How to Start Programs Sequentially in Windows

ID: Q198044

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows 98
Microsoft Windows 95
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Server Enterprise Edition version 4.0

SUMMARY

This article describes how to start programs sequentially in Windows using the "start /w" command.

MORE INFORMATION

To start programs sequentially in Windows, create a text file containing the following lines:

start /w <program1.exe>
start /w <program2.exe>
start /w <program3.exe>
<additional lines as necessary>

Save the text file with a .bat extension.

For example, you could create the following Test.bat file:

start /w calc.exe
start /w notepad.exe

After you save the Test.bat file, double-clicking it causes Calculator to start. After you quit Calculator, Notepad starts.

When you use this method, the programs in the batch file are started sequentially. The next program does not start until you quit the previous program.

Additional query words: switches command line


Keywords          : win95 win98 winnt 
Version           : WINDOWS:95; winnt:4.0
Platform          : WINDOWS winnt 
Issue type        : kbhowto

Last Reviewed: April 7, 1999