I have already researched on this site as well as on google extensively for this. I have created a number of batch files that perform certain automated transactions(backups etc) on our production database. i want to further simplify my end of day processes by taking the dumps using a script that accepts input of some parameters. the script is able to login the isql prompt but unable to do the execution of the commands. @ECHO ***Started*** @ECHO Enter MonthDay(MMDD) SET /p md= @ECHO %md% mkdir \\10.20.1.17\arch\212%md%_banking set run=isql -Uuser -SORBITS -Ppass %run% @echo dump database banking to '/media/newArch/212%md%_banking/212%md%EOD_banking.dmp' with compression=5 @echo dump database master to '/media/newArch/212%md%_banking/212%md%EOD_master.dmp' @echo go pause I have been unsuccessful at putting these in a separate script file because the script itself uses a passed parameter. Please give me hints and links to Thanks