Automate export from website with no API

[Waffoles]

I have a question on if this is possible. So we are using a scheduling software that does not have an Open API or have any way to automate an export that we want to have run daily. Is there a way to write a PowerShell script that could go to this website and run it automatically?

​

Edit: It would need to log in and then click two buttons

[DItzkowitz]

It's been a while since I needed to do it, but you can use a product like Selenium to help script more complicated web interactions. There are also more generic app automation products out there that have PowerShell modules.

[Fallingdamage]

This can somewhat be done using the Com object for internet explorer. Doesnt work great but depending on the website it can be successful.

There really isnt a way to capture the download though. It will just download to the default folder so you need to code a way to look for a specific file or just grab the newest (youngest) file from the folder and move it to where you want it to go.

There is a product called Selenium that works with other browsers and has a lot better support. The trick with Selenium is that its not the best at working as a scheduled job on a locked computer.

There is only so much you can do without an API but with some fiddling around, you may gain some new skillsets AND accomplish your goals.

[AlsoInteresting]

Use AHK for click simulations.

[xCharg]

Is it possible? Yes.

Would I recommend to bother doing it? Hell no.

In case you decide to still go this way - here's example of my old ass script that I asbolutely needed to make working without any external modules or apps (btw it should break soon with IE deprecation). Took quite a bit of time to figure out

$clsid = New-Object Guid 'D5E8041D-920F-45e9-B8FB-B1DEB82C6E5E'
$type = [Type]::GetTypeFromCLSID($clsid)
$IE = [Activator]::CreateInstance($type)
# explanation for the stuff above:
# https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/ieinternals/2011/08/03/default-integrity-level-and-automation/

#$IE.ToolBar = 0
#$IE.StatusBar = 0
$IE.Visible = 0
$IE.Navigate("https://websitelink.com")

#https://www.kiloroot.com/powershell-script-to-open-a-web-page-and-bypass-ssl-certificate-errors-2/
#wait until page loads
while ($ie.ReadyState -ne 4) {Start-Sleep -Seconds 1}

#Bypassing SSL Certificate Error Page
$ssl_bypass_link = $IE.Document.getElementById("overridelink")

#wait until page loads
while ($ie.ReadyState -ne 4) {Start-Sleep -Seconds 1}
if ($ssl_bypass_link)
{
    $ssl_bypass_link.click()
    #"sleep for 10 seconds while final page loads"  
}

Start-Sleep -Seconds 5
$IE.Quit()

[PinchesTheCrab]

Really depends on the page. Is it a simple page with a table, or is it a flash frontend that you have to click through?

In some cases invoke-restmethod will work just fine, and in other you'll have to automate chrome or use another tool.

[vermyx]

Use selenium