[batch-file] Safest way to run BAT file from Powershell script

I can not get a powershell script to execute a bat file directly. For example, this works on the command line:

.\\my-app\my-fle.bat

When I add this command to a script, it outputs:

The term '.\\my-app\my-file.bat' is not recognized as the 
name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or operable program. 
Check the spelling of the name, or if a path was included, 
verify that the path is correct and try again.

I also tried the following, with the same result:

& .\\my-app\my-fle.bat
& ".\\my-app\my-fle.bat"
\my-app\my-fle.bat
& \my-app\my-fle.bat
& "\my-app\my-fle.bat"

Note: It must return the lastexitcode as I need to verify success of batch.

This question is related to batch-file powershell

The answer is


try running after changing file name from '-' to `_'

for eg: .\my_app\my_fle.bat

instead of .\\my-app\my-fle.bat

Or

cd my_app  
 .\my_file.bat

What about invoke-item script.bat.


To run the .bat, and have access to the last exit code, run it as:

 & .\my-app\my-fle.bat

cmd.exe /c '\my-app\my-file.bat'

Assuming my-app is a subdirectory under the current directory. The $LASTEXITCODE should be there from the last command:

.\my-app\my-fle.bat

If it was from a fileshare:

\\server\my-file.bat

@Rynant 's solution worked for me. I had a couple of additional requirements though:

  1. Don't PAUSE if encountered in bat file
  2. Optionally, append bat file output to log file

Here's what I got working (finally):

[PS script code]

& runner.bat bat_to_run.bat logfile.txt

[runner.bat]

@echo OFF

REM This script can be executed from within a powershell script so that the bat file
REM passed as %1 will not cause execution to halt if PAUSE is encountered.
REM If {logfile} is included, bat file output will be appended to logfile.
REM
REM Usage:
REM runner.bat [path of bat script to execute] {logfile}

if not [%2] == [] GOTO APPEND_OUTPUT
@echo | call %1
GOTO EXIT

:APPEND_OUTPUT
@echo | call %1  1> %2 2>&1

:EXIT

Try this, your dot source was a little off. Edit, adding lastexitcode bits for OP.

$A = Start-Process -FilePath .\my-app\my-fle.bat -Wait -passthru;$a.ExitCode

add -WindowStyle Hidden for invisible batch.