Inside a batch file, how can I tell whether a process is running?

Question

I\'d like to write a batch file that checks to see if a process is running, and takes one action if it is, and another action if it isn\'t.

I know I can use tasklist

Answer 1

You can use "for /f" construct to analyze program output.

set running=0
for /f "usebackq" %%T in (`tasklist /nh /fi "imagename eq firefox.exe"`) do set running=1

Also, it's a good idea to stick a

setlocal EnableExtensions

at the begginning of your script, just in case if the user has it disabled by default.

Answer 2

Some options:

• PsList from Microsoft

http://www.windowsdevcenter.com/pub/a/oreilly/windows/news/win2kcommands_0401.html#ps

• Cygwin (for ps)
• the resource kit (for ps.vbs)

http://www.windowsdevcenter.com/pub/a/oreilly/windows/news/win2kcommands_0401.html#ps

• Powershell for get-process.