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Q175477: Batch Files Run from Within Other Folders May Fail

Article: Q175477
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): WinNT:4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 09-AUG-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0 
- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 
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SYMPTOMS
========

When you run a batch file from a different folder that contains non- alphabetic
characters, you will receive the following error message:

  The name specified is not recognized as an internal or external command,
  operable program or batch file.

Steps to reproduce the problem:

1. Create a folder named test(2) off your root directory.

2. Create a batch file in the test(2) folder called test.bat.

3. Insert the following lines in test.bat:

        echo off
        pause

4. Save test.bat.

5. From the root directory at a command prompt, run the batch file with the
  following line:

  \test(2)\test.bat

Notice the error message received:

  The name specified is not recognized as an internal or external command,
  operable program or batch file.

WORKAROUND
==========

Although the batch file does not run from the root directory, the command will
run if you enclose the command line within quotes. For example, for the above
situation, a user should enter the following line in a command prompt:

  "\test(2)\test.bat"

This command will run the batch file normally.

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: program

======================================================================
Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400
Version           : WinNT:4.0
Hardware          : ALPHA PPC x86
Issue type        : kbbug

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