Running a Batch or Command File from Windows NT Explorer Fails (171651)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
This article was previously published under Q171651

SYMPTOMS

When you try to run a .bat or .cmd file from Explorer or by using the Run command on the Start menu, you see a command window open and then close immediately. If you could read the message it would say:
This command is not recognized as an internal or external command.
The .bat or .cmd file will work fine if you open a command prompt window, go to the directory, and run the file.

CAUSE

The .bat or .cmd file is located in a directory that has one of the following characters in the directory name or a parent directory name: 
   @ & ^ ( )

NOTE: If you use the Run command on the Start menu, the at symbol (@) does not cause this problem.

RESOLUTION

Change the parent directory name so that it does not use one of those characters.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 4.0. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/10/2001
Keywords:kbprb KB171651
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.