batch file help

[okysPPanda]

What I am trying to do is create a sript that will take an input value in the form of a number, and then copy "1.exe" with the input number as the name. Then I want it to subtract one from the input number and repeat the process, creating many #.exe files, all identical except for the name. Finally, I want to be able to stop the process when the file 0.exe is created.
I need this file to work for Windows 2000, but would like it to work with other versions of Windows too.
The following is what I have come up with so far. I am getting an error when it reaches "if /i %abc% LSS %1 goto END" the process stops and says 0 was unexpected at this time.


set [[/a [%1 GTR 999]] [/p [abc=%1]] goto ER2]
set [[/a [%1 LSS 1]] [/p [abc=%1]] goto ER2]
:N2
copy 1.exe c:\winnt\%abc%.exe
set /a %abc% "-=" 1
set [[/a [%1 GTR 1]] [/p [%abc%-=1]] goto N2]
if /i %abc% LSS %1 goto END
goto N2
:ER2
echo You must specify a number >0 and <1000, as in "1" or "999"
:END

If anyone could show me what I am doing wrong, or possibly show me an easier way to do this, it would be much appreciated.

 

[MiggyD]

As far as I'm aware, DOS's batch file processes are not made to be used in the maner you are describing.

The use of memory variable manipulation for increasing/decreasing a numerical sequence (such as adding/subtracting) are indicitative of a programming language (such as Asm, BASIC, C, and so forth).

In Short: You're better off using a programming language.

Besides:

[ol][li]Where's the "User's Input"? or is it receiving the starting "number" from the commandline in [highlight]%1[/highlight]?[/li]

[li]Has your code worked? if so, does it stop at a certain number?[/li]

[li]Also, what's up with the minus sign in front of the equal signs?[/li]
[/ol]


--MiggyD

 

[tsh73]

There is nimber of scripting languages, enhancing DOS that way. One I've heard of is REX. Or one could try to use some UNIX-originated sghell language.
I do not know if it could be done in pure DOS (or Win2000 for that matter).

 

[okysPPanda]

in response to MiggyD:
1. the user input is in the form of the %1 variable.
2. No, my code has not worked, because I cant seem to get the syntax right. I believe that Dos is able to do simple arithmatic. What I need it to do is incredibly basic. all I want to be able to do is add 1 to a variable. On the Microsoft site, I think it is saying that arihmatic functions can be used in the set command.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tr...technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/proddocs/set.asp

 

[okysPPanda]

WOW! I was really overcomplicating things. I fixed the problem. Below is the script that works-

set /a abc=%1
:N1
copy 1.exe c:\winnt\%abc%.exe
set /a abc=%abc% - 1
if %abc% LSS 1 goto end
goto N1
:end
echo works!