Task Scheduler......?

[Naja]

Seems like I'm missing something.......

I simply want to schedule tasks to be done while I'm working or sleeping....Tasks Like Defrag, Scandisk, etc.

I can get the correct program to open at the correct time, etc, but I cannot figure out how to get it to DO anything.....

In other words, I have 4 HDs with a total of 6 partitions---I would simply like to set scheduled tasks to defrag each partition. However, when I schedule the task it will open the disk defragmenter, but then does nothing....

How do I schedule it to defrag say Drive C?

I can figure out the rest of the scheduling from there......

Any help would be Greatly Appreciated!!!

[HAL9000]

Open a command window and type in

AT 5:00 Defrag c: (where 5:00 is the time)

Then you can go to your scheduled tasks and change anything you want with the times and dates.

[Naja]

Hi HAL9000,

That's a Start, but really doesn't tell me what I need to know.

The Method You gave me works and I can definitely use it for Defragging the different partitions---and for that I definitely Thank You! It a Big help and a good step forward.

One Problem that that method leaves me with is: What do I type to setup Checkdisk/Scandisk? So on and so forth........

I would like to be able to schedule Defrag and Scandisk for each Partition and Adware, Spybot and 2 of the functions of Easy Cleaner. Again, I can get these Programs to open....., But I can't get them to DO anything! lol

In other words, I can get Spybot to open, but How do I get it to "Check for Problems"? Same question for Adware? Easy Cleaner?

I guess my main concern is the time consuming Defrag and Scandisk, but being able to schedule the others would be nice also........

I've tried several Command Prompts for Check Disk, but none has worked......

Also, After the defrag is setup thru command prompt and then when I go to the Task Scheduler and then go to the properties of a scheduled task----everything is Grayed out and I cannot change anything.....

[HAL9000]

Checkdisk should work just fine by using CHKDSK... the only thing is you probably won't be able to do the C drive as it will be protected.

As for AdAware, you probably won't be able to schedule it without purchasing the pro version

[Naja]

Hi HAL9000,

Thanx. Your right, it doesn't seem that the free version of adware se or easy cleaner offer settings to automatically start the process when the program is opened. Spybot does though.

The CHKDSK works, but it only goes through phases 1-3 and not 4-5 and there is no way for me to preselect Automatically fix errors, etc, So I guess for now I'm just going to have to continue to do things the hard way.

Thank You for Your Help!

[glc]

The only way CHKDSK can fix errors is to reboot and run before Windows starts. Otherwise, it can only run in read-only mode.

[Naja]

Hi glc,

I really don't understand that. When I go to properties for a drive>tools tab>error-checking-check now I get 2 options: 1) "Automatically Fix File System Errors" and 2) "Scan for and Attempt recovery of bad sectors". Every drive will go ahead and go through the process, except C:\<---C requires a reboot and does its thing before windows starts. The rest just start right away and usually take an hour to get through all 5 phases.

So, if I'm missing something---Please let me know!

[glc]

That's correct - and the command line for both of those options is as follows:

Fix file system errors - chkdsk x: /f
Fix file system errors and recover bad sectors - chkdsk x: /r

x being the drive letter.

[Naja]

`Coooooool. Thanx, Buddy. That was the Ticket. The /r is what I needed for the CheckDisk. Before it took less than 60 seconds and was apparently only running through the first 3 phases. I've got it going now, and its not done yet at over 20 minutes.....hehehehehehe.

And according to the Command Prompt Reference--I should be able to force the defrags with /f.

One last question: Is there any way/settings in Task Scheduler to run one task AFTER another is finished? Looking to avoid conflicts......

I DLed a Trail program called "Event Manager" that had a setting for that---but couldn't really sort out how to do much with it that I can already do with Task Scheduler and its $45.

Either way---Thanx Again!

[Hobbes80]

Put all the programs you want to run into a batch file, then tell the task to run the batch file... the batch file waits for each operation to complete before going to the next.