To run scripts using the command-line-based script host (Cscript.exe)

You can run scripts with the command-line-based script host by typing the following at the command prompt:

cscript [script name] [host options] [script arguments]

Where:

  • script name is the name of the script file, including the file name extension and any necessary path information.

  • host options are the command-line switches that enable or disable various Windows Script Host features. Host options are always preceded by two slashes (//).

  • script arguments are the command-line switches that are passed to the script. Script arguments are always preceded by one slash (/).

Note

  • Each parameter is optional; however, you cannot specify script arguments without specifying a script. If you do not specify a script or any script arguments, Cscript.exe displays the Cscript.exe syntax and the valid host options.

  • The command-line-based script host supports the following host options:

    Parameter

    Action

    //B

    Specifies batch mode, which does not display alerts, scripting errors, or input prompts.

    //D

    Turns on the debugger.

    //E: engine

    Specifies the scripting language that is used to run the script.

    //H:cscript or //H:wscript

    Registers either Cscript.exe or Wscript.exe as the default script host for running scripts. If neither is specified, the default is Wscript.exe.

    //I

    Specifies interactive mode, which displays alerts, scripting errors, and input prompts. This is the default and the opposite of //B.

    //Job: xxxx

    Runs the job identified by xxxx in a .wsf script file.

    //Logo

    Specifies that the Windows Script Host banner is displayed in the console window before the script runs. This is the default and the opposite of //Nologo.

    //Nologo

    Specifies that the Windows Script Host banner is not displayed before the script runs.

    //S

    Saves the current command-prompt options for the current user.

    //T: nnnnn

    Specifies the maximum time the script can run (in seconds). You can specify up to 32,767 seconds. The default is no time limit.

    //X

    Starts the script in the debugger.

    //? 

    Displays available command parameters and provides help for using them (this is the same as typing Cscript.exe with no parameters and no script).

  • The time out option (**//T:**nnnnn) prevents excessive execution of scripts by setting a time limit. When execution time exceeds the specified value, Cscript.exe interrupts the script engine and stops the process.

  • You can also use Windows Script Host to create .wsf script files, with which you can call multiple scripting engines and perform multiple jobs, all from one file.