Microsoft KB Archive/33122

How to Display a Blank Line from a Batch File PSS ID Number: Q33122 Article last modified on 02-10-1993 PSS database name: O_MSDOS

2.x 3.x

MS-DOS

Summary:

Four different methods can be used to write a blank line to the display from within a batch file. The method you choose will depend on the version of MS-DOS you are using.

More Information:

If you are using MS-DOS Versions 2.x, you can write a blank line to the display from a batch file by using the ECHO command, followed by two spaces. If you are using MS-DOS Versions 3.x, the above method does not work. However, the following two methods will work with MS-DOS Versions 2.x and 3.x:


 * 1) Use the ECHO command followed first by a blank character and then by a CTRL+@ character (ASCII 00h, also known as the NULL character). In EDLIN, you can enter a CTRL+@ character by pressing the F7 key, or by typing CTRL+V followed by the @ character. For more information on entering control characters using EDLIN, search the KnowledgeBase for the article dealing with entering and displaying control characters using EDLIN.
 * 2) Use the ECHO command, followed by a blank character and then by the character with ASCII value FFh. In EDLIN, you can enter ASCII character FFh by holding down the ALT key and typing the number 255 on the numeric keypad (255 is the decimal equivalent of the hexadecimal number FF).

If you are using MS-DOS Versions 3.10, 3.2x, or 3.30, you can write a blank line to the display from a batch file by using the ECHO command, followed by a period. For example, the following lines demonstrate this last method if they are placed in a batch file and executed under MS-DOS Version 3.30:

@ECHO OFF ECHO A blank line follows this line. ECHO. ECHO A blank line precedes this line.

Additional reference words: 2.x 3.x noupd

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1993.