Why batch files are still useful

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Scripting and coding is fine for those who wish to spend their day learning all the ins and outs of the programming language. But for me, reusing some old batch file commands has saved me time and gets the job done just as well (without having to teach this "...

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old dog" any new tricks). If you are like me and know how to create batch files, then this tip will be a basic review for you. If you are new, then I hope you will find this tip useful.

Typically these batch file commands are universal between Windows versions, but you may find some that are not. However, there is typically a substitute for the version you wish to use.

To create a batch file, you need only open Notepad.exe, type in the batch syntax, then save the file as a .bat extension (batchfile.bat).

Batch files are great for logon scripts, for automating PC environment configurations and for simply making IT life easier.

If you ever want to know more about a batch file command, typically you just have to type /? after the command to get a list of options.

I have attached examples of batch files for you to review and use below. Some of these include:
-Create, copy and delete files/folders
-Create ODBCs
-Create mapped drives and install network printers
-Condition checking
-Synchronizing time

Example of Windows Batch File Commands:

For more examples, use your favorite search engine and look for Windows Batch File Commands. You'll turn up sites like these:
10 most used batch commands
An A-Z Index of the Windows NT/XP command line.

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