I want to launch a 2nd Skype instance from a Batch file. I have done that successfully with the run window:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Skype\Phone\skype.exe" /secondary

But for the life of me I cannot figure out how to do the same from a Batch file. Here is a list of my failed attempts:

  1. Nothing happens here. Command window opens and stays open:

    start "C:\Program Files (x86)\Skype\Phone\skype.exe /secondary"

  2. Command window opens and closes:

    start "C:\Program Files (x86)\Skype\Phone\skype.exe" /secondary

  3. Error message "Secondary does not exist"

    start "C:\Program Files (x86)\Skype\Phone\skype.exe" "/secondary"

What am I doing wrong?

link|improve this question

how can we do it in linux if user is accessing ubuntu box using thin client? – Satya Jan 25 at 18:17
feedback

1 Answer

up vote 2 down vote accepted

Don't use the "start" command.

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Skype\Phone\skype.exe" /secondary

----- edit -----

or

start "Some Title" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Skype\Phone\skype.exe" /secondary

The title is required.

link|improve this answer
Duh! How simple can it be? Thanks, mate. Do you know how to make that command line windows disappear after running the batch file? – user 99572 is fine Jan 25 at 18:28
I forgot... start requires a title.... /facepalm.... and you're right that you need start to fork the process away from the cmd prompt. – TheCompWiz Jan 25 at 18:41
Thanks mate for clearing this up. – user 99572 is fine Jan 25 at 19:51
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.