CLI app window flashes, diasappears

Greetings, I've tried the search utility here with no luck, I've also googled every term possible - again, no luck so here's my strange predicament: all of my small command line exes are mis-behaving the same way, i.e., on opening, they all quickly flash the command-line interface and then disappear. To where, I can't find out. They're not in processes and they're not running, as far as I can tell. Incidentally, my Windows XP Start>Run command-line works just fine. I am able to open these exes there but I'm very inept at command line and would rather these apps perform as they’re supposed to. Do you have any idea just what it is that needs configuration? I'm sure of the integrity of these apps, some of them I've used previously with no trouble. MBR backup tool, for instance.

 

They are working as normal, either doing their job and closing or reporting an error then closing.

If you wish the CLI to remain open after the jobs done an easy way is to create a shortcut, right click->select properties->shortcut tab and insert "CMD /K " at the start of the target line. Whilst you're there you can add any required parameters at the end.

 

Hi Wildfire, thanks for your response. Actually, while searching for a solution on this, I did see a few comments similar to yours about the programs running normal but most of the content was over my head. I'll look through these apps again based on what you've said to be sure that that actually applies in all cases, i.e., don't any of them need input from me to do "their job ". One of them, MBRWiz shows the CLI window but when applying the "any key ", as instructed, to view the additional options, it then disappears. Now, that can't be right. Several of the others (they're all tiny standalones) are supposed to offer several options. I've been able, after many attempts, to get printscreens of 3 of the disappear-in-a-flash CLIs and, in each case, command-line options are listed. I believe if they were functioning correctly, they would expect input from me next.

 

Most commands display a help screen with options then exit. To be honest jamon, you are better running these commands from a cmd window until you get used to them.

I tend to have a utils directory at the root of drive C and put it in my path variable. If you do something similar (or wish to) then copy (do not move) these commands to that directory then all you need to do is type the command name.

To add a folder to your path right click on My Computer->Properties->Advanced Tab->Environment Variables, and under System variables Highlight "Path" and click edit.

If there is no semi-colon ( ; ) at the end of your path add one.

Now add your utils directory (eg C:\UTILS) and ok your way out.

You'll need to restart the computer before the new path takes affect.

 

Hi wildfire. Thanks for trying but I think you credit me with more expertise than I have. I couldn’t follow your instructions without asking several more questions. These little apps just aren’t worth all that trouble. I still believe they weren’t designed to run the way I’ve described. Each of their ReadMe files detail their operation in simple terms and it’s clear they expect that you’ll have the opportunity to enter any of several elementary (are they called “arguments”?) to perform their task. These are exes and are not the type of app that perform their job just by double-clicking the exe. I know there are apps that perform this way, it’s just that these aren’t them. I do appreciate that you give of your time and expertise all the same.

 

Wildfire, are you still there? Since last post I tried a few things along with what I could fathom from your (much appreciated) advice. I don’t know why I’m having such a problem learning this. I’ve been to several "CL Basics" sites and this is supposed to be a breeze! Hmmm…

So far, I’ve been able to open the .exe into the Windows Command util by dragging it there "“ that’s great, I can finally see the option windows that were disappearing before. But there’s where my luck ends. I’ve tried every possible combination to trigger the switches. The result’s always the same: "MBRWiz (or whatever "“ it’s the same in every case) is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file."

Although the program options window is displayed, the next line after, the one with with the cursor blinking, is always at the directory I opened the Command util in. e.g. C:\Documents and Settings\User name. Is that how it’s supposed to be? Where is the command "MBRWiz /List" supposed to be entered?

P.S. I tried to figure out this path variable thing, too. Searched the term…looked simple enough, but again "“ must be doing something wrong. I tried both methods, one through the registry, one through Environment Variables in SysProps. Neither method gave the expected result: allow me to open an .exe in Command with just the variable. Or have I got that wrong, too?

Thanks for hanging in there with me. (if you did.

 

Follow my instructions in post 4 and ask whatever questions you need to. The reason your command isn't recognized is because it isn't in your path.

 

Hello again. I believe I've followed your instructions to a "T ", wildfire and still, no joy. That's what's so annoying about this. I'm actually considering a subscription just so I can send you these beautiful screenshots to illustrate.

So here's what I entered in the fields in Environment Variables>User variables for JAMON: In the Variable column: mbrwiz (in the guide I used, name in the variable column was at my option. Yes? No?). Entered in the value column: C:\Standalone\MBRWiz2.0\MBRWiz.exe; (includes the semi-colon) There is no error in this path.

Now, if I have this right, I should be able to enter "mbrwiz" as a command (no matter what directory is showing before the cursor?) and the app should open. Right?

 

Wrong

Step by step ok.

1) Create a Utility folder in C:\
2) Copy (don't move) your stanalone command line programs to that folder.
3) Add C:\Utility to your path
A) Right Click My Computer->Properties->Advanced->Environment Variables
B) Look for the Path variable and click edit
C) Leave Variable name alone, in Variable value add ";C:\Utility" without the quotes.

4) Restart computer.

Notes:

Copy the command to C:\Utility not the directory. If the program requires any other files then they'll have to be copied too.

Jamon, this strategy is for small command line utilities, don't try to do this with applications.

 

Greetings, wildfire.

OK. New folder "Utility created in C:\.

Put copies of several of my small CL util exes in there.

Now, you said, add <;C:\Utility>. Not replace.

Existing in "value" now is "C:\Standalone\MBRWiz2.0\MBRWiz.exe; ".

1)There's already a semi-colon. Do we really want 2 of them?

2)Can a path exist that has the exe as parent to "C:\" ?

3)If there were other files accompanying the .exe, would they be copied to the C:\Utility folder loose with all the other .exes?

I'll wait for your response before I hit the "GO" button. Thanks for this.

 

Good

Yes

That should not be your path variable, if it is you'll have other problems.

Don't press GO (wherever that is), leave well alone and ask a friend who can sit next to you for assistance.

Jamon, this isn't rocket science but you are struggling to follow instructions online. I really recommend you ask someone to assist on site.

 

I think I'll just stop right here. Thanks anyway.

 

No problem,

Sorry I couldn't assist further but I don't want you to encounter future problems over such a minor issue.