%2 in batch file is ignored on execution in command prompt

Question

I have an image file named first%20second.png

I have a test.bat file that renames images.

It looks like this:

Timeout 3
Copy "C:\first%20second.png" "C:\sub\first%20second.png"
Timeout 3

When the batch file runs it does this instead

Copy "C:\first0second.png" "C:\sub\first0second.png"

The %2 does not get included

why is this?

Demonstration of the occurrence

I found a similar post answering my question stackoverflow.com/questions/1907057/… — Vincent Tang, Commented Apr 8, 2018 at 22:07
You have to double the percent sign such as: Copy "C:\first%%20second.png" "C:\sub\first%%20second.png" — Vomit IT - Chunky Mess Style, Commented Apr 8, 2018 at 22:33

Vomit IT - Chunky Mess Style · Accepted Answer · 2018-04-08 22:36:12Z

1

You need to double the percent sign to escape it properly in a batch script.

Command

Copy "C:\first%%20second.png" "C:\sub\first%%20second.png"

Further Resources

answered Apr 8, 2018 at 22:36

41.6k27 gold badges93 silver badges124 bronze badges

Add a comment |