Autoexec.bat does not execute on startup.

Question

I have an Autoexec.bat file which works fine when I run it, but does not do anything, apparently, on startup.  It has commands to empty my recent documents folder.  It worked fine on startup before I had to format my hard drive and start all over, and as I said, it works fine when run manually.  Any idea how to get it to run on startup?

Answer 1

Hi bbran,

1. Is your computer running on a domain?

Autoexec.bat does not run at startup but at user logon.

The first thing to test when you are having problems with MS-DOS-based programs is the Windows Virtual DOS Machine (NTVDM) subsystem. You can use the Command.com utility to test whether the NTVDM subsystem is running properly. To start Command.com, follow these steps:

a. Click the Start button, and then click Run.

b. In the Open box, type command.com, and then click OK.

This should start a command prompt window. If this does not work properly, then there is a problem with the NTVDM subsystem.

For more information, see **Troubleshooting MS-DOS-based programs in Windows XP**

We also recommend you to check if the program is set to run automatically at startup.

See Change programs that run automatically at startup

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Answer 2

Hi bbran,

You can directly add the Autoexec.bat in the startup folder. It should execute when you restart the computer.

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Answer 3

The computer is not running on a domain, and I have one user on the computer.  So, do I have to add a shortcut to this file in the startup folder, in order for it to run?  I thought becuase it was an autoexec, it ran automatically.  Please confirm.  And yes, the Command prompt has been working fine.