Windows Batch File: Simultaneous Launch and Sequential Closing of Programs

Windows batch files are powerful tools for automating tasks and managing processes. This article will guide you through creating a batch file that opens two programs simultaneously and closes one after successfully launching the other.

Introduction to Batch Files in Windows

Batch files in Windows are text files with a .cmd or .bat extension that contain a sequence of commands to be executed by the command prompt. They are useful for automating repetitive tasks, performing file management, and running multiple programs in a specific order.

Simultaneous Program Launch

While true simultaneous launch of two programs is not possible due to the nature of command prompt execution, you can launch them nearly simultaneously and handle their execution in a sequence. The key is to use the start command to launch programs in a detached manner and then set up a loop to monitor and close programs based on their status.

To launch a program, use the following command:

start program_name

For example, to start Notepad, the command would be:

start notepad

If a program blocks the command prompt, use the start command with the /b option for no window:

start /b program_name

Sequencing Program Execution

After launching two programs, the batch file needs to wait for the first program to open successfully before closing the second one. This requires the use of a loop and checking if the program is running before proceeding. The steps are as follows:

Use the start command to launch the first program.

Create a loop using for /f with the tasklist command to check if the first program is running.

Use the timeout /t command to wait a certain number of seconds before checking again.

If the first program is running, proceed to launch the second program using the start command.

Close the second program after it opens.

Use taskkill to terminate the second program.

Here’s an example of how to write this in a batch file:

@echo offstart notepad.exe:looptasklist | find "notepad.exe"  nulif %errorlevel%0 (    timeout /t 1) else (    goto not_opened):start SecondProgramstart calc.exe:wait2tasklist | find "calc.exe"  nulif %errorlevel%0 (    timeout /t 1) else (    goto calc_not_opened):close_calctaskkill /f /im calc.exe

Monitoring and Closing Programs

The tasklist command lists all running processes, and the find command searches for a specific process. The timeout command allows you to wait for a specified number of seconds before retrying a command. The taskkill command is used to force the termination of a program.

Command Reference

start /help tasklist /help taskkill /help timeout /help for /help

Conclusion

This batch file example demonstrates how to open two programs sequentially, ensuring the second program is closed only after the first one opens successfully. By understanding and utilizing these commands, you can create more complex and efficient scripts for your day-to-day administrative tasks.

Related Keywords

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