Thanks, Linda for letting us know that the transition files are in the Files\Utilities.__._,_.___
I myself had no problems using the DOS batch files.
When someone tries to open the transition program using the Windows short-cut, the DOS window does not stay open, when the second gray window appears.
When I said that I was trying to write a batch file, I was trying to figure out, what we can pass to the DOS window at the Window short-cut target, so that the file name can be picked up and translated one at a time, without having to enter 'diff' 'full' 'yes' .. etc. and eventually the full file name.
I think, it is simpler just to ignor the Window shortcut and use the DOS batch file. Double click on the batch file will open the DOS window.
The three file name version is better, however, in VISTA PC, if the original .idf file is read-only, the DOS program may not be able to modify it to the new version, and no warnings sometimes. This may create more confusions for the .idf file, sometime new, sometime old depending on the attribute of the file. Creating new files are always allowed in VISTA, unless the directory is write protected.
The two file name transistion will always work with VISTA, because the original .idf file is not modified. May be you should leave it as it is. (old version) in .idf and (new version ) in .idfnew.
Dr. Li.
To: EnergyPlus_Support@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
From: linda@xxxxxxxxxx
Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:14:18 -0700
Subject: RE: [EnergyPlus_Support] Need Help
Actually, I have set it up so that the transition programs can all be in one folder and have made a couple of batch files to make the transition of a set of files (a list) or a single file very easy.
If you look under the Utilities folder in the files section:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/EnergyPlus_Support/files/Utilities/
You will see a couple of big zip files called Transitions-Part1 and Transitions-Part2.
Further, the TransitionsReadme.txt file describes how to unzip and use the files.
For me, it's easiest to set up a list of files and pass that to the batch files. With this all idf, rvi and mvi files will be transitioned. And, in this fashion, idf (new one), idfnew (same as idf) and idfold will be built.
If you do a single interactive run of the transition program with a single file, you will get only idf (old file) and idfnew. (If that seems too confusing, I could change it to the above).
Linda