ah.. i try out the example under set /? . but my windows 2000 since doesn't take that enabledelyedexpansion? ::---script start SetLocal EnableDelayedExpansion set var=before if "%var%" == "before" ( set var=after; if "!var!" == "after" @echo if you see me, it work ) endlocal ::---------script end I got the following output: C:\batch\rotation>SetLocal EnableDelayed Expansion Invalid parameter to SETLOCAL command C:\batch\rotation>set var=before C:\batch\rotation>if "before" == "before" ( set var=after; if "!var!" == "after" ) C:\batch\rotation>endlocal ****Apparently !! doesn't seem to do the job?? I try to type in cmd /V:on first before execute , and i got the same result... can anyone tell me whats going on? I am using sp4 of win2k and i just update my windows last week...

As so often with winders, the help ain't much help. I think you need this: SetLocal EnableDelayedExpansion NOT this: SetLocal EnableDelayed Expansion If at first you don't succeed, you're about average. M2