Dos Batch files

[mattb025]

I have just began a new job setting up pc before they are distruibted to customers. Knowing windows well enough I now wish to learn more of DOS and Batch files. I would like to learn how to set up answer disk for programs so that they may be unatteneded as much as possible. If anyone has advice on books or websites or any advice at all please let me know


Thank you all
Happy new year.
God Bless

Mattb025

[AnnMarie]

Hi mattb025 - Happy New Year to you too.

Vernon Frazee's page here (http://www.vfrazee.com/ms-dos/6.22/help/index.htm) is really great. Use the search function for batch files etc. You will probably be working with a later version of DOS but the commands are the same.

[Alfons]

You won't find too many new books on these topics, so I'd recommend the following:
1. Your local library.
2. Computer shops - a lot of them are selling old (previously unsold) books on almost anything computer related.
3. Computer fairs.
4. Your favorite search engine - I got a lot of hits in Google that looked interesting.
5. Look at the batch files on other programs, bootdisks, etc. A good file to look at on DOS disks would be AUTOEXEC.BAT.

Batch file creation is not difficult once you understand the structure of DOS and it's associated commands. The command list from the link that AnnMarie gave you looks very comprehensive and should help. One of the keys is in using the environmental variables and understanding how to "collect" information from one source, and "pass" it to another.

Good luck - practice & patience help a lot and I presume you have a full DOS OS to practice with - if not, get one or make one from a Windows Installation. If you get one, MS-DOS 6.21 or 6.22 are good (6.0 to 6.2 had some problems). If you make one, then use W98 as a source.

[zipulrich]

The Ancient Art of DOS Batch Files (http://gatsby.tafe.tas.edu.au/batch/) may be a useful site. It's helped me (a DOS dummy) out tremendously in the past. :)

[mattb025]

Thank you all for the help . Being a windows person it may take a little while to get used to DOS