Batch file parallel processing

The problem is that the machine will shut down even if the first program isn't finished.

Odd. Wouldn't your batch check to see if the job is done? EXAMPLE.

ECHO RUNNING > RUNNING.TXT
START other job
Do things.
Done doing things.
IF EXIST RUNNING.TXT Sleep and check again

The other job when down deletes RUNNING.TXT to flag to the other batch job it's done.

It seems your scripts need a little more logic.
Bob

Bob, I don't understand what's happening in the echo command of your example. I tried this trivial example:

ECHO RUNNING > RUNNING.TXT
START "" notepad.exe
"c:\users\paul\desktop\us time zone map.gif"
IF EXIST RUNNING.TXT timeout /t 5 /nobreak > NUL
taskkill /IM notepad.exe

Killing the second process triggers ending the batch, even with the Start process still running. Killing the Start process doesn't affect the batch. So this doesn't achieve the mutual criticalness I'm looking for.

Thanks,
p.

I'm guessing you want to loop around until the other app has finished. Something like

:loopy
delay so long
if exist running.txt goto loopy

Sorry if I don't write the exact code. Just sharing the concept.
Bob

Ok, thanks. I got it working using a similar technique.

p.