ICT-Hotlist Topic

Back to the ICT-Hotlist...

Correct use of the Choice command.

By Johan van Soest.

Published : 2021-01-16.

Last updated : 2021-01-16.

There are a lot of syntax descriptions of the Windows/Dos Choice command available on the internet. Most examples are sadly wrong. Here my effort to present a working and clear example. Notice the decrementing use of the errorlevel, incrementing will NOT work.

@echo off
REM ********************************************************************
REM * This batch file shows the correct use of the Choice command
REM * A lot of examples don't show the decending use of the errorlevel
REM * check.
REM * (C)Copyright 2021-2025 vanSoest.it by Johan van Soest
REM ********************************************************************
CHOICE /c yn /M "Do you want to copy the application(.exe)"
if errorlevel 2 goto LabNo
if errorlevel 1 goto LabYes
:LabNo
Echo "OK not copying exe"
REM Copy other files
goto LabFinal
:LabYes
echo "Copying exe"
REM Copy application
:LabFinal

You may vote your opinion about this article:

Scripts and programming examples disclaimer

Unless stated otherwise, the script sources and programming examples provided are copyrighted freeware. You may modify them, as long as a reference to the original code and hyperlink to the source page is included in the modified code and documentation. However, it is not allowed to publish (copies of) scripts and programming examples on your own site, blog, vlog, or distribute them on paper or any other medium, without prior written consent.
Many of the techniques used in these scripts, including but not limited to modifying the registry or system files and settings, impose a risk of rendering the Operating System inoperable and loss of data. Make sure you have verified full backups and the associated restore software available before running any script or programming example. Use these scripts and programming examples entirely at your own risk. All liability claims against the author in relation to material or non-material losses caused by the use, misuse or non-use of the information provided, or the use of incorrect or incomplete information, are excluded. All content is subject to change and provided without obligation.