Windows batch-file that continues after launching each program

Question

I'm trying to create a very simple Windows-XP batch file:

Program1.exe
Sleep 3
Program2.exe
Sleep 5
Program3.exe
Sleep 11

Of course, I don't want to have to exit each program, before the next 1 starts. The default for batch-files seems to be "stop until the previous program exists".

How do I get this script to run as expected?

Edit: The 3 executables listed above are more like "notepad" type programs. They open and run and don't just "open,run,close".

Answer 1

Use the Start command. Change your batch to this:

Start Program1.exe
Sleep 3
Start Program2.exe
Sleep 5
Start Program3.exe
Sleep 11