Hi all

I run a daily batch file to make backups but do not want to overwrite the previous day's backup.

Answer for me is to let the batch file make a directory with "date" as directory, i.e.

set var=%date%

..... now var is set to today's date - OK so far ...

I now want to make a directory using "var" as the variable, i.e

md %var%

but this gives me a syntax error.

How do I make a directory in the batch file using "var"

Mike_KIf your system date format has forward SLASHES / as the separators you need to get 'em out because that character is illegal in a WINDOWS file or directory name.

e.g. replace with hyphens

Code: [Select]set var=%date:/=-%
or spaces

Code: [Select]set var=%date:/= %
or dots

Code: [Select]set var=%date:/=.%
(or whatever legal character or characters you like, put it or them to the right of the equals sign)

or nothing (nuke 'em)

Code: [Select]set var=%date:/=%
Thx Dias

I've used yur suggestion with a bit of other code ....

set today=%date:/=_%

echo off
echo THE CURRENT DATE IS (day/month/year) : %DATE%

mkdir "%today%"
cd "%today%"
echo .
echo CHECKING DESTINATION FOLDER IS TODAY'S MONTH/DATE
echo .
echo on (allows user to check destination folder by seeing the COMMAND prompt)
echo off
echo .
pause

Xcopy C:\Backup_\*.* /E/Y/I


As the days move on I will get a series of backup folders ...

07_04_2009
08_04_2009
09_04_2009 ..... etc.


Many thanks

Mike_K