Information on batch files

Batch files allow MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows users to write a series of commands to run in order upon their execution for automating frequently performed tasks. For example, a batch file could be used to run frequently utilized commands, delete or move a series of files, and other jobs.

One of the earliest batch files was the autoexec.bat, which is a boot batch file loaded each time the computer started MS-DOS and early versions of Windows. A simple batch file does not require any special programming skills and can be created by users with a basic understanding of MS-DOS commands.

Batch file basics

Reference Questions
CH001666 How to make a batch file.
CH001668 How to run a batch file.
CH001675 How to edit a batch file.
CH001676 What commands are available in a batch file?

All batch file related questions and answers

Reference Questions
MS-DOS Additional questions and answers on MS-DOS.
MS-DOS Full listing of MS-DOS and Windows command line commands.
Debug Debug Routines.
CH000010 Deleting files in MS-DOS without a prompt.
CH000036 How to execute commands in a batch file in timed intervals.
CH000209 Information about long file names.
CH000319 Creating a blank line in a batch file.
CH000320 How to exit a Windows MS-DOS window through a batch file.
CH000321 How to shut down and restart the computer with a batch file.
CH000322 How to run a batch file each time the computer boots.
CH000323 How to replace the file extensions of several files.
CH000435 How to make a bat executable?
CH000540 How to change the title of an MS-DOS Window.
CH000570 Additional information and options for the rundll32.exe file.
CH000738 Preventing an MS-DOS window from automatically closing in Windows.
CH000754 Deleting files equal to 0 in a batch file.
CH000785 How can I run a batch file at a specific time?
CH000932 How can I run a batch file or other file minimized?
CH000987 How can I make a batch file rename a file to the date or time?
CH001041 How can I play a sound file from a Windows batch file?
CH001049 How can I run a batch file in full screen?
CH001050 How can I loop or start a batch file over after it has completed?
CH001102 Searching for a string of text in an MS-DOS batch file.
CH001313 Hide REM lines from showing in a batch file.
CH001345 How can I start an exe in a batch file?
CH001666 How to make a batch file.
CH001668 How to run a batch file.
CH001674 How to use choice and set in a batch file.
CH001675 How to edit a batch file.
CH001677 How to start Windows files and programs from a batch file.
CH001678 How to create a delay in a batch file.
CH001679 How to make a time and date log in a batch file.
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