Batch file confusion W2k.

[AlfredO]

Windows 2k Pro not updated.  Cmd.exe

A real newbie to batch scripts.  I printed the FOR loop guide and tried to follow the instructions but am bogged down on the first few lines.

The instructions show that the format is:

FOR $$variable IN (set) DO command [command parameters]

So I created a .bat file containing:

Code: [Select]

@echo off
cls

For $$a IN (eula.txt) DO echo $$a

which returned the error "$$a was unexpected at this time"

After changing the code to:

Code: [Select]

@echo off
cls

FOR /F $$a IN (eula.txt) DO echo $$a

the returned error was "IN was unexpected at this time"

Give me a clue please...

[WillyW]

Windows 2k Pro not updated.  Cmd.exe

A real newbie to batch scripts.  I printed the FOR loop guide

From here? :
http://www.computerhope.com/forhlp.htm

and tried to follow the instructions but am bogged down on the first few lines.

The instructions show that the format is:

FOR $$variable IN (set) DO command [command parameters]

So I created a .bat file containing:

Code: [Select]

@echo off
cls

For $$a IN (eula.txt) DO echo $$a

which returned the error "$$a was unexpected at this time"

After changing the code to:

Code: [Select]

@echo off
cls

FOR /F $$a IN (eula.txt) DO echo $$a

the returned error was "IN was unexpected at this time"

Give me a clue please...

Start by changing the "$" signs.     I believe they should be percent  " % "  signs.

[WillyW]

I see that was your first post.       Welcome to Computer Hope!   

[AlfredO]

Thank you for the welcome to C'Hope.

I printed the For loop guide by writing the output of For/? at the command prompt to a file then printing that. 

Ohhhh the embarrassment, it really is painful, I read the guide many times over two hours and still didn't pick the $/% swapover.   My optometrist will be getting a visit from me very shortly.

I will wait until this topic is buried a couple of pages deep before posting again.

Thanks again WillyW.

[WillyW]

Thank you for the welcome to C'Hope.

I printed the For loop guide by writing the output of For/? at the command prompt to a file then printing that. 

That'll work too. 

Just wanted to be sure of what you had.... and at the same time make sure that you were aware of the great amount of very nice reference material here on CH,  for your future needs.

Ohhhh the embarrassment, it really is painful, I read the guide many times over two hours

Nah...         Don't sweat it.        We've all been there.

Forums are great! .... easy way to get a second pair of eyes on your stuff.



Welcome to the human race, too!     

and still didn't pick the $/% swapover.   My optometrist will be getting a visit from me very shortly.

I will wait until this topic is buried a couple of pages deep before posting again.

Thanks again WillyW.

You're very welcome.   
I'll assume this fixed it, and you're off and running.

I hope you have fun with your batch files.
Stop by whenever you like.