Executing DOS batch files from C

[Eric Smith]

I am attempting to execute DOS batch files from a C++ program. I tried using the CreateProcess() function but I get no results. The function returns without an error, but the batch file doesn't run.

Any pointers?

[Erich Ruth]

Hmm.. I use CreateProcess() all the time and I can't conceive of a reason why it wouldn't work for a dos file. Try something simpler like WinExec shown below:

const char cmdLine[] = "\\windows\\notepad.exe";
UINT result = WinExec(cmdLine, SW_SHOW);
if (result < 32)
{
// handle error
}

[Eric Smith]

Alrighty.

First, thanks for the first reply. I had found a solution, messy as it is, for my conundrum.

I will try to explain.

To run a .bat file from a windows program, one must use the cmd.exe command from the windows directory. Pass to cmd.exe the name of the batch file you wish to execute as a parameter.
Now be careful not to use DETACHED_PROCESS in the creation flags.

The pain is that it seems you have to change directories to where the batch file lives but use a the full windows path before cmd.exe. (as in C:\WINNT\cmd.exe).

The result is messy because it pops up a DOS window for the execution of the batch.

Be sure to restore the current directory when your done.

[Matthew.Cross]

To Eric

Try this

CreateProcess( NULL, Program, NULL, NULL, FALSE, CREATE_SEPARATE_WOW_VDM | NORMAL_PRIORITY_CLASS, NULL, NULL, &StartUpInfo, &ProcessInfo );

Matthew Cross

[ChristianM]

you can try system();
its very easy to use..

[bimmer boy]

you can mess with the CreateProcess options and prevent it from showing a window

miked