A batch file is a computer file containing instructions that the computer should carry out once the batch file is launched. I recently wondered if I could create one that would launch all of my start-up programs/webpages in the morning when I am ready to work without having to launch each one individually. I learned how to create it and wanted to share in hopes that it would make your mornings less tedious.
1st Open Notepad (Click Start, type in “Notepad” in the search bar and select the application)
2nd We Start Writing the Batch File
Line 1 Type: @echo offWhy Type: You type this in so the command prompt doesn’t continually pop up.
Option 1: start /d “C:\Program Files” (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
or
Option 2: start “C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe”
or
Option 3: start C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
Line 2 Note: I’ve found that line 2 varies depending on operating system. Unfortunately, you’ll have to determine by trial and error which one works for you. I’d suggest trying with one program first and then seeing which way works for your system then add the additional programs.
“start” or “start /d”: You type “start” or “start /d” (depending on your system) because that’s the command used in batch files to open programs. Note that between “start” and the following item there does need to be a space.
Application Target Location: after “start” or “start /d” we want to start typing in the file path to the application you’d like batch file to open. You do this by right-clicking on the application, not the shortcut and selecting “Properties”. In order to locate the application and not the shortcut it’s easiest to select “Start” and then in the search bar type in that application: Trade Ideas, ThinkorSwim, etc. Right click on the program and select “Properties”. Copy the path next to “Target:” and paste after “start” or “start /d”. Make sure to include a space after “start”.
@echo off
start /d "F:\CenterPoint Securities DasTrader.exe"
Option 1: My operating system (Windows 8.1) required that I select the 1st option under Line 2 above. I’ll explain this; you have to include a quotation mark after the last word that follows a space. IF there’s a backslash immediately after the quotation marks, you leave it out. Below is what I copy and pasted without any edits.
This is the corrected version, with quotation marks and neglected backslashes where they belong.
Option 2: calls for you to copy and paste and keep the quotation marks as you copy/pasted them.
Option 3: requires that you delete the quotation marks.
Webpages: If you want to open multiple tabs in one browser then this is how you list it. After the end of the targeted file path you would enter a space and then the URL address, each additional tab is just a space and copy/paste. The line below is all one line.
start /d "C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox" firefox.exe http://www.averagejoetrader.com/home.html https://tweetdeck.twitter.com/
If you want multiple web pages you can use the below, each additional webpage is an additional line (the below example are two lines).
start /d "C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox" firefox.exe http://www.averagejoetrader.com/home.html
start /d "C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox" firefox.exe https://tweetdeck.twitter.com/
Microsoft Office: this one is a bit different, the target path will read “Microsoft Office” but you need to specify the application within Microsoft so this worked for me (below). The research I’ve done suggests that it’s “WORD”,”EXCEL”, etc. So you would just manually type it in at the end. No “exe” needed here.
start /d "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office" EXCEL
3rd Saving the Batch File
Now we save the batch file, you simply head to the top, File>Save As> and name your batch file. However, it must end in “.bat” to indicate that the file is a batch file and in the “Save as type:” you want to select “all”.
Finally
There you have it, double click on your batch file and your applications should launch. I’ve saved time every morning now just hitting this one batch file and opening all of my pages/applications in one click.
If you need any additional help, you can refer to the pages below that I used to sort it all out.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Batch-files-that-open-multiple-programs/http://stackoverflow.com/questions/5534324/how-to-run-multiple-programs-using-batch-file
http://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/create-windows-batch-files/
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/launch-multiple-programs-with-one-shortcut-in-windows-10/