How to call and close while the called executable is running?

Question

In a batch file when you call an executable your prompt window stays open. How to hide it?

Answer 1

You can put "Start" before the name of the executable. This will start the executable and exit without waiting for it to finish.

For example,

notepad.exe
exit

will not close the command prompt window until notepad is closed.

start notepad.exe
exit

will exit immediately without waiting.

Of course, if subsequent actions in the batch file are dependent on the executable finishing then this will be of no use to you.

Answer 2

There's a couple little utility .exe files here which allow you to maximize/minimize/restore shell windows.