9006 + Interview Questions in Microsoft DOS in Microsoft Page 76 InterviewSolution

3751.	Solve : Setting variable in nested loops?
Answer» Hi, Does setting variable within nested for and if loops is an issue. I was trying the above thing, but the variables don't get set. ThanksYou might have mentioned your OS and given an example of your code. Try CALLING the set statement. (ex: call set /a idx=%%idx%%+1 ). Nesting IF and FOR statments adds a level of complexity which makes debugging difficult. Batch coding is not a programming language. Use a Windows Script which has constructs for just this purpose. Hope this is what you're looking for. 8-)I am using XP. Yesterday i got stuck in a very disgusting problem. I am giving my code here for /F "tokens=2 delims=:" %%a in ('cleartool pwv ^\| grep -i "Working directory view" ') do ( for /f "tokens=1-4 delims=_" %%i in ('echo %%a ^\| sed -e "s/ //g" ') do ( if "%CCASE_TOOL_SERVER%" == "bombld" ( set Image_Loc=\\pnqfiler3\rte\images\working\%%i\%%l echo %Image_Loc% ) echo %Image_Loc% ) Here the last if statement is not setting the variable. If i put a echo "set ..." the WHOLE thing is perfect. It just doesn't get set. Everywhere i echo the varaibel it just "echo on/off", as the variable is not set.Calling the set statement doesn't also help the proceedings. Same result. It worked on breaking the loop But again the same thing, WHY Quote Yesterday i got stuck in a very disgusting problem. Imagine how the interpreter feels. From experience, the best way to debug batch files is one line at a time using ECHO to check the validity of the variables as you go. Code: [Select]for /f "tokens=2 delims=:" %%a in ('cleartool pwv ^\| grep -i "Working directory view" ') do echo %%a Once you satisfied that %%a has a valid value you can move on: Code: [Select]for /f "tokens=1-4 delims=_" %%i in ('echo %%a ^\| sed -e "s/ //g" ') do echo %%i %%J %%k %%l Specific to your code, where was CCASE_TOOL_SERVER set? Being inside a FOR, try using double % around the CCASE_TOOL_SERVER. Unless you are getting paid by the word, there are any number of script languages (vbscript, jscript, perl, python, rexx) that would make your life easier. All but Rexx are free and vbscript and jscript are already installed on Windows MACHINES. Use the best tool for the job. Good luck. 8-) I don't have some of these utilities (MKS Toolkit :-?) on my system so I couldn't test your code.To test it you don't need any utilites, Just put anything in the for loop and if statement. The biggest dilema came in the line of set: I tried: echo set ... This was perfect. The only problem was it didn't get registered. What i am guessing right now is that there is an issue with variables when the nesting is big. I had a similar issue in one more of my mails.Quote To test it you don't need any utilites, Just put anything in the for loop and if statement. Not quite true, as batch language is largely dependent on the data and the FOR instruction utilizes patterns when parsing. Unless I lost my ability to count, are you not missing a close paren at the end of your code? Assuming %%a and %%l have valid values and the IF statement is true, try calling the SET statement. No guarantees of course, but sometimes trial and error is the best way to go. I'm still unclear why you find it necessary to create such complex nested IF's and FOR's. I've always found the Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS) method to be quite helpful. The goal is to produce results, not choke the interpreter. Good luck. 8-) Yes, From now onwards i am trying to do without nested loops. By the way, I call it Keep it Short & Simple ( My KISS )

3751.

Solve : Setting variable in nested loops?

Answer»

Hi,

Does setting variable within nested for and if loops is an issue.

I was trying the above thing, but the variables don't get set.

ThanksYou might have mentioned your OS and given an example of your code. Try CALLING the set statement. (ex: call set /a idx=%%idx%%+1 ).

Nesting IF and FOR statments adds a level of complexity which makes debugging difficult. Batch coding is not a programming language. Use a Windows Script which has constructs for just this purpose.

Hope this is what you're looking for.

8-)I am using XP.

Yesterday i got stuck in a very disgusting problem.

I am giving my code here

for /F "tokens=2 delims=:" %%a in ('cleartool pwv ^| grep -i "Working directory view" ') do (
for /f "tokens=1-4 delims=_" %%i in ('echo %%a ^| sed -e "s/ //g" ') do (
if "%CCASE_TOOL_SERVER%" == "bombld" (
set Image_Loc=\\pnqfiler3\rte\images\working\%%i\%%l
echo %Image_Loc%
)
echo %Image_Loc%
)

Here the last if statement is not setting the variable.
If i put a echo "set ..." the WHOLE thing is perfect.
It just doesn't get set.
Everywhere i echo the varaibel it just "echo on/off", as the variable is not set.Calling the set statement doesn't also help the proceedings.

Same result. It worked on breaking the loop

But again the same thing, WHY Quote

Yesterday i got stuck in a very disgusting problem.

Imagine how the interpreter feels.

From experience, the best way to debug batch files is one line at a time using ECHO to check the validity of the variables as you go.

Code: [Select]for /f "tokens=2 delims=:" %%a in ('cleartool pwv ^| grep -i "Working directory view" ') do echo %%a

Once you satisfied that %%a has a valid value you can move on:
Code: [Select]for /f "tokens=1-4 delims=_" %%i in ('echo %%a ^| sed -e "s/ //g" ') do echo %%i %%J %%k %%l

Specific to your code, where was CCASE_TOOL_SERVER set? Being inside a FOR, try using double % around the CCASE_TOOL_SERVER.

Unless you are getting paid by the word, there are any number of script languages (vbscript, jscript, perl, python, rexx) that would make your life easier. All but Rexx are free and vbscript and jscript are already installed on Windows MACHINES. Use the best tool for the job.

Good luck. 8-)

I don't have some of these utilities (MKS Toolkit :-?) on my system so I couldn't test your code.To test it you don't need any utilites,

Just put anything in the for loop and if statement.

The biggest dilema came in the line of set:

I tried:
echo set ...
This was perfect.

The only problem was it didn't get registered.
What i am guessing right now is that there is an issue with variables when the nesting is big.

I had a similar issue in one more of my mails.Quote

To test it you don't need any utilites, Just put anything in the for loop and if statement.

Not quite true, as batch language is largely dependent on the data and the FOR instruction utilizes patterns when parsing. Unless I lost my ability to count, are you not missing a close paren at the end of your code?

Assuming %%a and %%l have valid values and the IF statement is true, try calling the SET statement. No guarantees of course, but sometimes trial and error is the best way to go.

I'm still unclear why you find it necessary to create such complex nested IF's and FOR's. I've always found the Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS) method to be quite helpful. The goal is to produce results, not choke the interpreter.

Good luck. 8-)

Yes,

From now onwards i am trying to do without nested loops.

By the way, I call it Keep it Short & Simple ( My KISS )

3752.	Solve : Simple Counter?
Answer» I wrote a little batch file (OS=XP) that just counts from 1-4, in increments of +1, each time the batch file is run. It counts fine, except it doesn't stop at 4, but keeps counting indefinitely. I think the problem might be in the SECOND IF statement. Either: (a) the condition is not reading the number, and/or (b) the command to reset the number to 0 is not working. I can't get the syntax of this line right or something?: ---------------------- @ echo off echo %number% <--(just a checker) If EXIST ZZtrash.bat call ZZtrash If "%number%"=="4" set number=0 echo %number% <--(just a before-checker ) set /a number=number+1 echo %number% <--(just an after-checker ) echo set number=%number% >ZZtrash.bat pause ---------------------- Any HELP here would sure be appreciated! ZonerZone for counting, you can use for loop to loop through a range of numbers.see here for exampleHere's ONE i made a while back. I edited the CODE so it will stop at four. Code: [Select]@echo off color f0 cls echo. echo. Please enter the starting number. set a=0 cls set /a b=%a%-1 :1 cls set /a b=%b%+1 if /i %b% EQU 4 ( echo. echo.The Number is now FOUR echo. pause exit ) echo. echo. %b% echo. echo.Keep pressing any key. . . pause > nul goto :1

3753.	Solve : extract string from a environment variable?
Answer» I have many environment variables with value like testfilename.txtsomethingelse. The length of somethingelse is not constant and neither the part before .txt for each of those variables. I want to remove the string before .txt or the string after .txt of all those variables. Is there a way to use wildcard to extract the string after .txt? Can I do somthing like SET a=%b:*.txt=% I know this is not correct, would any experts give some ideas ? Provided the .txt stays constant, this should work: Code: [SELECT]@echo off for /f "tokens=1-2 delims=." %%a in ("testfilename.txtsomethingelse") do ( set var2=%%a set var=%%b ) set var=%var:~3% echo %var2% %var% For a more robust solution, TRY Windows Script Hope this helps. 8-) Note: you can replace testfilename.txtsomethingelse with any environment variable (SURROUNDED by %); keep the quotes.You are really cool 8-) THANKS very much!

3754.	Solve : delete?
Answer» Is there a command that will search a directory for a folder and if the folders there it will delete it? Lets say i wanted to search to see if mozilla was in program files and if it was it would delete it ie RMDIR %systemdrive%\Program Files\mozilla" /S /Q would this work? i would be using it on my own system. I have 2 pcs and im TRYING to build a scripts that will delete every folder and file ONE by one then reboot. Doing a e: format would be to easy for me. i like doing things the hard way. so far iv got DEL "%systemroot%\.bmp" DEL "%systemroot%\Web\Wallpaper\.jpg" DEL "%systemroot%\system32\dllcache\.scr" DEL "%systemroot%\system32\.scr" DEL "%systemroot%\system32\.exe" DEL "%systemroot%\system32\.msi" DEL "%systemroot%\system32\.log" DEL "%USERPROFILE%\desktop\.GIF" DEL "%USERPROFILE%\desktop\.exe" DEL "%USERPROFILE%\desktop\.mp3" DEL "%USERPROFILE%\desktop\.txt" DEL "%USERPROFILE%\desktop\.doc" RMDIR "%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Temp" /S /Q RMDIR "%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\History" /S /Q RMDIR "%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files" /S /Q DEL "%systemdrive%\Program Files\MSN Messenger\.dll" RMDIR "%systemdrive%\Program Files\Internet Explorer" /S /Q RMDIR "%systemdrive%\Program Files\Outlook Express" /S /Q i think im starting to get the hang of batch scripts in xp.Using the RD command with the /s switch is extremely destructive. Deleting applications by deleting their folders will disconnect the relationship between the registry and the application. Use the add/remove programs icon in the control panel for this purpose. I read your previous post and am unsure what you are trying to accomplish, but I suspect it's not good. Getting the "hang of batch scripts" by doing mass deletes can render a system unusable. [smiley=thumbdown.gif]erm i dont know if you read the first part properly but im trying to kill the os in my old pc. this old pentium 2 i have that i dont use anymore. Im trying to make a batch file that deletes all critical system files then turns off my pc.Normally I hesitant to show posters how to destroy their systems. In fact I'll let the Hey, Scripting Guy! show you how. How Can I Delete a Folder and All Its Subfolders. Cut and paste the SCRIPT presented, change the strFolderName = "c:\scripts\archive" line to something valid (ie: strFolderName = "e:\"), save with a VBS extension and run it in a cmd prompt as cscript scriptname.vbs. I'm still unclear why you can't simply use a format command but hey! it's your system. 8-) If you insist on doing this with a batch file, something like this might help: RD e:\.it would be to easy to reformat the drive.If you want it complicated you can write a debug solution. :-) :-)With the amount of underprivilaged kids out there why not format your pc and give it to one of them, would seem a lot more productive.

3756.	Solve : Help with error message?
Answer» When I start my computer the first thing I GET is an error message saying "CPU Fan Failed - Have system serviced immediately". It then gives me the option to press F2 and start Windows as normal which it does and everything works fine. I checked the CPU fan and it seems to be working OK. How do I get rid of the error message?It seems to be working? I would make sure it is working FOR SURE and then check the BIOS/setup settings and the fan connectors on the motherboard. What compuere or motherboard make and model? I would suggest checking the manufacturer's web SITE about what specificallt this message MEANS on THEIR equipment. Don't burn up a processor being stubborn.OK so I went to the HP website and found the error message I'm getting and followed their instructions to RESOLVE the error message. Basically changing the "TEST CPU fan" bios to disabled. However, the error message is gone but now Windows won't boot up. Any ideas? The fan is definately working. You can feel it sucking in air.There are normaly 2-4 fans in a computer. Are you SURE that you are not thinking of the fan in the back of your computer? Or another extra cooling fan?

3757.	Solve : Create and write to a batch?
Answer» WinXP servicepack 2 Here's my problem I'm trying to create a batch file that will create a m3u file for my mp3's. This much i have got done, but the problem I'm having is this. when it goes to create the "gg.bat" output file, when it get to the %Choice% command it doesn't write to the file. Is there a simple way to fix this? I really need to have this all in one batch because I'm going to convert it to exe formate when done. Thanks SteveHell @echo off dir /b/S .mp3 >"MyM3uMaker-PlayList.M3U" START /wait MyM3uMaker-PlayList.M3U ECHO @ECHO off>> gg.bat ECHO cls>> gg.bat ECHO :start>> gg.bat ECHO ECHO.>> gg.bat ECHO ECHO 1. (Y)es>> gg.bat ECHO ECHO 2. (N)o>> gg.bat ECHO SET choice= >> gg.bat ECHO set /p choice=Save the M3u file?>> gg.bat ECHO if not '%choice%'=='' set choice=%choice:~0,1%>> gg.bat ECHO if '%choice%'=='y' goto Yes>> gg.bat ECHO if '%choice%'=='n' goto No>> gg.bat ECHO ECHO "%choice%" is not valid please try again>> gg.bat ECHO ECHO.>> gg.bat ECHO goto start>> gg.bat ECHO :Yes>> gg.bat ECHO cls>> gg.bat ECHO ECHO.>> gg.bat ECHO ECHO M3u file saved to current mp3 directory.>> gg.bat ECHO goto end>> gg.bat ECHO :No>> gg.bat ECHO cls>> gg.bat ECHO del ".\"MyM3uMaker-PlayList.M3U">> gg.bat ECHO ECHO.>> gg.bat ECHO ECHO m3u file deleted.>> gg.bat ECHO goto end>> gg.bat ECHO :end>> gg.bat ECHO PING 1.1.1.1 -n 5 -w 2 >NUL>> gg.bat CALL gg.bat I wouldn't use a batch... I'd write it in C++, and use temp files that can be created and deleted. Your program would compile as an EXE as you need. If you know C++ or another language, I'd use that language if you are familiar with it to run the processes that you need. In C++ you can use the "SYSTEM" command to pass commands to a command shell like a batch, and the VALUES that you want to pass can run within the C++ program and can be written to a log file as raw ascii etc. With the batch if your batch is named gg.bat and you are trying to write to it, you might be hitting a file in use problem, where you cant write to the file until it is closed when the batch ends. You can work around this by using a combination of batch files to pass data back and forth and one closes as the other takes control in a back and forth motion, but self CONTAINING in a single exe might not be possible. Which compiler are you using for converting the .bat to *.exe Some of the higher end ones have advanced features which cost money, but I dont believe combining batches into a single exe is supported through any of them. Probably not much help, but FIGURED I'd share this with you... this worked for me.. it PRODUCED the m3u file and loaded windows media player with it

3758.	Solve : extracting files?
Answer» i have virtual machine on my pc i have 2 operating systems i had to reinstall windows 98 i have the OLD version of windows 98 it has soem files that arent on the other windows 98 that i need to intall on the windows 98 how do i extract the files when i cant use the start RUN ot the start up disks4 lines and no PUNCTUATION at all. I just can't follow this ramble. SORRY.

3760.	Solve : alternative to
Answer» is their an alternative to << if i WANTED to use a document as a SCRIPT ? if i tryed DEL < what im trying to accomplish is for file a to make file B, and then file b to imput into file a , is it possible?To use a document to send COMMANDS to a file, you use the single < character There is no append input (which is what the double << would imply) Graham

3761.	Solve : entering username and password in the batch file?
Answer» Hi, I am running a dxl file from my batch file as follows CD C:\Program Files\Telelogic\DOORS 7.1\bin doors -batch D:\programs\searchstringcmdline.dxl -user "vishi" -password "123" What I want is CD C:\Program Files\Telelogic\DOORS 7.1\bin doors -batch D:\programs\searchstringcmdline.dxl -user %1" -password %2 so that I can enter the username and password of my choice Can my batch file contain username and password which later on GET substituted at both the PLACES.%1 and %2 are command line arguments and must be SENT to the program on the command line when the program is RUN. You can create (set) variables and then use them in your code. Code: [Select]CD C:\Program Files\Telelogic\DOORS 7.1\bin set user=username set pswd=password doors -batch D:\programs\searchstringcmdline.dxl -user %user%" -password %pswd% This creates a security breach so be careful. Another way to do this would be to prompt for the information: Code: [Select]CD C:\Program Files\Telelogic\DOORS 7.1\bin set /p user=Enter Username: set /p pswd=Enter Password: doors -batch D:\programs\searchstringcmdline.dxl -user %user%" -password %pswd% Good luck. Thanx, it worked

3762.	Solve : no response from command prompt?
Answer» Hi, all I want to do is check my MAC address from the command prompt, so I typed "ipconfig" but what happens is that the blinking cursor jumps to the next line and even the directory (eg. C:\DOCUMENTS and Settings\(name)>)from the previous line disappears. After this, I can't TYPE anything into the command prompt and I have to close it and restart it again. Also, after I type in "ipconfig", the title bar of the command prompt window becomes "ipconfig" as well. It seems like it's only this command that this happens. Can ANYBODY please HELP me??? Thanks so MUCH!I have no idea if this will work, and it probably won't, but try pressing CTRL+C This is the command that closes a DOS program. Its the only thing I can think of. I hope that helps you

3763.	Solve : autoload??
Answer» is it possible to autoload .bat files (WELL, i THINK it is, but is it)? if so, how do you?Are you referring to an autorun file: Code: [Select][autorun] open=yourbatchfile.bat icon=youricon.ico OR A scripting autoloader which defines a function to autoload a file when the function is invoked. Let us know. By the way, in the autorun file, the open= statement can refer to a batch file. Use relative paths in an autorun file, you never know which DRIVE the media might be in. yeh, but im kinda new into the world of MS-DOS programming, so, uh, how do i make an auto-run file? thanks Are you really using MS-DOS or some version of the command prompt within Windows? Suprisingly edit will WORK with both MS-DOS and Windows. After opening the editor, type in your commands and save the file. For a autorun.inf, you can test both the autorun file and the file it points to (open=) from a floppy before COMMITTING to burning a CD. If you have trouble testing on a floppy, lets us know. Many people here are always willing to help. im using th command prompt (cmd), not actual MS-DOS thanks 4 ur help

3766.	Solve : batch file for xcopy?
Answer» Hi, recently, i've been TRYING to perform data backup between the office and home via VPN. So i use the xcopy. I have been using it many times by going to ms-dos and type in the full path as follows: X:\xcopy General\* \\fileserver\mydoc\General /s/e/y/m and it WORKS. That's great. But then because i want to use a batch file so that i can get it to perform backup activity automatically. so i went to add a SCHEDULE on windows and set the time and date and all that sort of things. However, when the task was running,in the ms-dos WINDOW, it said file not found * followed by 0 copied files. I don't know what's going on. The following is what i have in my copybackup.BAT cls @echo off xcopy X:\General\* \\fileserver\mydoc\General /s/e/y/m if errorlevel 4 goto lowmemory if errorlevel 2 goto abort if errorlevel 0 goto exit :lowmemory echo.Insufficient memory to copy files or echo.invalid drive or command-line syntax. goto exit :abort echo.You pressed CTRL+C to end the copy operation goto exit :exit echo.Copying Job Completed. Could anyone point out what went wrong? Thank you in advance and look forward to hearing from youTry PUTTING it in quotes.

3770.	Solve : Help loading Windows using DOS prompt?
Answer» My secondary system is still running on Win95. Yesterday at startup, it said to insert a BOOTABLE media in the appropriate drive. I did that, using my up-to-date 95/98 system startup disk. At A:/ prompt, I changed to C: drive, but got the message to insert disk 2 into cd-rom drive. (The Command.exe works fine because I succeeded in doing a SCANDISK /all /SURFACE scan with no errors or corrrupt files found.) When I typed in sys c: and sys.com, I got back a message to insert disk 2 into drive A:/. PROBLEM: My system came pre-installed with Win95----so, are there any other DOS COMMANDS that will restore windows to desktop without the installation cd's? Thx 'Yall, CHIP

3772.	Solve : Moving files based on creation date of parent file?
Answer» Hi all, Have been trying in vain to script the following and I'm RUNNING short of patience trying to WORK a solution. The problem... In the directory ~\Pending\ are the following files... 2C5F8R 2D4AIX 2DPHF4 2DQOMS 2DT2CL 2DZL2J [...plus another +1200 more] In another directory ~\Unprocessed\\ are files with the naming convention of: XXXXXX_yyyymmddHHMMSS_duplicate [...there are thousands of them] Where: XXXXXX is reflective of the name found in the ~\Pending\ directory. yyyymmddHHMMS is reflective of the creation time stamp of this file. is the office ID entered by user. What is to be accomplished is the following ... 1) Identify in the Pending directory files for a specific office ID 2) Identify in the Unprocessed directory duplicate files for specific office ID that are DUPLICATED (easy as the office ID is directory and duplicate will be in the file name) 3) Do some database updates 4) Move the files found in step 1 to the main download directory so that they can be reprocessed 5) Move the files found in step 2 to the main download directory so that they can be reprocessed if there was a matching files (XXXXXX) in the Pending directory and the date created is after the date created for the file in the Pending directory. Have been trying to work this out for the last four days and sadly getting no where fast. And I don't wish it upon anyone to do this TASK manually (!!). It's [highlight]step five[/highlight] that is causing the biggest headache for me. Any HELP is appreciated. Sample data would be the following ... [size=10] OID = AKLPI3503 (Entered by user) Pending File = 2DQOMS ( dir /tc /-c 2DQOMS* ) 05/04/2006 10:38 725 2DQOMS ** Checking for 2DQOMS related items in ~\UnProcessed\\ .. ( dir /tc /-c 2DQOMS* ) 05/04/2006 10:35 2200 2DQOMS_20060405114049_duplicate 05/04/2006 11:49 2005 2DQOMS_20060405114931_duplicate 06/04/2006 10:21 383 2DQOMS_20060406102111_duplicate[/size]This has been answered here: http://dostips.cmdtips.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8

3778.	Solve : formating disk?
Answer» HI. i´m trying to format my disk, so i entry format c: msdos then asks the current volume label on c: unit. please help because i have no idea what that eans. i realise this is a BEGINNERS question, but it´s been a long time since i´ve used msdos . thanks!Try the command "label". Should show you the label. (But I am not sure if MsDos has this command. I don´t use MsDos regularly anymore. Only Bootdisks.) good luck uliIs this some version of DOS or a WIndows command prompt? Are you booting from a floppy? If you are trying to format C drive, you must do so.Quote hi. i´m trying to format my disk, so i entry format c: msdos then asks the current volume label on c: unit. please help because i have no idea what that eans. i realise this is a beginners question, but it´s been a long time since i´ve used msdos .thanks! It is the name of disk C: written by your hard drive .something like local disk etc. You write down in command line just that name. But probably you'll encounter problem while formatting C: from graphic interface. Try from boot. That command is asking if you want to CREATE a volume label for that HDD...just hit Enter for "NONE" patio. B)

3765.	Solve : help with batch prgramming?
Answer» I'm trying to write a SIMPLE batch program to open two programs with a very long line of arguments kind of like this: start "C:\Program Files\program folder\program.exe" D:\folder\file1.aatrend D:\folder\file2.aatrend D:\folder\file3.aatrend etc. etc. However when I use the start function, it only opens the first file in the arguments. When I don't use the start function, it opens all of the files very well, the only thing is, I can't GET any further in the batch program. What would be the best method to open two or more programs with many arguments? The processor MAY be confused with all those LITERALS strung out as to whether they are programs or parameters. TRY passing the program names along the batch file call and changing your batch file to handle them sequentially. batchname "C:\Program Files\program folder\program.exe" D:\folder\file1.aatrend D:\folder\file2.aatrend D:\folder\file3.aatrend etc. etc. The batch file would be structured something like this: Code: [Select]@echo off :tag if .%1==. goto end start %1 shift goto tag :end Just a thought. 8-)thanks for the help. Did I mention that I've only been into batch programming for a grand total of 20 hours? That didn't make much sense to me, but if you would be so kind as to elaborate a little further, I'll do my best to understand. thanks for the reply.

3767.	Solve : Complicated Script?
Answer» Hi, I am completely new to batch programming and have quite a COMPLICATED scenario that I need to solve Step 1 do a local directory list and pipe the output to a file with a filename of dirlist(todays date).txt Step 2 for each entry in dirList(todays date).txt change the name of each file with and extension of .tab to have an extension of .TFR Step 3 for each entry in dirList(todays date).txt FTP the file to a remote server Step 4 rename the each file transfered to the remote server to have a .tab extension NB the file name is changed to .tfr because the remote directory is constantly poled for files with a .tab extension and I DONT want partially transfered files to be detected Step 5 for each entry in the file dirList(todaysDate).txt move the local copy of the file to an archive directory I appreciate that this is quite a COMPLEX task but any help that anyone can offer would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance, Phil.

3768.	Solve : Variables in FTP?
Answer» HI, I am trying to create a BATCH script to ftp some files to a remote server. I have a variable in my script CALLED FILETOFTP and call my ftpScript with: ftp -i -s:FTPSCRIPT.cmd in FTPSCRIPT.cmd is the following: open 1.1.1.1.1 user password put %FILETOFTP% quit The FTP script file is unable to pick up the FILETOFTP variable from my calling batch file. Is there any way to make the FTPScript.cmd file use the variable in question? Here is the full script: REM first rename all files in our DIRECTORY with a .Tab EXTENSION to have a .tfr extension ren .tab .tfr REM create a file name variable and set to dirList + date + .txt FOR /f "tokens=" %%a in ('date /t') do set date=%%a SET FIRSTFILENAME=dirList SET SECONDFILENAME=%FIRSTFILENAME%%date:~4,2%%date:~7,2%%date:~10,4% SET THIRDFILENAME=%SECONDFILENAME:~0,15%.txt echo %THIRDFILENAME% REM do a directory lising for .TFR files and pipe the results into an output file dir .tfr /B >> %THIRDFILENAME% REM for each file in THIRDFILENAME do an FTP to the remote host for /F %%X in (%THIRDFILENAME%) do (SET FILETOFTP=%%X goto FTPFILE) pause :FTPFILE echo %FILETOFTP% ftp -i -s:FTPSCRIPT.cmd I am using Windows XP as my operating system to do all this. Any help would be much appreciated, Thanks Phil.

3769.	Solve : load file with specific program?
Answer» I don't know if i'm in the right forum for this question, but the problem i'm having is RELATED to a batch-file. I have a BATCHFILE, in which i would like to add the command to LOAD a file in a specific program. Idea: On a CD, i have a file start.htm. I want this file not to be loaded in the users default browser, instead i want it to be loaded within a browser that i provided on that same cd (for example browser.exe). This batch will be used within a program. Is there any expert that might help me out a BIT accomplishing this? Thanks in advanceI would DEFINE start.htm as startpage in your browser and burn it on the cd. Make a simple batch file who starts the browser called start.cmd @echo off browser.exe this solution is not really elegant. hope it helps uli

3773.	Solve : or in an if statment [please help]?
Answer» how do i say or in this type of way so it is like this if my input = this or this :-? :-? :-? Code: [Select]IF %input% EQU this or this ( GOTO start ) ELSE ( goto end )Try this IF %input% EQU this goto start IF %input% EQU that goto start goto end Grahamtry this: if "%input%"=="thisorthat" goto thisorthat if not goto blablaSometime it HELS to invert the logic, i.e.: IF "%input%" [HIGHLIGHT]NEQ[/highlight] "this" IF "%input%" [highlight]NEQ[/highlight] "that" goto end rem start here... DOS IT HELP?

3775.	Solve : Dos from BIOS?? Or how...?
Answer» My apologies for posting in more than one topic, but my question sort of jumps the fence. Have a machine running XP that wont boot. It gets stuck just after the HD and Cd drive tests, then freezes. Burned a boot cd with Winternal ERD Commander, but it doesn't run. Should I boot he drive from DOS, and if so how can I get into it? Can I access it from BIOS? BTW I can get into BIOS Setup, but not safe mode or recovery. (HP Pavillion about 15 mos old) Thanks for any input RustyDOS from bios... nope. Do you have an xp disk? Just remember, any disk you want to boot from, be it a floppy or a cd, needs to be inserted into the appropriate drive and that drive needs to be set as the 1ST boot device in your bios. In your case you will NEED to enter bios & set your cdwhatever as the 1st boot device, save the changes & let it boot with the cd in the drive.Have tried it without sucess. Do I need to change the primary/seondary master in the main BIOS screen, or do I just change the boot order on the boot screen, by moving the CD Rom above all else?What are you trying to do? .........do you mean acccessing the cmd prompt.........on boot ......hold down the f8 key......tell more...../?Trying to get my CD Rom to boot system. Cant get anything to start except BIOS at F1, can't F8 for safemode, can't F10 for recovery.. Was trying to boot from boot disk and winternal, but drive light comes on at start up, then nothing. Sticks on HP press F1 screen. Will post more later, when I'm home from work. BTW HP sending recovery disk, but I'm not convinced that wil work, since I can't seem to boot anything from cd. Ps tried moving jumpers on cd drive, no go. Where should the JUMPER be to get this to work. Thank for any help Rusty

3776.	Solve : windows xp and "choice"?
Answer» Hi GUYS, I'm just getting into this "dos" thing after a many years of managing WITHOUT it or just scratching the surface, a friend of mine DEMONSTRATED a few things that could be done within a dos command and he got me INTERESTED enough to start using them both personaly and out "in the field". I have just spent the weekend playing with some commands and have managed to create a handful of single click bat files that will backup documents and folders from my machine to another machine on my network. I'm just toying with the idea of creating a new file that will give me maybe 7 or 8 options of bat files to run as opposed to clicking them individualy, but i'm having problems understanding the "choice / Set" command.......I just dont see whats wrong... I'm thinking along the lines of: choice 1 .... run bat file 1 choice 2 .... run bat file 2 ..... etc choice 6 .... run all bat files and shutdown pc I hope you see what i'm trying to do here, its the only problem i have not been able to work out yet.... everything else seems logical. Thankyou in advance for your replies / help / advice CHOICE was not included with WinXP, but the expanded version of SET was. CHOICE only offered 1 byte choices whereas SET has more possibilities. Example: Code: [Select] @echo off set /p var=Enter day of week: if /i %var%=mon call batch1 if /i %var%=tue call batch2 if /i %var%=wed call batch3 . . if /i %var%=fri call batch1 & call batch2 & call batch3 & call batch4 & call batch5 & shutdown -s -t 15 Instead of getting into the batch thing, a better choice would be Windows Script Hope this helps. D'oh.................... :-/ I was just getting into dos, and someone gets me to try something else................... Hey thanks.... i got the "choice" thingy sorted, yes it was "set" instead. I also managed to do a multiple choice file........ I'll now go and try windows script thingy.........

3777.	Solve : need help (time in sec)?
Answer» i need a code that will set a ver (tsec) that when used it will only display the seconds of the time. Think you PLAESE HELPDisplays the current time's seconds VALUE: echo %time:~6,2% so... set tsec=%time:~6,2%so then why is this not working :-? :-? :-? Code: [Select]@echo off echo Done!!! set timed=%time:~6,2% set tsec=%timed% + "5" :loop IF %time:~6,2% EQU %tsec% ( goto :end ) ELSE ( goto :loop ) :endtry ... @echo off echo Done!!! sleep 5 What you were trying to do had little point and would have chewed CPU cycles for no reason. And, the statement ... set tsec=%timed% + "5" should have READ ... set /a tsec=%timed% + 5 Can only suggest that you read up more on the set command (set /?) and on some basic PROGRAMMING constructs. Hope that helps.ok think you

3779.	Solve : Misunderstanding?
Answer» Sorry but what I should have said when refering to my last post is RATHER than "appear" to view a folder as a window ( the same as double clicking) USING dos as the catalyst.Dilbert gave you one method to create a DESKTOP folder. You can ALSO do this with any scripting language you choose. To actually open the folder, you would need Windows Server 2003 where you can script mouse clicks thru the VirtualServer.Application object. You might check out some software like AutoIt but most likely they only allow sending key STROKES to an application much like VBScript. Good luck. 8-)

3780.	Solve : Need quick solution.?
Answer» "What if i've reached the specific directory, for EG. c:\&GT;_ ..and after running the dir command, it even shows all the directories in it. Then i wanted to execute a file which is located in progra~1 Now as i typed, dir kk; the EXACT location where that executable program is located. But nothing is there, i mean this MS-dos dosen't show any files. Now how to locate and execute that file ie.SBminst.exe(in my case) Any solutions?. ---------- phantom Just don't understand your problem. Please please please always show what OS you are using e.g. STANDALONE Dos 6.22, Windows 98 etc..... Why would you type DIR KK if your program is located in PROGRA~1 Operating systems, they are all different? C:\>cd progra~1 Then i wanted to execute sbminst.exe which was located in file KK!. C:\progra~1\KK>SBminst.exe But nothing was happening. ---------------- ktry again......type this dir/ s / c / p it should bring upQuote C:\progra~1\KK>SBminst.exe If this is the way you typed it, it is incorrect. CHANGE the > to \If nothing is happening, htat means the .exe file doesn't do anything. Because if that file wasn't there, hten it would have given an error mesg. File not exists.Or it could be that the executable you are trying to run is on an NTFS partition/drive...Dos doesn't read NTFS. patio.

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3781.	Solve : Log?
Answer» Hello, I know this is a dumb question but I forgot how do you make a batch file write abcde1234 in a text file. Thank You Almndo this Code: [Select]echo abcde1234 >what_ever.txtwill PUT it in the DIR that you are curently in COMMAND > dir name.ext hope that helpsYour first initial output line should read ... command > dir name.ext #- Initial/Create Output File. Then all subsequent output lines should read ... command >> dir name.ext #- Append/Add to Output File.

3782.	Solve : Batch to determine Operating System Version?
Answer» Is there a WAY to determine if I am operating on either Win2k or XP withing a batch FILE? I NEED to KNOW so I can set some variables that are passed to an application. Thanksyou can USE "ver" or "srvinfo". srvinfo should be from resource kit...if i am not wrong.Using Var: for /f "delims=" %z in ('ver') do @echo %z Using Systeminfo: systeminfo \| findstr /B /C:"OS Version:"

3783.	Solve : run cmd msdos problem plz help?
Answer» hey all u COMPUTER masters I need to run a directory in run-cmd(i belive this brings up the ms dos COMMAND prompt) when i OPEN it up, after 10 seconds it says The NTVDM DPU has encountered an illefal instruction. CS:054a and numbers and letters after it and at the end sayd choose close to terminate the application. can SOMEONE please help me fix this. thxWhat OS - what version of Windows?? Don't understand what you mean to "run a directory". Do you mean you want to run the command DIR??? Try getting to the dos prompt by using Start>run>cmd Run a directory? Do you mean doing a CD in it.

3784.	Solve : Changing file names in DOS?
Answer» I've written a batch FILE, to change the file names of 30 CSV files, the syntax has been checked and double checked for errors, but it still won't run in DOS, i'm getting an error SAYING that, The input line is too long. Can anyone tell me if there is a limit on the NUMBER of characters i can use? Thank you. Annie DDOS uses the 8.3 format. DOS under windows can use long file names if you enclose them in quotes (").Cheers mate. U R right, DOS is gay!Can you post a snapshot of your file here. It will be of HELP to manys.

3786.	Solve : Batch file for collect computer inventory?
Answer» Dear all, I have Windows Server 2003 Domain CONTROLLER and Active Directory. I TRY to write batch file to COLLECT DETAILS about Hard Disk(Brand,Model,etc). I have put this batch file in NETLOGON folder. I need some batch file example which collect this details and send output to a text file Many thanks for any suggustionvol drive letter:\ > name.ext Bold = things you can change hope this helps

3787.	Solve : Formatting C Drive?
Answer» I am a beginner but I have a DOS Start-up DISK. I'm in DOS trying to Format C: and it is telling me Invalid Drive Specification. I am running on Windows XP PLEASE HELPThe C: drive is probably FAT32 or NTFS which DOS does not recognize. If you are running WinXP from the C: drive, why are you trying to format the drive? Let us know what you are trying to accomplish. Really bad virus, figured I might as well. Also its starting of in A:\> I figure I might need to change to C how would I do that?After booting from your startup disk, DOS will not recognize FAT32 or NTFS drives. If you really want to start over with a reformat, use your XP disks to start an install. You will be given the opportunity to format the C: drive. Make sure you back up any important (read: unreplaceable) DATA. You can save any important data to CD's or another drive or even a network drive. Have you used any tools to rid your system of of MALWARE and viruses? Reformatting the OS drive is a big step, keep in mind what you are doing. Good luck. yes I've used everything as far as Anti-Virus etc. in Safe Mode. The virus makes it near impossible to operate under reg. windows. I will try what you've told me and I do appreciate the help.

3789.	Solve : making batch file wait?
Answer» how do i make a batch file wait for 5SEC befor it exitsIts very complicated you have to create a batch named wait.bat in the windows folder,in that batch type : @CHOICE /T:N,%1% > NUL than when you want to wait you just type : wait and the number of seconds you want to wait Hope it helps Almni have a bat file that dose its thing and says DONE!!!! when it is done but i want done to display for 5sec and the the program would end than put it after "echo done" Almndoes not work There is a workaround with the ping command. It was posted a few month before. Otherwise use the SLEEP command from the ressource kit. sleep 5 hope this helps ulihere is somthing i made Code: [Select]@echo off set count1=0 :loop @cls echo Working. echo %count1% set/a count1=count1+1 IF "%count1%" EQU "500" ( goto :dot ) ELSE ( goto :loop ) :dot @cls echo Working.. echo %count1% set/a count1=count1+1 IF "%count1%" EQU "1000" ( goto :dot2 ) ELSE ( goto :dot ) :dot2 @cls echo Working... echo %count1% set/a count1=count1+1 IF "%count1%" EQU "1500" ( goto :part2 ) ELSE ( goto :dot2 ) :part2 :loop2 @cls echo Done!!! echo %count1% set/a count1=count1+1 IF "%count1%" EQU "3000" ( goto :end ) ELSE ( goto :loop2 ) :end this is not a batch solution.. just that sometimes, its much easier to program with a better scripting language than batch. #python example import time do_something() time.sleep(5) #sleep 5 secs do_anotherthing() Code: [Select]@echo off set count1=0 echo Done!!! :loop set/a count1=count1+1 IF "%count1%" EQU "1000" ( goto :end ) ELSE ( goto :loop ) :end this does the trick

3790.	Solve : Automated login to VPN, how do I say yes to banner?
Answer» Hi I have a little BATCH file that logs in to a VPN. Once logged in a banner appears that I have to say yes or no to. Has anyone any IDEAS? The command line I use is vpnclient user 12345 pwd 12345 It then logs in but I then get th ebanner. I would like to write SOMETHING that will automattically say yes to this so that I can run a batch file to login without human intervention. Hope someone can help.welcome to the boards :)UMM maby you can tell the computer to press enter tellit to wait and then press enter just a thoughtI've tried something of that sort but the banner seems to be part of the command line. If I enter pause on the next line it gets to that after the banner has been answered. If I put it on the same line it does not recognise the line. I am very ne to this. Is there a way of putting something on the same line but splitting it so it is not part of the login?have it start another batch file that you make that will do enter then have it exit use the start comandI have tried to run another batch file but it doesn't seem to work. How do I get the computer to press enter?I have a similar PROBLEM, I'm opening MSAccess from a batch file and a specific db which is working great but once the .mdb is called a window pops up that I need to click. How do I get it to press enter? I then have to tell Access to import which will befun to figure out. If you could tell me the command you tried to press enter I would appreciate it.

3793.	Solve : How to set a variable to the resault of a command?
Answer» I'd like to write a MSDOS batch FILES. In the batch files, I need to SET a VARIABLE to the resault of a command, such as SET VER = TYPE c:\temp\newver.txt. How to CORRECT the command above and WORK out the right resault I want ?A this Website are a few M$-DOS solutions: http://www.student.northpark.edu/pemente/sed/bat_env.htm#firstword I like Method 4 solution C. hope it helps uli

3794.	Solve : Find logged on user from ipaddress?
Answer» I was wondering if it is possible to find out what USER is logged on to a pc using the command line when you only have an ip address. I know how to find the computer name by resolving the ip address to name. Anyone have any ideas??? Thanks Markare you TALKING about just a computer on the internet or like a group of computers newtorked togetherIn a NETWORK you can do it with psloggedon. Check the website sysinternals.com. They have some USEFUL command line tools for NETWORKING as free download. (pstools) uli