Will a Scheduled Program Run when Computer is in Standby Mode?

[Petef56]

Will a Scheduled Program Run when a Windows Computer is in Standby Mode?

This seems like a simple question but I think it's actually a
very complex issue due to so many variables. I'm posting
in the General Software forum because the issues I'm
concerned with apply to WinXP, Vista and Win7.

It gets more complex when you consider that a program
scheduled to run can be programed to do so using the
Windows Task Scheduler or it can be programmed
within a specific application.

Further complications arise if computer is in Standy
mode or Hibernate mode.

Then we have the issue of ACPI compliant hardware.

I wonder, if in fact, millions of computers are setup
scheduled to perform tasks but those tasks often
don't run if the computer is in standby mode
or hibernate mode.

Any insights on this issue would be greatly appreciated.

---pete---

[pam123]

The answer is yes, you can schedule the computer to "wake" at a set time and run the necessary task(s).

http://www.pcworld.com/article/12416...matically.html

Here's what Microsoft has to say about Task Scheduler 2.0 :

Define routine tasks to run even when a machine is in standby or hibernate mode. Task Scheduler wakes the machine from Hibernation or Standby and then runs the task.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb756979.aspx

[EzyStvy]

If all else fails - TEST IT

[Petef56]

Originally Posted by pam123 The answer is yes, you can schedule the computer to "wake" at a set time and run the necessary task(s). http://www.pcworld.com/article/12416...matically.html Here's what Microsoft has to say about Task Scheduler 2.0 : http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb756979.aspx

pam123, thanks for the links above which are a MUST READ for anyone who uses the Windows Task Scheduler.

As I suspected, it is possible but there are so many variables that need to be set just right for the Windows Task Scheduler to wake up from Standby mode or Hibernate Mode that most novice users will not likely get it right and their tasks will not run. That's one huge problem
to overcome and good reason not to setup your computer to got into Standby mode or Hibernate mode.

The second huge problem I see is that many of the critical applications that many of us use and rely upon for security & backups such as NOD32, SuperAntiSpyware, Acronis True Image, DO NOT utilize the Windows Task Scheduler and will not likely run if their scheduled tasks are set to run when the computer is in Standby mode or Hibernate mode. I just tested NOD32 to confirm this and it did not run when the computer was in Standby mode.

I use all 3 apps mentioned above and they all have scheduled tasks, but none of those tasks appear in my Windows Task Scheduler, so I assume they are programed otherwise to run their scheduled events.

I'm also concerned about the computers that do indeed use the Windows Task Scheduler properly to wake up their computer and run tasks but then they change their Windows Login password not knowing that all their previously scheduled tasks will no longer run.

Knowing all this now, I think that any novice user who relies upon scheduled tasks to perform critical things related security, backups, or any mission critical task would be well advised avoid using Standby mode or Hibernate mode because of the high probability that their tasks will not run and the resulting damage or chaos could far exceed any savings afforded by the power saving modes.

---pete---