How to run a batch file in power shell and tell if it generates error

Not exactly through powershell, but I always put an output to a TXT command for all the results in my batches for this reason.

Can I capture the results from the screen when the powershell script runs to a text file?

yes, with
| Out-file "log.txt"

Dan, can I specify the log file in the script? When I specify it at the command line, I get an empty log file.  But need to be able to specify it in the script.

footech, This is what I really need.  Can I get $lastexitcode to write to a text file from the script?


script.ps1
-------------------
c:\test\batch.bat
//write last exit code to text file

It's just a variable.  You can write it's contents to a file just like any other string (e.g. piping it to Add-Content, Out-File, or other commands).

Thanks.  I got what I need for the beginnings of my first PS script:

C:\Test\test.bat
$myfile = "c:\Test\log.txt"
Get-Date | Out-File $myfile -append
$lastexitcode | Out-File $myfile -append

Thanks!   Points coming!

Just as a curiosity: if you're learning powershell, why are you learning how to keep using bat files? :)

I would think a better learning exercise would be to transform your bat into a true powershell script.

my 2¢

I agree.  The call to the batch file will be replaced by calling an exe file.  This is just a test script to get me started coding.
Thanks again

BTW, it's great to see someone new to PS scripting asking how to do something vs. just "please write a script that does this", so kudos to you.
I think you'll find quite a few people in the PowerShell TA here that are willing to explain things when you have questions.

Thanks footech!  I'm looking forward to my journey through PowerShell.  I love my experts here.

Second on that!  I troll the forum all the time reading other people's questions and the responses...

:)