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Timeout

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Timeout

Pauses the command processor for the specified number of seconds.

Syntax

timeout /t TimeoutInSeconds [/nobreak]

Parameters
  • /t TimeoutInSeconds
    Specifies the decimal number of seconds (between -1 and 99999) to wait before the command processor continues processing. The value -1 causes the computer to wait indefinitely for a keystroke.
  • /nobreak
    Specifies to ignore a user key stroke.
  • /?
    Displays help at the command prompt.
Remarks

  • The timeout command is typically used in batch files.

  • A user keystroke resumes the command processor execution immediately, even if the time-out period has not expired.

  • Timeout is similar to the MS-DOSpause command when you use it in conjunction with the sleep command.

Examples

To pause the command processor for ten seconds, type:

timeout /t 10

To pause the command processor for 100 seconds and to ignore any key press, type:

timeout /t 100 /nobreak

To pause the command processor indefinitely until a key is pressed, type:

timeout /t -1

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Format Meaning

Italic

Information that the user must supply

Bold

Elements that the user must type exactly as shown

Ellipsis (...)

Parameter that can be repeated several times in a command line

Between brackets ([])

Optional items

Between braces ({}); choices separated by pipe (|). Example: {even|odd}

Set of choices from which the user must choose only one

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Code or program output

See Also

Concepts

Pause
Command-line reference A-Z
Command shell overview
Pause