Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms: AUTOEXEC.BAT
AUTOEXEC.BAT
in DOS and early versions ofWindows, a file that contains commands to be executed as the computer boots up. It is stored in the root directory of the boot disk, which is normally drive C See BAT file (batch file).
In Windows NT, 2000, XP, and their successors, the function of AUTOEXEC.BAT has been taken over by the Registry. However, if an AUTOEXEC.BAT file exists, Windows normally reads it and executes the SET and PATH commands in it. Whether this happens is controlled by the registry key ParseAutoexec, A separate file, AUTOEXEC.NT, is executed at the beginning of every DOS-mode program.
