How to add a set path only for that batch file executing?

Question

Just like any other environment variable, with SET:

SET PATH=%PATH%;c:\whatever\else

If you want to have a little safety check built in first, check to see if the new path exists first:

IF EXIST c:\whatever\else SET PATH=%PATH%;c:\whatever\else

If you want that to be local to that batch file, use setlocal:

setlocal
set PATH=...
set OTHERTHING=...

@REM Rest of your script

Read the docs carefully for setlocal/endlocal , and have a look at the other references on that site - Functions is pretty interesting too and the syntax is tricky.

The Syntax page should get you started with the basics.

There is an important detail:

set PATH="C:\linutils;C:\wingit\bin;%PATH%"

does not work, while

set PATH=C:\linutils;C:\wingit\bin;%PATH%

works. The difference is the quotes!

UPD also see the comment by venimus

That's right, but it doesn't change it permanently, but just for current command prompt, if you wanna to change it permanently you have to use for example this:

setx ENV_VAR_NAME "DESIRED_PATH" /m

This will change it permanently and yes you can overwrite it by another batch script.