Introduction
Who This Book Is For
How This Book Is Structured
Special Notes
Hardware And Software
Writing The Book
Conventions
Last Notes
Chapter 1: Batch Files Are Just DR DOS Commands
What Is A Batch File Good For?
Keystrokes Reduction
New Command Construction
Consistency
Safety
Summary
Chapter 2: Creating Your Own Batch Files
Picking A Name
Internal DR DOS Commands
External Commands
How DR DOS Decides Which Command To Run
Where To Put Batch Files
Creating Batch Files
The COPY Command
Editor
Using A Different Editor On
Batch Files
Summary
Chapter 3: Batch File Construction
What Is A Batch File?
Batch File Formatting
Capitalizatio n
Spacing
Indenting Sections
Message Length
Line-Length Limit
Let's Write A Batch File
The Problem
The Solution
A Second Problem
The Solution
Summary
Chapter 4: Documentation Or "Why In The World Did I Do That?"
Written Documentation
Even More Documentation
Self- Documentation
Special Information At The Top
Tricky Documentation
Using Labels As Remarks
Bypassing The Comments
Conclusion
Summary
Chapter 5: Let's Keep It Quiet
Command Echoing
Summary
Chapter 6: Talking To The User
Displaying Messages
Telling The User What Is Going
On
Keeping The User Informed
Giving The User Instructions
A DR DOS 5 Bug
Making your messages attractive
Blank Lines
What You Can And Can't Echo
DR DOS Pipes
Percent Sign
On/Off
Longer And Fancier Messages
Summary
Chapter 7: Using High-Ordered ASCII Characters
Entering High-Ordered ASCII Characters
Entering High-Ordered ASCII Characters When Your Editor
Won't Let You
Summary
Chapter 8: Hold That Batch File!
Pausing The Batch File
Aborting The Batch File
`Halt Batch Process' Bug
Summary
Chapter 9: Applications And Problems
Problem 1
Problem 2
Problem 3
Answers
Chapter 10: Replaceable Parameters
Sending Replaceable Parameters To A Batch File
Using Replaceable Parameters In Your Batch Files
Limits On The Number Of Replaceable Parameters
Some Uses For Replaceable Parameters
Replaceable Parameters As Commands
A Couple Of Examples
Summary
Chapter 11: Using More Than Ten Replaceable Parameters
The SHIFT Command
Batch File Tables
What SHIFT Can Do
Using The SHIFT Command
Summary
Chapter 12: Looping And Program Flow
Pseudocode
Naming Program Lines
The GOTO Command
Looping
Transferring Control
Quick Exit
Handy Formatting Option
Code Separation
Visual Separation
The FOR Command
Looping With The FOR Command
Local Variable
Running Commands With A FOR
Loop
Summary
Chapter 13: The Environment
The Prompt
The Path
Comspec
Environmental Variables
Increasing The Size Of The Environment
Environmental Variables Are Transient
Putting Variables Into The Environment
Using The Environment In Batch Files
What You Can Do With Environmental Variables
Using The Environment When Shelling Out Of A Program
Environment Problem When Shelling Out Of A Program
Environment Benefits When Shelling Out Of A Program
Using The Environment In A Batch File
Summary
Chapter 14: Errorlevel
Summary
Chapter 15: DR DOS Punctuation
Piping
Devices
Filters
Problems
+
:
.
@
%
%%
%Variable%
=
==
Summary
Chapter 16: Logic Testing
Are Two Values The Same?
What Is The Errorlevel?
Does A File Exist?
Does A Subdirectory Exist?
Earlier Batch File Revisited
A.BAT
RONNYMD. BAT
TOA.BAT
Preview Of Chapter 18
Summary
Chapter 17: Applications And Problems
Problem 4
Problem 5
Problem 6
Answers
Chapter 18: Advanced Logic Testing
NOT
Inter-Batch Communications
Dealing With Capitalization
GOTO %1
Environmental Variables
The Path
Run A Program
Capitalization Conclusion
Multiple If-Tests
A Shorter Way To Show The
Errorlevel
A Very Short Way To Show The
Errorlevel
Setting The Errorlevel
Help
Windows
Summary
Chapter 20: Advanced Screen Design 1
Text files
Writing A Program
Using A Screen Compiler
ANSI
Summary
Chapter 21: Advanced Screen Design 2: ANSI.SYS
Introduction
Getting Started With ANSI
Entering ANSI Commands
Word Processors, Editors, And The Problem Of ``Escaping''
Sending ANSI Commands By Typing A File
Sending ANSI Commands Using The Environment
Sending ANSI Commands Via The Prompt
Screen Control
Cursor Control
Video Control
Keyboard Control
Summary
Chapter 22: Batch File Subroutines
What Is A Subroutine, And How Do I Write One?
As A Separate Batch File
Prior To DR DOS 5 And MS DOS
3.3
DR DOS 5, MS DOS 3.3, And
Later
An Example
Inside The Calling Batch File
The MS DOS-Compatible Approach
1: Skip The Subroutine Commands
The MS DOS-Compatible Approach
2: Simulate The Subroutine Commands
Summary
Chapter 23: When Batch Files Don't Work
Possible Error Messages
Syntax Error
Bad Command Or Filename
Command Or Filename Not
Recognized
Label ... Not Found
Abort, Retry, Ignore, Fail?
Abort, Ignore, Retry
Abort, Retry, Fail
Data Error
Drive Not Ready
Physical Media Error
Sector Not Found
Access Denied
Access Denied For File
Access Denied On Source
Directory
Access To File ... Denied
Batch File Missing
Batch file ... missing retry
[Y/N]?
Batch Files Nested Too Deep
Not Enough Memory
Not Enough Memory For ...
Not Enough Memory To ...
Not Ready Error
Cannot Start Command, Exiting
No Free File Handles/Cannot
Start Command, Exiting
Too Many Files Open
Too Many Open Files
Environment Full
Environment Error
Filename Too Long
Disk Full
Write Protect Error
File Sharing Conflict
On Or Off Parameter Required
Invalid Path Or Path Not Found
Invalid Path Specified: Check
Path
Other
Check The Spelling
Look Closer
Isolate The Problem
Split Out The Problem Section
Diagram The Logic
Put It Aside For A While
Start Over
Summary
Chapter 24: Applications And Problems
Problem 7
Problem 8
Problem 9
Answers
Chapter 25: Batcmd: New Batch File Commands
AD (Add 1 To MATH Environmental Variable)
BE (Beep The Speaker)
BS (Blank The Screen)
CC (Check Conventional Memory)
CE (Check Environmental Memory)
CH (Check Number of Hard Drives)
CL (Check LIM Memory)
CM (Check Mouse)
CS (Check Space)
EX (Exit)
GE (Get To Environment)
GF (Get From List)
GK (Get Key)
GL (Get Letter)
GN (Get Number)
GU (Get Uppercase Letter)
PC (Position Cursor)
RB (Reboot The Computer)
SD (Store Day)
SH (Store Hour)
SL (Skip Line)
SM (Store Minute)
SO (Store Month)
SS (Store Second)
SU (Subtract 1 From MATH Environmental Variable)
SY (Store Year)
YN (Yes No)
Summary
Chapter 26: Builder And Builder Lite
Multi-Purpose Batch Languages
Builder
Bundling
Power And Flexibility Of A
Programming Language
Speed Of A Compiled Language
Full Compatibility With The MS
DOS Batch Subcommands
Ease Of Learning Of The Batch
Language
Builder Lite
Summary
Chapter 27: Dual Boot Utility
Creating A Boot Disk
Back Up Your Hard Disk
Installing Dual Boot Utility
Troubleshooting
Summary
Chapter 28: An Automated Batch File Help System
Help Files
Customized Help
Context-Sensitive Help
Summary
Chapter 29: Simple Batch File Menus
Structuring Your Hard Disk
Introduction To Menus
Displaying The Menu
Types Of Menus
Non-resident Non-Nested Menus
Resident Non-Nested Menus
Hybrid Batch File
Stand-Alone Batch File
Nested Menus
DR DOS 6 Specific Menus
Summary
Chapter 30: Anti-Viral Batch Files
Write-Protect Program Files
Move COMMAND.COM Out Of The Root Directory
Test Your Critical Files
Summary
Chapter 31: A Document Archival System
Periodic Backups
Which File To Back Up?
Types Of Backup
Systematically Copy Critical Data Files
Never Delete Old Files!
Index Document Files
Summary
Chapter 32: Simulating Doskey Using Batch Files
Command Line Macros
Command Line Recorder
Running Multiple Commands
Summary
Chapter 33: Smaller Batch File Applications
Changing Subdirectories
Running Inflexible Programs
Controlling Your Printer
Finding Files
Printing Return Mailing Labels
Running Commands Occasionally
Using The Volume In A Batch File
Batch File Floppy-disk Catalog
Adding To And Deleting From Your Path
Repeating Batch Files
Controlling Software Access On A Network
Modifying Files During Installation
Password Protection
Determining Codes To Use With The Password Batch File
Summary
Chapter 34: Applications And Problems
Problem 10
Problem 11
Problem 12
Problem 13
Answers
Chapter 35: CONFIG.SYS File Under MS DOS 3.3
Getting Started
Problems Booting
Components Of DOS
The CONFIG.SYS File
BREAK=on/off
BUFFERS=n
COUNTRY=n
DEVICE=
FCBS=
FILES=#
LASTDRIVE=n
SHELL=
STACKS=
Summary
Chapter 36: CONFIG.SYS File Under DR DOS 5
The DR DOS 5 CONFIG.SYS Commands
? [New Unique]
BREAK
BUFFERS
CHAIN [New Unique]
COUNTRY
DEVICE
DRIVPARM [New]
ECHO [NewUnique]
FASTOPEN [New]
FCBS
FILES
HIDEVICE [New]
HIDOS [New]
HIINSTALL [New]
HISTORY [New]
INSTALL [New]
LASTDRIVE
REM [New]
SHELL
Device drivers
Improved Memory Management
More Power!
Approach 1: Ask About Each
Line
Approach 2: Select Which File
To Run
Other Uses
Communication With The AUTOEXEC.BAT File
Summary
Chapter 37: CONFIG.SYS File Under DR DOS 6
The DR DOS 6 CONFIG.SYS Commands
? [Unique]
:Label [New Unique]
BREAK
BUFFERS
CHAIN [Unique]
CLS [New Unique]
COUNTRY
CPOS [New Unique]
DEVICE
DRIVPARM
ECHO [Unique]
EXIT [New Unique]
FASTOPEN
FCBS
FILES
GOSUB [New Unique]
HIBUFFERS [New]
HIDEVICE
HIDOS
HIINSTALL
HISTORY
INSTALL
LASTDRIVE
REM
RETURN [New Unique]
SET [New]
SHELL
SWITCH [New Unique]
TIMEOUT [New Unique]
Device Drivers
Improved Memory Management
More Power!
Communication With The AUTOEXEC.BAT File
Summary
Chapter 38: The Startup And Shutdown Files
One Minor Difference
System Configuration
PATH
PROMPT
VERIFY
MODE
Memory-Resident Software
AUTOEXEC.BAT Arrangements
All-In-One Approach
One-Per-Task Approach
LEAVING.BAT
Summary
Appendix A: Solutions to problems
Appendix B: Program Documentation
ASCII.EXE Chapter 7
BATCMD.COM Chapter 25
BatScreen Chapter 20
CAPITAL.EXE Chapter 18
Dual Boot Utility Chapter 27
ISITZERO.EXE Chapter 30
NEEDHELP.EXE Chapter 18
Appendix C: Batch File Documentation
1.BAT Through 6.BAT [Chapter 29]
A.BAT [Chapter 1]
ACCTHELP.BAT [Chapter 9]
ANSIDEMO.BAT Chapter 21]
ANSIHIDE.BAT [Chapter 21]
ANSIKEY1.BAT [Chapter 21]
ANSIKEY2.BAT [Chapter 21]
AUTO-1.BAT [Chapter 9]
BLANK.BAT [Chapter 30]
BOOT-4-D.BAT [Chapter 17]
CATALOG.BAT [Chapter 33]
CHECKERR.BAT [Chapter 16]
CHECKER1.BAT [Chapter 18]
CL.BAT [Chapter 32]
CONFIG.SYS [Chapter 37]
COPYBACK.BAT [Chapter 31]
COPYTHEM.BAT [Appendix A]
COPYTHE2.BAT [Appendix A]
DELOLD.BAT [Chapter 31]
DISCARD.BAT [Chapter 31]
DOBATCMD.BAT [Chapter 25]
DOXCOPY.BAT [Chapter 16]
EDITPATH.BAT [Chapter 33]
EDIT2.BAT [Chapter 33]
ENDLESS.BAT [Chapter 12]
FASTFIND.BAT [Chapter 33]
FINDPASS.BAT [Chapter 33]
FORMAT.BAT [Chapter 9]
HELP.BAT [Chapter 28]
HELP1.BAT [Chapter 28]
HELPBAT.BAT [Chapter 28]
HELPBAT2.BAT [Chapter 28]
HELPBAT3.BAT [Chapter 28]
HI-ASCII.BAT [Chapter 7]
INDEX.BAT [Chapter 31]
KILLZERO.BAT [Appendix A]
LISTFILE.BAT [Chapter 31]
MACRO.BAT [Chapter 32]
MENU1.BAT [Chapter 29]
MENU2.BAT [Chapter 29]
MENU3.BAT [Chapter 29]
MSDRSUB.BAT [Chapter 22]
MULTI.BAT [Chapter 32]
NETWORK.BAT [Chapter 33]
NICEPROM.BAT [Chapter 21]
OCCASION.BAT [Chapter 33]
OCCASIN2.BAT [Chapter 33]
PASSWORD.BAT [Chapter 33]
PHONE.BAT [Appendix A]
PHONE1.BAT [Appendix A]
QCD.BAT [Appendix A]
RCD.BAT [Chapter 33]
READFILE.BAT [Chapter 17]
REMOVE.BAT [Chapter 33]
RETURN.BAT [Chapter 33]
RETURNTO.BAT [Chapter 33]
RETURN2.BAT [Chapter 33]
RETURN3.BAT [Chapter 33]
RONNYMD.BAT [Chapter 10 and 16]
RUNCHECK.BAT [Chapter 17]
SAYERROR.BAT [Chapter 18]
SENDANSI.BAT [Chapter 21]
SENDANS2.BAT [Chapter 21]
SHOWBACK.BAT [Appendix A]
SHOWGETS.BAT [Chapter 19]
SHOWREPL.BAT [Chapter 10]
SHOWSHIF.BAT [Chapter 11]
STARTDAT.BAT [Chapter 33]
STARTWOR.BAT [Chapter 33]
SWITCH-M.BAT [Chapter 33]
TEMPLATE.BAT [All Chapters]
TESTCOMM.BAT [Chapter 30]
TOA.BAT [Chapter 10-16]
TOA-2.BAT [Chapter 22]
TOA-2SUB.BAT [Chapter 22]
TOA-3.BAT [Chapter 22]
TOA-4.BAT [Chapter 22]
UNBLANK.BAT [Chapter 21]
USEOVER.BAT [Appendix A]
VOLUME.BAT [Chapter 33]
The information for this book was taken from the last draft I submitted to the publisher. Since the publisher performed minor editing, the version you purchase in the store will be slightly different.
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© 2002 by Ronny Richardson, All Rights Reserved