Batch Task Automation

Introduction

Batch scripting can automate repetitive tasks like backups, file cleanup, scheduled tasks, app launching, system maintenance, and more. This tutorial shows how to automate workflows using core Batch tools.

1. Automating File Backups

@echo off
set src=C:\Data
set dest=D:\Backup

xcopy "%src%" "%dest%" /E /I /Y
echo Backup complete!

2. Auto-Deleting Old Files

Delete files older than 7 days:

forfiles /p "C:\Logs" /s /m *.* /d -7 /c "cmd /c del @file"

3. Launch Multiple Programs at Once

start chrome.exe
start notepad.exe
start steam.exe

4. Automate System Cleaning

del /q C:\Windows\Temp\*
del /q %temp%\*
ipconfig /flushdns

5. Running Commands Silently

start "" /min cmd /c "script.bat"

6. Creating a Log File

echo Starting backup... >> backup.log
xcopy C:\Data D:\Backup /E >> backup.log
echo Finished at %time% >> backup.log

7. Auto-Compress Files with PowerShell

powershell -command "Compress-Archive -Path C:\Folder -Destination D:\Archive.zip"

8. Auto-Restart a Program if It Crashes

:loop
tasklist | find "myapp.exe" >nul
if errorlevel 1 start myapp.exe
timeout /t 5 >nul
goto loop

9. Automate Scheduled Tasks (schtasks)

Create a scheduled task to run daily at 6 AM:

schtasks /create /tn "DailyBackup" /tr C:\backup.bat /sc daily /st 06:00

Delete it:

schtasks /delete /tn "DailyBackup" /f

10. Automate Network Tasks

net use Z: \\Server\Share /user:Admin password
robocopy C:\Files Z:\Files /E
net use Z: /delete

Summary