how to handle space in variable batch script

Question

I have batch file which is prompting user to provide file name. File can or can't have space. My batch is failing if my file name has space in it. For example:

SET TDSX=.txt    
SET /p DS=%1    
move C:\Working\YAHAMA\DEV\Script\%DS%%TDSX% C:\Working\YAHAMA\NEW_FO

Take the tour, read How to Ask and minimal reproducible example. Use code blocks for code. — jwdonahue
– jwdonahue, Commented Feb 28, 2018 at 6:20

jwdonahue · Accepted Answer · 2018-02-28 06:25:19Z

2

Put quotes around variable assignment like this:

set /p "DS=%~1"

The squiggly ~ thing removes any quotes from the argument. The above assumes that the file name on the command line has quotes around, otherwise, it's not a single argument as far as cmd is concerned, you may need:

set /p "DS=%*"

answered Feb 28, 2018 at 6:25

jwdonahue

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2 Comments

Saket Krishna Over a year ago

Hey i just tried the way you said but it is not liking it SET TDSX=.txt SET /p "DS=%~1" move C:\Working\DEV\Script\%DS%%TDSX% C:\Working\NEW_FO

phuclv Over a year ago

@SaketKrishna each single parameter that contains spaces must be surrounded with quotes move "C:\Working\DEV\Script\%DS%%TDSX%" C:\Working\NEW_FO

Compo · Accepted Answer · 2018-02-28 09:32:23Z

1

You need to protect the spaces in the resultant file and directory names using doublequotes too:

@Echo Off
CD /D "C:\Working\YAHAMA" 2>Nul || Exit /B
Set "TDSX=.txt"
Set /P "DS=%~1"
If Exist "DEV\Script\%DS%%TDSX%" (
    If Not Exist "NEW_FO\" MD "NEW_FO"
    Move "DEV\Script\%DS%%TDSX%" "NEW_FO"
)

edited Feb 28, 2018 at 9:32

answered Feb 28, 2018 at 8:58

Compo

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