Ok, after searching the Wiki and the forum several times, I never did find anything saying how to start static zones - either in a batch file or from the database. In addition, it seems that none of the 7.0.xxx version http manager's work properly (cannot find package EQW). So, having finally seen what was right in front of my eyes and luckily spotting a post with an example of launching one zone as static, I figure I should post an example for other forum searchers.
Launching a static zone is danged simple (which is probably why it took me so long to figure it out). Zone.exe is used along with the short name of the zone you want launched. As far as I can tell, Zone.exe takes no arguments either - so there isn't much to remember.
At the end of your start.bat or in a stand alone batchfile, write the following
start zone.exe gfaydark
When that is run, a new dos window will open and gfaydark will be loaded as a static zone.
the word "start" is important. This tells DOS to launch the command in a new window and not wait for the new window to finish before carrying on. If you omit start, the batch file will simply sit there until you shut down gfaydark by closing its window.
Loading up zones takes CPU time and resources so simply putting in
start zone <a zone>
start zone <another zone>
start zone <yet another zone>
...100 more zones.
Would likely bring your computer to its knees. On my P4 3.4Gig it takes about 5 seconds to load up a zone so I add a slightly longer delay between each zone command.
start zone gfaydark
sleep 7
start zone crushbone
sleep 7
start zone runnyeye
...
Thats all there is to it!
P.S. I run a second batch file for static zones. That way I can wait until the dynamic zones are finished doing their stuff before I start all the static zones.
If anyone knows other ways of starting static zones, please let us know!