Batch files : How to leave the console window open

At here:

cmd.exe /k "<SomePath>\<My Batch File>.bat" & pause

Take a look what are you doing:

1. (cmd /K) Start a NEW cmd instance.
2. (& pause) Pause the CURRENT cmd instance.

How to resolve it? well,using the correct syntax, enclosing the argument for the new CMD instance:

cmd.exe /k ""<SomePath>\<My Batch File>.bat" & pause"

If that is really all the batch file is doing, remove the cmd /K and add PAUSE.

start /B /LOW /WAIT make package
PAUSE

Then, just point your shortcut to "My Batch File.bat"...no need to run it with CMD /K.

UPDATE

Ah, some new info...you're trying to do it from a pinned shortcut on the taskbar.

I found this, Adding Batch Files to Windows 7 Taskbar like the Vista/XP Quick Launch, with the relevant part below.

1. First, pin a shortcut for CMD.EXE to the taskbar by hitting the start button, then type "cmd" in the search box, right-click the result and chose "Pin to Taskbar".
2. Right-click the shortcut on the taskbar.
3. You will see a list that includes "Command Prompt" and "Unpin this program from the taskbar".
4. Right-click the icon for CMD.EXE and select Properties.
5. In the box for Target, go to the end of "%SystemRoot%\system32\cmd.exe" and type " /C " and the path and name of the batch file.

For your purposes, you can either:

1. Use /C and put a PAUSE at the end of your batch file.

   OR

2. Change the command line to use /K and remove the PAUSE from your batch file.