In batch files, is it possible to perform operations (copy, start, etc) on files that have spaces in the path?

Question

For example: c:\program files\stuff.exe.
If I try to enclose the entire path in quotes, a new command prompt is opened with the full path in the title bar.

Answer 1

It can be done, and I was able to replicate the situation you've described. In order to use the start command to use a specific path, first you should avoid the quotes. Secondly, DOS and batch commands can use what is considered non 8.3 directory formats i.e. (c:\program files), but it tends to favor 8.3 formats more, that don't contain spaces i.e. (c:\progra~1) instead of (c:\program files). In order to find what the 8.3 directory name is simply at command prompt enter dir /x. This will give you a listing of the current directory and its 8.3 alias which will appear as c:\directory~X. Now for example, we can use the dos command to open up windows media player:
start c:\progra~1\windows~1\mplayer2.exe . Please note that is running under windows 2000, but the same principle applies. If I were to do the same command without the shortened directory names, c:\ program files\ windows media player\mplayer2.exe, the system, gives me an error. It simply gets confused with too many spaces in the directory structure. Hopefully this will aid in your scripts