instrument screen with OpenLab Control Panel.
   1. Colored band indicating what instrument is being highlighted
   
   

3. Create Desktop Shortcut as follows:
   
   • OpenLab CDS 2.x:
     
     
     1. Click the Create Desktop Shortcut icon (Figure 4).
        

                          
        
        Figure 4. Location of the Create Desktop Shortcut icon
        1. Create Desktop Shortcut icon, should not be unavailable.
        

     2. Click "Yes" on the confirmation window that appears.
        

        Confirmation: You should see a desktop shortcut of the instrument you selected in Step 2. This is an online version, meaning the instrument will need to be turned on and connected to the CDS for Acquisition to open. Offline shortcuts are not supported in OpenLab CDS 2.x, only in OpenLab CDS ChemStation and OpenLab CDS EZChrom.

   • OpenLab CDS ChemStation and OpenLab EZChrom:

     Click the Create Desktop Shortcuts icon. (Figure 5) 

                    
     
     Figure 5. Location of the Create Desktop Shortcuts icon.
     1. Create Desktop Shortcut icon, should not be unavailable.
     

     Confirmation: No Confirmation screen appears for OpenLab CDS ChemStation and OpenLab CDS EZChrom, the shortcuts will be created automatically.  There are now two shortcuts created, one for the online version of the instruments, and one for the offline version. For the offline version, you will not need the instrument to be turned on and connected.

Learn how to effectively operate your Agilent OpenLab CDS Software: Agilent 8890 GC with OpenLab CDS Agilent 1260 Infinity LC Systems with OpenLab CDS Learning paths available from Agilent education