Running a Batch or Command File from Windows NT Explorer Fails

 Last reviewed: January 2, 1998
Article ID: Q171651
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you try to run a .bat or .cmd file from Explorer or by using the Run command on the Start menu, you see a command window open and then close immediately. If you could read the message it would say: 

   This command is not recognized as an internal or external command.
The .bat or .cmd file will work fine if you open a command prompt window, go to the directory, and run the file.

CAUSE

The .bat or .cmd file is located in a directory that has one of the following characters in the directory name or a parent directory name: 

   @ & ^ ( )
NOTE: If you use the Run command on the Start menu, the at symbol (@) does not cause this problem.

RESOLUTION

Change the parent directory name so that it does not use one of those characters.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 4.0. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

Additional query words: VDM dosapp prodnt
Keywords : ntdosap
Version : WINNT:4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbprb
Solution Type : Info_Provided

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: January 2, 1998
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.