Noobie question - trying to create a batch file to execute a few tasks at startup Win XP Pro...

Hi all - I'm new to DOS and I'm trying to write a batch file to perform some basic actions upon startup such as stopping a couple of services, flushing the DNS resolver cache and deleting the windows prefetch aswell as opening a program.  So far the contents of the batch file is as follows:

@ECHO OFF
start cmd.exe /K ipconfig /flushdns
CALL PMSLEEP.BAT 2             // used to cause a delay while network is found
CALL DELETEPREFETCH.BAT
sc.exe stop wzcsvc
sc.exe stop dhcp
start SpkSet.exe
exit
@cls

Contents of DELETEPREFETCH.BAT is: del c:\windows\prefetch\*.* /q


Now, the main problem I'm having is that once the ipconfig /flushdns command had been executed the DOS window remains open. A few websites have said that adding the exit and @cls commands at the end closes the window, but this doesnt seem to work.  Also, if possible I would like the DOS window to remain minimised during its execution. Any suggestions on a more efficient or elegent way of writing the batch would also be helpful.

I tried entering the /MIN command initially and received the message telling me that it wasn't recognised as an internal or external command etc. The strange thing is that I've now ommited the command the same message still appears even though the batch works as normal, any suggestions why the message is still appearing?

Also, what would be the best folder be to place batch files in, atm I have them in the Windows folder with a shortcut in the startup folder via the Start menu?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.