HOWTO Batch Language Date and Time

Overview

Batch language is super basic but there is one trick BATCH supports for getting the date and time. Looking through many different blogs I was able to assemble this HOWTO.

I use this syntax for a little script that I wrote that to backup/archive various coding directories I have on my workstation. I use Windows Backups but I find I trust a simple BAT file that creates date/time stamped 7z files. I wish Windows had a “time machine” like facility but use what you have vs fuss.
To create a proper date/time stamp you can use the following technique.

Syntax/Technique

If you include something like this in your Windows BAT file, you will get a date and time that can be applied to a filename or similar.

set hr=%time:~0,2%
if "%hr:~0,1%" equ " " set hr=0%hr:~1,1%
set FNAME=ARC_%date:~-4,4%%date:~-10,2%%date:~-7,2%_%hr%%time:~3,2%%time:~6,2%.zip
echo %FNAME%

… you will get a result like this

C:\Users\k.langer>echo %FNAME%
ARC_20150209_115340.zip

Conclusion

You can use this trick when automating backups or similar.
[For More Information http://stackoverflow.com/questions/7727114/batch-command-date-and-time-in-file-name]