Adding tasks

Actually, I clicked on Add Scheduled Task.  I tried your way.

I also tried the AT command.

I have tried scheduling in Windows XP. And in Windows 2000. Never a task will run.

I try different times. I try different applications. I do have correct pathnames.  I can't convince it to tell me any reason why it ignores the task.

See if any of the KB articles here apply (sorry for long URL)

http://support.microsoft.com/search/default.aspx?InCC_hdn=true&Catalog=LCID%3D2057%26CDID%3DEN-US-KB%26PRODLISTSRC%3DON&QuerySource=gASr_Query&Product=winxp&Queryc=scheduled+task+does+not+run&Query=scheduled+task+does+not+run&KeywordType=ALL&maxResults=25&Titles=false&numDays=&InCC=on

jodpur,

When you set up that task did you open Task Scheduler then go to File|New|Scheduled Task? When you do so, you should name the task and press . Right click on the new task and select Properties. In the "Run" box enter %SystemRoot%\System32\calc.exe and on the Schedule tab enter the day and time you wish the calculator to run. (You could also browse to the cal.exe file to enter it in the Run box.) Click "Apply" and you will be prompted to enter your user password (once to enter, a second time to confirm). OK out and the task should run without a problem.

Message Edited by Denny Denham on 04-16-2004 04:07 PM

Message Edited by Denny Denham on 04-16-2004 04:08 PM

You are the Man, Gary!

Yeah, your command seems to work. I didn't believe it would be any different. Up pops Mr. Watson. But my command still doesn't. Have you tried it? Short to type, and just enter close to your own time of day.

Of course, before I tried yours, I didn't actually wait till 8am!  I changed the time first, before trying it.

This AT command instructions is terrible. I can't believe how anyone can follow it. So cryptic.

 

If you use System Tools > Scheduled Tasks it requires the user account to have a password.
The Task can also be set using the Command Prompt window AT command & doesn't require a user password.
AT  time   [/INTERACTIVE]     [ /EVERY:date[,...] | /NEXT:date[,...]]   "command"
enter

ie:  at  08:00   /interactive  /every:m   "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRWTSN32.EXE"

(where 08:00 is time , m is for monday  , this is for weekly & multiple days can be entered separated by , )

( like every:M,T,W,Th,F,S,Su ) (include Quotes for "command" )

(t can be set for monthly by using  /every:20    where 20 is day of month)

You can then check All Programs > Accessories > System Tools >Scheduled Tasks
Right click & select "Rename" of ATx  or test with "Run"

Scheduled Task won't normally run unless you have a User account Password & enter that.
You can run Scheduled tasks without a Password by Regedit or downloading Kelly's Korner Script.

Needs  Windows SP1 installed.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa
limitblankpassworduse    DWORD    0

or use Kelly's Korner vbs  script;
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/sthome.vbs
Just Authorize Script.
---------------
If you also change the Scheduled Task , "View" to  Details   it should give reason for not running , you might have to scroll to right by using bottom > arrow.

Message Edited by gryjhnhpe on 04-17-2004 12:17 PM

Thanks Mr. Rosenfeld. The link length is fine.

Actually, I suddenly got a program to run. Not sure what was done different.

But the commands I try to launch with AT still don't seem to come up.

Could you maybe confirm if this is a valid AT command. Like on your system?

AT 10:00PM "NOTEPAD"

 

Yes, I saw your reply about password. That seemed to be half of my problem. One machine seemed to later actually tell me that was a problem. (At least when I fiddled with the tasks screen for a bit.) The other machine never told me of any such problem. But I think it did want a password anyway.

You are right about interact. Though the term is really not clear to me.

 

---

jodpur wrote:....AT 10:00PM "NOTEPAD"

---

There isn't any  PM as it 24hrs time , 00:00 - 23:59
Your Task without the PM works OK but also without the     /interactive   parameter it won't show.
/interactive allows it interact with the Desktop of User , ie:
at 10:00  /interactive  "notepad"

without  /interactive  the "View" > "Details" will show "Status"  Running then you have to right click on AT & select "End Task".

Did you see my previous Reply about Password. ?

Say Denny, were you always easily able to set scheduled tasks? Your first reply suggested that all one needed was to go to the Scheduler, add a new task, give it a name, and a correct program to launch.

But later posters have elaborated other details, and the function now seems rather less simple. A little odd since you figure scheduling has got to be essential for many people to backup up their folders, one example. And there, my Scheduled tasks window has had some confusing parts. Most of the previously set tasks are like

Next Run Time:
Never
Never
Never

And: Status

Could not start
Could not start
Blank
Blank

No hints at all with that. Some said Running, but nothing ran.

Doesn't seem straightforward there. At least not without you experts.

Were there no special details needed for some people, for success?

 

 

every time i try to set a scheduled task, i get this error:

0x8007007a: The data passed to a system call is too small.

Any suggestions or help is greatly appreciated!!

 

 

toadr,

See if the information here helps.

I will try this and will let you know if it works for me. Thanks alot. 

I did everything it said to do but still would not run.Hope there is something else i can try. If any one knows any thing please let me know. Thanks again.   

You could try running SFC , which checks protected System Files for corruption & if found replaces them from reinstall..XP CD .
If it prompts for XP CD , hold Shift key while inserting XP CD to stop Auto play.
Use Start > Run & type
sfc  /scannow  (space after sfc)
---------------
If you don't get a fix you could try a Windows Repair from boot of XP CD.
Set BIOS to first boot from CD drive.
Start new install by pressing "Enter" key (don't select the first R for Recovery Console) then when the next R is displayed press R key.
If you do a Windows Repair you will have to download the Windows Updates again including SP1a if not shown on XP CD label.
Enable XP Firewall to protect from Blaster Worm virus before going onto the Internet.
---------------
If that doesn't work you might have to do a Clean Install , if you really want Scheduled Tasks to work.

Use the below links for info on a Clean Install then install Drivers from DELL Drivers & Utilities (Resource) CD with Windows XP started ,
 just insert Driver CD & click OK.

I have shown  Supersite & Elder Geek links last as they assumes Clean Install status so doesn't include step to delete existing partition  & so achieve Clean Install status.
(Clean Install status , ie: no Windows OS installed on HD).

Use  this link & select XP Home or PRO then method , ie: Used Hard Drive , Multi_Page has text & large pictures of Clean Install.
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/

Use this link for Clean Install of XP , if you click on Pictures they Expand for easy view
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html (Delete existing partition at step 10b for Clean Install)

or use this link ( *** Delete existing partition at step 5 for Clean Install ***)
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

or use this link (***Delete exiting partition at Fig 06 for a Clean Install**)
http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_install_-_graphic.htm

Clean Install deletes existing partition (like FDISK)  &  Formats HD during Install of Windows XP  from XP CD.
Set BIOS to use CD-ROM as 1st boot device usually by pressing "F2" key during boot (startup),
for some Computers press "Del" key. (the Key should be shown on first screen displayed at startup)
Re-start Computer & when message "Press any key to boot from CD" shows do it & let subsequent messages "Press any key...." time out to Windows setup.