Command prompt tool to minimize a command window AFTER it starts?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Herb Martin
  • Start date Start date
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Herb Martin

I have a program which spawns a filter command (batch file) and does it by
running CMD.exe in an open window which has the annoying habit of coming
to the front and taking focus.

I need a tool to push the command prompt to the background and better to
minimize it -- my intent is to run it as the first line of the batch.

Is there a better way? (Other than fixing the stupid program which calls
it which I cannot do directly.)
 
I have a program which spawns a filter command (batch file) and does it by
running CMD.exe in an open window which has the annoying habit of coming
to the front and taking focus.

I need a tool to push the command prompt to the background and better to
minimize it -- my intent is to run it as the first line of the batch.

Is there a better way? (Other than fixing the stupid program which calls
it which I cannot do directly.)
Click to expand...

You can rewrite the main Batch file as a Subroutine shell, and have
the Batch file recall itself in a minimized window before passing control
to the main code and closing the initial window.

Patch your own code into this outline (where I've placed the relevant
ECHO command):

Lines that don't begin with two spaces have wrapped accidentally
====Begin cut-and-paste (omit this line)
@ECHO OFF
IF [GOTO:]==[%1] GOTO %2 {Subroutine-Handler}
start /min "CMD window" "%0" GOTO: _MAIN %0 %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9
@ECHO OFF
CLS
EXIT

GOTO EOF {=Subroutine-section-below=}
:_MAIN
FOR %%C IN (1 2 3) DO SHIFT

ECHO. Your Batch code goes here

:EOF {End-of-file}

====End cut-and-paste (omit this line)
Simulated Win2000 for study/demo use. Cut-and-paste as Batch text file.
Batch file troubleshooting: http://www.allenware.com/find?UsualSuspects

The outline passes any Batch parameters (up to %9) to the _MAIN
child shell, and restores their normal positions.

For an explanation of the unusual combo of lines:
@ECHO OFF
CLS
EXIT
to close the initial window, see our Usual Suspects page
http://www.allenware.com/find?UsualSuspects
and look under item
"Window stays open" MS-DOS window doesn't close (or closes too soon)
 
Herb said:
I have a program which spawns a filter command (batch file) and does it by
running CMD.exe in an open window which has the annoying habit of coming
to the front and taking focus.

I need a tool to push the command prompt to the background and better to
minimize it -- my intent is to run it as the first line of the batch.

Is there a better way? (Other than fixing the stupid program which calls
it which I cannot do directly.)
Click to expand...
Hi,

A couple of freeware command line tools that can do this:

Min.exe
http://www.paulsadowski.com/WSH/cmdprogs.htm

ShowConsole.exe
http://groups.google.co.uk/group/mi...admin/msg/360bde2490a40b13?dmode=source&hl=en
 
William Allen's Solution works!

I had the same kind of problem and just fixed it using the solution suggested by William.

Thanks Mr. Allen!
 
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