I am confused on how to create and use batch file variables. I would like to have the user input information (if possible) and assign that information to a variable. If this is not possible I would still like to know how to assign a variable so that I can use it in an IF statement. Any information would be appreciated

I hope this is what you mean, and it has been a while so may not be 100% correct If you say want to copy a file from one location to another you can have the batch file as: copy %1\%2 %3 (then save as test.bat) then at the prompt type test c:\ autoexec.bat c:\windows This will insert the c:\ where %1 was and autoexec.bat where %2 was etc.

Sorry, I have noticed that I have put a \ in by mistake, it should say: If you say want to copy a file from one location to another you can have the batch file as: copy %1 %2 %3 (then save as test.bat) then at the prompt type test c:\ autoexec.bat c:\windows This will insert the c:\ where %1 was and autoexec.bat where %2 was etc.

Hi. 1. To set a variable, use: SET [VARIABLE]=[VALUE] ie: SET USER=JOHN 2. To use the variable's value: %[VARIABLE]% ie: if you do "ECHO Hi %USER%!" before setting the variable "user" to john, the result will be: Hi John! Got it? As PeterK said, the %# (%1, %2 etc)variables are the variables that you enter when calling the batch: ie: contents of a batch file: ::sample.bat @echo input1=%1 @echo input2=%2 then, you do: "sample abc xyz" it will display input1=abc input2=xyz 3. Ok? So, for using the IF statement, just use the variable value ie: IF "%USER%"=="JOHN" goto john The "" thing isn't necessary, but I recommend ya to use it. The statement IS CASE SENSITIVE (not the name of the variable, just the value) 4. And now, for getting user's input: (this is kind of complicated, I'm not gonna explain how it works, ok?) it will only work on an english dos. ::input.bat @echo off echo Type input fc con nul /lb1 /n |date |find "1:"> out.bat echo set input=%%5> enter.bat call out.bat del out.bat del enter.bat that will set the input from user to the variable INPUT. Well, I hope I were as clear as possible Any further questions, letme know -- Secret_Doom -- email: secret_doom@hotmail.com