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Start Multiple Windows Programs

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11 replies

by earlkaplan

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I have the need to simultaneously start two windows applications. I do not have access to either applications source. How can I get Windows to start both with one icon click?

11 replies

by mjost

Create a batch file with the programs listed and then create a new icon on the desk top.

Example:
Open Notepad and type the following
C:\WINDOWS\NOTEPAD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\calc.exe
and save as Test.bat

Then right click on blank area of the desk top, select new short cut, enter the path and name of the above batch file in the command line, enter the name of this new shortcut, select icon to use, and click finish

Hope that helps.

by earlkaplan

I knew that batch file would work, but it leaves a DOS window behind which has to be manually closed. It works but it isn't neat.

by ann777

Why not put a shortcut to each of them in your startup folder?

Then you'd not have any clicks.

by ann777

You can also create the shortcut to run minimized, maximized or in a "normal" window.

by mjost

OK, to further clarify and add the next step: Right click on and goto the properties of this newly created short cut, go to the program tab, got to and check or click the "Close on exit' ... this gets rid of the dos window.......by closing it......

by sd_giffin

The batch file idea will work and you can select "Close Window on Exit" in the property pages under Windows 9x and when the batch file is done, it will close by itself. This will also create a shortcut (or .PIF file) with the same name as the batch file.

Sometimes Windows doesn't check for .PIFs when running programs and you may be left with the open window again unless you run the batch file using the .PIF in the future.

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