I need a batch file to open a random file within a certain folder/path


  1. Posts : 21
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
       #1

    I need a batch file to open a random file within a certain folder/path


    I want a batch to select and open a random link file in a folder i have. All the links are music videos I like to listen to, and I kind of want to just have an option for 'surprise me!'.
    I can change the file names if I have to, and I have a basic batch file ability. I know the simple commands, but nothing of the variables, signs-involving commands (&%!?), etc.

    Also, I want to learn a whole lot more about programming/java/batch file, so it'd be awesome if any code could be explained. Thank you, in advance
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  2. Posts : 5,092
    Windows 7 32 bit
       #2

    There's a free Windows scripting language called Autoit3 that would do this task easily using these functons:

    Random
    _FileListToArray

    AutoIt - AutoItScript


    It has a Basic like syntax and is easy to learn.

    Another popular scripting for Windows is AutoHotkey
    AutoHotkey: macro and automation Windows scripting language

    The syntax can be confusing but it has object support and is more powerful.

    Of course there are tons of others for Windows:
    Rexx
    Python
    Perl
    Ruby

    Here's a list. The details for each tell which OS are supported:
    Free Programming Languages - Freebyte's Guide to
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  3. Posts : 2
    win 7 ultimate
       #3

    Post the name of the folder and the names of the files in it.
    I will then post back a .bat file that you can copy and use.
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  4. Posts : 21
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #4

    I can try the autoit script, i saw it a while ago when I did a different batch file mission, but I knew it wouldnt work for my purpose and I didnt even try it then.

    C:\Users\Owner\Desktop\MineMusic is the folder path and the files in it are a collection of random song names. I have probably 50-100 in it, but I dont really care about the file names if i just make it all random. They are .url internet shortcuts, btw.
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  5. Posts : 2
    win 7 ultimate
       #5

    well here's a .bat that will get you on the way .. you will need to change all the folder links and add a player at the end

    @echo off
    cls
    E:\DTREE\dtree.exe /y ETUtils\DTPics\net\picxx.jpg
    setlocal enabledelayedexpansion

    set /a rand=%random%%%31+1

    pushd E:\dtutils\dtpics\net\

    set nbr=1
    for /f "delims=*" %%1 in ('dir /a-d /b *.jpg') do (
    set file=%%1
    set /a nbr+=1
    if !nbr! gtr !rand! goto getout
    )

    :getout
    xcopy /y "%file%" "E:\DTUtils\dtpics\net\picxx.jpg"
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  6. Posts : 5,092
    Windows 7 32 bit
       #6

    WinJake said:
    I can try the autoit script, i saw it a while ago when I did a different batch file mission, but I knew it wouldnt work for my purpose and I didnt even try it then.
    It can do it quite easily. Write as much of the script as you can and post it here:
    General Help and Support - AutoIt Forums

    We all get stuck when trying to do something the first time. But if you are interesting in programming the key is to get a simple version to work or nearly work. This gives you a test bed to learn how to do the new or difficult thing. Once you understand how it works you may just fix the program or come up with a better design. Programming is all about learning curve. To progress you need to be willing to absorb some.

    Good luck with it. :)
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