Wait for a process to complete in CMD

Question

I want to write a batch file that executes another batch file, waits for it to complete the process (i.e. wait till the CMD window closes), then starts another application (.exe). How can I do that? I've tried this but it runs both processes simultaneously:

start "" "C:\Program Files\batch1.bat" /w
start "" "C:\Program Files\process1.exe"

P.S: I'm not sure if it matters, but the batch1.bat file that I mentioned executes a group of programs which takes a few seconds to complete.

Solution

Your basic error is the positioning of /w in the start command: in your command it is a parameter to batch1, not to start. You should use:

start /w "" "C:\Program Files\batch1.bat"

However, it is more efficient not to start a new cmd process and instead use:

call "C:\Program Files\batch1.bat"

Comments

[brakertech]

using start ended up not working for the flow i was using. the "call" command worked perfectly, thanks!