Using Windows Scheduled Task function

All screen shots were created so that if the user is still running with 800 x 600 resolution they will be able to read this help function. I hope it does not make this difficult to read for those users with higher resolutions.

As far back as windows 98 and perhaps earlier, Windows has provided a tool to allow users to schedule programs to be started automatically with several time and day options. This feature can easily be used and is a great way to personalize your PC.

As you can see the "Scheduled Task" feature can be located by selecting "Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Scheduled Tasks"

If you have never scheduled and tasks then the screen will look like this.Some programs add to this list when they install. In either case you will click on the "Add Scheduled Task" item. NOTE: A scheduled item can be deleted simply by right clicking on it.

The first thing you do is locate the program you want to schedule. Windows generates a list based on the applications that are installed on your PC. If for some reason your program is not on this list then you can browse for it. To browse for it you must know enough about the program and its path to be able to select the actual "executable" file.

This first option speaks for it's self. You will be given an opportunity to refine the schedule more in a moment.

Now you get to set your options with more detail. Note that the Hrs, Mins, and AMPM are selected individually by high-lighting each unit with your mouse click and then using the up/down arrows.

If your operating system allows multiply users to log on individually then you will get this screen. Your password is the one you use when logging on. If you leave the password blank then you need to proceed to the advanced options to make sure this task will run when you are logged on.

At this point in time the scheduling is done and you can perhaps simply "click" finish. However in this example I checked the "open advanced properties" item

The advanced options are tools that allow you to further customize this scheduled event. NOTE: the "Run only if logged on" check box. If you did not enter a password when your PC has multiple users then you need to check this box so the task will run when you leave yourself logged on.

In the previous image you were on the "Task" tab. The "Schedule" tab lets you tweak the scheduling options while the "Settings" tab gives you this panel. These options are basically performance options. Of course the "Power Management" is there so you do not run down a lap top battery by accident. When you click "OK" or "Cancel" you are done with this task schedule. You can come back and click on this task anytime and get this window so you can make adjustments.

Well it may seem like a lot of steps but once you have done a few schedules you will be a Pro at it. The more familiar you become with your PC and all the applications on it you may find that being able to have some applications or system tools run at certain times can be very useful.

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Thanks

Doug Clarke