Retaining an MS-DOS Prompt When Running a Batch File

• Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a, 3.1, 3.11

SUMMARY

When you run a batch file from the Microsoft Windows File Run command in Program Manager, you are returned to Windows after completion of the batch file. This happens whether you start the batch file from an icon or a PIF file. To remain at an MS-DOS prompt after the batch file has been executed, include COMMAND.COM as the last command in the batch file.

MORE INFORMATION

Windows automatically closes the window upon exiting any program running under it. When you run a batch file from Windows, no matter how it is evoked, Windows considers it a program that is closed upon completion of the steps in the batch file. The only way to avoid returning to the Program Manager screen is to have the last command in the batch file start another copy of COMMAND.COM; then the virtual machine is maintained until that COMMAND.COM is exited.

You do not have to type "EXIT" (without the quotation marks) twice to quit this virtual machine and return to the Program Manager. The first instance of COMMAND.COM is terminated upon completion of the batch file. Only the second instance of COMMAND.COM, the one started as the last command within the batch file, remains open until you type "EXIT" to return to Program Manager.