Put a delay in a batch job?

beach101 · July 17th, 2001, 03:03 PM

Ok, it's been a long time since I wrote a DOS batch job and I could have sworn that there was a 'wait' command? Need to introduce a delay before executing a command. Any ideas?

Thanks for your help.

shamus · July 17th, 2001, 03:46 PM

I think 'pause' would do the trick...

MacGyver · July 17th, 2001, 06:51 PM

Pause won't work, it only waits for user to strike a key before continuing.

What you need is this:

choice /n/t:c,25/c:cc

Basically the CHOICE command is used to accept menu choices in a batch file. If the user doesn't select an option, you can have it automatically choose an option.

In this case, we don't have any options and are basically only using the timer. You can have whatever delay you want (in seconds) just change the number in the command above to whatever you need.

DR · July 17th, 2001, 07:15 PM

I have found this site to be helpful in writing batch files. http://www.computerhope.com
This link leads to a page describing how to write a batch file delay. I'm not sure this fits your case. It read like it delayed the start of the run. It does give a good example of the CHOICE command at top of page. http://www.computerhope.com/batch.htm#4
They also have some useful utilities. One changes BAT files to COM files. The Tech guide is full of helpful tips and guides on how to write what you want.

beach101 · July 18th, 2001, 11:57 AM

I never would have thought of the Choice command. Brilliant. You guys are great. Thanks. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

Gabriel · July 22nd, 2001, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MacGyver:
<STRONG>Pause won't work, it only waits for user to strike a key before continuing.

What you need is this:

choice /n/t:c,25/c:cc

Basically the CHOICE command is used to accept menu choices in a batch file. If the user doesn't select an option, you can have it automatically choose an option.

In this case, we don't have any options and are basically only using the timer. You can have whatever delay you want (in seconds) just change the number in the command above to whatever you need.</STRONG>

is there any similar to NT4 Command Prompt?

Outcoded · July 22nd, 2001, 06:44 AM

dir c:\ /s > nul
dir c:\ /s > nul
dir c:\ /s > nul
dir c:\ /s > nul
dir c:\ /s > nul
dir c:\ /s > nul
dir c:\ /s > nul
dir c:\ /s > nul
dir c:\ /s > nul
dir c:\ /s > nul
dir c:\ /s > nul

That oughta slow it down a bit <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Penman · July 23rd, 2001, 02:26 PM

Following command should stop the computer for 5 seconds, you can increase it up to 99
I think (been a while!)

TYPE NUL | CHOICE.COM /N /CY /TY,5 >NUL

July 17th, 2001, 03:03 PM	#1
beach101 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Jacksonville, FL USA Posts: 35	Put a delay in a batch job? Ok, it's been a long time since I wrote a DOS batch job and I could have sworn that there was a 'wait' command? Need to introduce a delay before executing a command. Any ideas? Thanks for your help.

July 22nd, 2001, 06:44 AM	#7
Outcoded Senior Member - 1000+ Club Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Somewhere in the UK, never quite sure where Posts: 1,689	dir c:\ /s > nul dir c:\ /s > nul dir c:\ /s > nul dir c:\ /s > nul dir c:\ /s > nul dir c:\ /s > nul dir c:\ /s > nul dir c:\ /s > nul dir c:\ /s > nul dir c:\ /s > nul dir c:\ /s > nul That oughta slow it down a bit <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> __________________ I'm in charge and I say we blow it up

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

July 17th, 2001, 03:46 PM	#2
shamus Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Cornish,Maine,USA Posts: 3,136	I think 'pause' would do the trick...

July 17th, 2001, 06:51 PM	#3
MacGyver Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Ottawa Posts: 4,231	Pause won't work, it only waits for user to strike a key before continuing. What you need is this: choice /n/t:c,25/c:cc Basically the CHOICE command is used to accept menu choices in a batch file. If the user doesn't select an option, you can have it automatically choose an option. In this case, we don't have any options and are basically only using the timer. You can have whatever delay you want (in seconds) just change the number in the command above to whatever you need.

July 17th, 2001, 07:15 PM	#4
DR Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Paul IN USA Posts: 274	I have found this site to be helpful in writing batch files. http://www.computerhope.com This link leads to a page describing how to write a batch file delay. I'm not sure this fits your case. It read like it delayed the start of the run. It does give a good example of the CHOICE command at top of page. http://www.computerhope.com/batch.htm#4 They also have some useful utilities. One changes BAT files to COM files. The Tech guide is full of helpful tips and guides on how to write what you want. __________________ Computers follow your orders, not your intentions.

July 18th, 2001, 11:57 AM	#5
beach101 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Jacksonville, FL USA Posts: 35	I never would have thought of the Choice command. Brilliant. You guys are great. Thanks. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

July 23rd, 2001, 02:26 PM	#8
Penman Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Scotland Posts: 104	Following command should stop the computer for 5 seconds, you can increase it up to 99 I think (been a while!) TYPE NUL \| CHOICE.COM /N /CY /TY,5 >NUL