When running a batch file it might be beneficial and necessary to have a log file detailing the status of the commands. While there are different ways around creating a log file, batch file redirection is the key.
To explain redirection lets see this example of a batch file that shutdowns some computers:
shutdown -s -f -m \\Computer01 -c >> shutdownlog.txt 2>&1
shutdown -s -f -m \\Computer02 -c >> shutdownlog.txt 2>&1
shutdown -s -f -m \\Computer03 -c >> shutdownlog.txt 2>&1
If you look at the end of the command i have added the following:
>> – Will append the log file.
shutdownlog.txt -The name given to the log file.
2>&1 - Displays standard output and standard error of command on the log file.
At the end of your batch file you can also add a date & time stamp:
echo %date% %time% >> shutdownlog.txt
Great page on Batch file redirection – http://www.robvanderwoude.com/redirection.php