I am trying to automate a VBScript by using Windows Task Scheduler. However, I tried to use cscript.exe + "C:\...\script.vbs" but it didn't run. I also tried to directly run the same command in CMD (cscript.exe "C:\...\script.vbs") and it worked.
What might be the problem?
EDIT :
I just tried to switch the setting to "Run only when user is logged on" from "Run whether user is logged on or not" and it worked. I am wondering if there is a way to make my task scheduled run even when the user is logged off.
After hours of research, one of Blake Morrison (from Microsoft)'s blogs came up; it mentioned that
If running a .vbs / .ps1 script, try launching it from a .cmd / .bat script
see Help! My Scheduled Task does not run…
That blog also explains a lot of rules/tips when using Task Scheduler.
So please create a .cmd/.bat file that calls for your VBScript. For example: cscript.exe YourScript.vbs would be in your .cmd/.bat script.
Write a batch file like this:
echo "Started!" > c:\foldergoeshere\log.txt
cscript.exe "C:\...\script.vbs" > c:\foldergoeshere\log.txt
echo "Stopped!" > c:\foldergoeshere\log.txt
Then schedule the batch file instead of the vbs. That will allow you to see what is happening that is preventing it from running. Any error that you would have seen executing in the console (CMD), will be instead output to that log file between "Started!" and "Stopped!"
What's the hassle all about? I don't use .cmd/.bat and script works! (Windows7 here)
My VBS script (as a scheduled task) runs well on any scenario of these 4:
cscript and option "Run only when user is logged on"
cscript and option "Run whether user is logged on or not"
wscript and option "Run only when user is logged on"
wscript and option "Run whether user is logged on or not"
It's only that on the 1st scenario I encounter the black command window flashing on my screen.
Action settings:
or
My script, which simply creates a file:
Set objFSO = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
filename = "C:\Temp\" & Hour(Time) & Minute(Time) & Second(Time)
Set objFile = objFSO.CreateTextFile(filename)
Greg answered this https://superuser.com/a/816073
Basically you need to create 2 folders:
You have to create a folder (or two on a 64bit-windows):
(32Bit, always) C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\Desktop
(64Bit) C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Desktop
Fixed the issue for me (and I could point to the .vbs file, not bat needed).
The .vbs file is running invisibly, which is a consequence of running it with the 'logged on or not' option.
You will not be allowed to interfere with a user using the computer, which means you will be able to help yourself, but not others.
Please read the following text from the Task Scheduler Help menu:
Task Security Context
You can specify that a task should run even if the account under which the task is scheduled to run is not logged on when the task is triggered.
To do this, select the radio button labeled Run whether user is logged on or not.
If this radio button is selected, tasks will not run interactively.
To make a task run interactively, select the Run only when user is logged on radio button.
You can do this.
cmd as the Program.
/c start cscript //nologo "W:\Pathto with spaces\VBScript.vbs"
/c send the following to the cmd
start starts the next parameter
cscript //nologo "W:\Path with spaces\VBScript.vbs" self explanatory. Path wrapped in quotes to allow spaces in the filename.
Screenshot
Have experienced more than once that a VBScript running as planned task worked fine for months and years but suddenly would not work any more despite nothing was changed. Have tried to reactive the task using all the recipes given here and elsewhere, but no success. My workaround was to create a new planned task with all settings copied from the original one.
I tried this on Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601]
Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
AKA Window 7, But in my case i first cd to the dir and then ran the .bat file to execute the .vbs file
Go to start menu
Search for run
Once it opens, Type "shell:startup" and press Enter
You'll be directed to the Start Up folder. In this folder you can put create a .bat file which you want to execute the .vbs file (You'll do this in a special way)
cd C:\the\path\were.vbs\file\located && wscript.exe start_app.vbs
What your doing is cd to the directory cd C:\the\path\were.vbs\file\located
And then run the .vbs file wscript.exe start_app.vbs
Related
I have a simple one line bat file that runs a curl localhost:port. My curl.exe is in the same folder as the bat I don't have it installed globally. It runs fine if I double click it, it also runs fine if I right click in task scheduler and select run task. It also says it completes the "scheduled tasks" successfully but nothing happens (I'm sure of this as I'm checking data that should update if the script is run, and it doesn't happen under the scheduled/automatic scenarios). After reading lots of users issues I tried configuring in two ways (all on 5 minute updates):
Common Way
Action: Start a Program
Program/script: C:\p\updater.bat
Start in: C:\p\
Other Way
Action: Start a Program
Program/script: cmd
Add arguments: /c start "" "C:\p\updater.bat"
I have set permissions to the bat and the containing folder to allow all for all users/etc. Neither work when automatically triggered, neither error. I've tried in Server 2008 and Windows 10 (my OS) mode. Both work if I right click run task, neither automatically, any ideas?
Default working directory for scheduled script is %Windows%\system32. Try to add in first line to you updater.bat:
cd c:\p\
For diagnostic, you can add output redirect to you commands in bat file:
echo Script Started >> c:\p\log.txt
curl SomeCommand SomeCommand >>c:\p:\curloutput.txt
echo Script Ended >> c:\p\log.txt
and check files log.txt and curloutput.txt after execution of your script
Run a batch file from Task Scheduler is not working with a java command inside the .bat file. If I run the .bat file manually its working good.
Here is the simple .bat file I'm trying to schedule
set JAVA_HOME=C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jdk1.6.0_24;
set CMD= "%JAVA_HOME%\bin\java" -version
echo %CMD%
%CMD%
When you type batchfile.bat on the command line, you are telling cmd.exe to read the file and execute each line it finds in it. When you double-click on your batch file in explorer, it calls cmd.exe for you, after reading the file associations in the registry.
Task Manager is not so kind.
So for your task to work, schedule it like this (from memory, not on a Windows box right now) :
cmd /c "c:\full\path\to\your\batchfile.bat"
For extra robustness, you could make sure you batch file run from a known directory, like the one that it reside in, by adding this at the top:
pushd %~dp0
REM .... The original batch file goes here ....
popd
And finally you could disable CMD autorun entry by adding /d right after cmd like this:
cmd /d /c "c:\full\path\to\your\batchfile.bat"
If ixe013's suggestion doesnt work go to
'Actions'
'Edit' the task
'Start in (optional):' Put the path to the directory where the script is
So for the last one if you have 'C:\Users\Desktop\script.py' just put in 'C:\Users\Desktop\' in the 'Start in (optional):' field
What worked for me was running the task as "Users" ( computername\Users ). Once I did that, and "run with highest privileges" checked, it ran without a hitch.
Giving the full path of java.exe in the batch file fixed it for me. In a notepad, I typed the following line:
"C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_40\bin\java.exe" -jar "C:\Users\usernameXXXX\Documents\NetBeansProjects\JavaApplication5\dist\JavaApplication5.jar"
Save this as a app1.bat file (C:\temp\app1.bat)
In the Actions tab of the task scheduler, give the path to the batch file, i.e, C:\temp\app1.bat
Also, be careful in the Conditions tab of task scheduler- make sure you uncheck "Start the task only if the computer is on AC power"
All other ways did not work for me, I followed this guide:
http://richardstk.com/2012/06/15/scheduled-task-to-run-a-batch-file/#comment-6873
In order to get the batch file to run, I had to set the "Program\script" box to contain just the name of the script (ie. script.bat) and set the the folder path of the script in the "Start in (optional)" box
I gave full permission to user Everyone from security tab from Properties of the folder in which batch file is. and it started working.
What a coworker discovered on something he had that wasn't working, and I have verified on the system I had that wasn't working is the following:
When the whole task is initially setup, you HAVE TO initially use the radio button "Run only when user is logged on". It will ask for your password for the change.
Now run the task.
Verify that whatever the batch was supposed to do, did happen.
And THEN change to the radio button BACK TO 'Run whether user is logged on or not."
This solved a problem for both of us that we had individually been working on for hours.
Side notes: both issues were also trying to elicit a 3rd party FTP app (WinSCP and WinFTP respectively) in each of our cases. Regular "inhouse" batch/tasks were having no issues.
I had the same problem, and to solve it, I put the next command line into the batch file:
cd "CURRENT_DIRECTORY"
where CURRENT_DIRECTORY is the directory where the batch file is located.
Example:
Suppose i have my batch file named test.bat located into c:\windows\system32\mytest
in my test.bat file, i introduce the next command line:
cd c:\windows\system32\mytest
How do I start/call a batch file from another, but with administrative privileges, so that it doesn't give me errors like the following?
Access is denied error code 5
Here is something like what I would like it to be.
echo PLEASE TYPE YOUR USERNAME AND PASSWORD IN THE FIELDS BELOW.
echo.
echo.
echo.
echo.
set /p u=Username:
echo.
set /p p=Password:
start next.bat %u% %p%
No matter which way you chose, You must accept run it with admin privilege, so the point is which way is shorter? You could Right Click > Run as administrator as jean-Michael said although I prefer james approach (using vbScript) but if you don't want to use another vbScript file and just want benefit of just click on batch file and accept run with admin privilege (Note you have one right click and left click less) I suggest you this:
create a shortcut from your batch file and right click on shortcut > Properties > Shortcut Tab > Advanced now check the Run as administrator check-box. every time you execute it from the shortcut you just have one click to accept run it with admin privilege.
Hope this help.
Sometimes third party utilities like AutoIt (see runas function) are not an option - but if you do have that option, check it out as that will let you do exactly what you're aiming to. You can then call the AutoIt script from your script and use its runas function.
Windows runas doesn't support providing a password unless you're happy with the /savecred option - which is fine if you're only running the task from a single computer. The first time it will ask you for a password, but after that it won't (though you still have to use /savecred option each time you use it). I've got a feeling using this could be a huge security hole. But since it seems this is for your own machine, in your batch use this:
runas /user:computername\username /savecred yourcommand.exe
Another way is to make a scheduled task that can be called by your script. You can make it using the GUI or from an elevated command line as described here.
You can then call it from your script like this:
SCHTASKS /Run /TN yourtaskname
Simply put the bat file into the Windows directory, and it will run as administrator. I tried this myself, and it worked:
C:\Windows\batch_file.bat
It should work like that.
Within the batch file itself there is no way to run as an administrator, however if you launch the batch file from within a .VBS file, you are able to specify a 'runas' parameter.
set shell=CreateObject("Shell.Application")
shell.ShellExecute "your_batch_file.bat",,"C:\path\to\thedirectory", "runas", 0
set shell=nothing
This will launch your batch file as an administrator, and you can enable or disable the shell display (this example hides it as i wanted my program to run in the background without being seen).
Right click -> Run as administrator.
I think microsoft made as much as they could to prevent batch script to get administrative privileges on their own.
#cmd, I posted an example (How can I test effective permissions of a user from a batch script?) to run another bat file with ShellExecute and elevated rights (only when it's needed).
Take a look if it's what you looking for and what you need. If not, let me know and we could adapt your script to make it work.
good luck
I actually joined just to answer this, the simplest way by far is to create a shortcut to the program you want to run, then set the shortcut to run as administrator and just call the shortcut from the batch file. This will run with the settings specified in the shortcut and you could place this shortcut in the same folder as your batch file or just call it from the start menu.
Example:
"C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Folder\Shortcut Name.lnk"
Ran into a problem today. I have a Windows Server 2003 with a bunch of .bat files that essentially start .vbs scripts. Every time an ECH is used in the script I get that annoying dialog box that contains content of an echo and requires to click ENTER all the time. How can I just disable the dialogs and keep ECHOs in the command prompt window only?
Force it to run under cscript instead of wscript
If you are running the script manually, just put cscript in front of it.
Otherwise, this might give you an approach:
http://www.robvanderwoude.com/vbstech_engine_force.php
Redirect the output somewhere else, i.e.
scriptname.vbs > textfile.txt
I have a batch file daily.bat, this is the code:
cd C:\inetpub\wwwroot\infoweb\factuur\cron
c:\PHP\php.exe -f ./cron_pdf.php
ftp -s:ftp_upload.txt ftp.site.be
And I created a task with task scheduler in Windows 7. When I run the batch manually, everything goes fine, but when I try to run it with the task scheduler nothing happens.
My action is
'run script' "C:\inetpub\wwwroot\site\x\cron\daily.bat"
UAC is off and I am Admin.
Any idea why this is not working?
I faced the same problem, but I found another solution without having to modify my batch script.
The only thing that I missed out is at the 'Action' settings - "Start in (Optional)" option.
Go the task properties --> Action tab --> Edit --> Fill up as below:
Action: Start a program
Program/script: path to your batch script e.g. C:\Users\beruk\bodo.bat
Add arguments (optional): <if necessary - depending on your script>
Start in (optional): Put the full path to your batch script location e.g. C:\Users\beruk\(Do not put quotes around Start In)
Then Click OK
It works for me. Good Luck!
None of the above method worked. I tried it this way as said it in a tutorial and it worked.
Action:
Start a program
Program/script:
cmd
Add arguments:
/c start "" "E:\Django-1.4.1\setup.bat"
Worked for me on Win7 Pro. You must have an account with a password (blank passwords are no good)
For those whose bat files are still not working in Windows 8 and 10+ Task Scheduler , one thing I would like to add to Ghazi's answer - after much suffering:
Under Actions, Choose "Create BASIC task", not "Create Task"
That did it for me, plus the other issues not to forget:
Use quotes, if you need to, in your Start a program > program/script entry i.e "C:\my scripts\runme.bat" (or just use the Browse button)...
Use the Start In path to your batch file, even though it says optional - BUT DON'T use quotes in the Start In field. (Crazy but true!)
This worked without any need to trigger a command prompt. And it is the quickest and simplest method.
(Sorry my rep is too low to add my Basic Task tip to Ghazi's comments)
Make sure "Start In " has NO QUOTES.
It is working now. This is what I did. You probably won't need all these steps to make it work but just to be sure try them all:
Check the account parameters of your scheduled task and make sure they are set to run whether or not someone is logged into the machine
check run with most privileges/rights
Make sure you go to the full path first: cd C:\inetpub\wwwroot\infoweb\factuur\cron
Don't use double quotes in your batch files (don't know why but seems to help)
Be super admin, enter 'Net user administrator /active:yes' in command prompt, log out and log in as the super admin, so UAC is off
Make sure "Start In" does NOT end with a BACKSLASH.
My script was to pull latest code from master and publish a new branch
cd D:\dev\repo
git checkout master
git pull
git branch -D my-branch
git push origin --delete my-branch
git checkout -b my-branch
git push -u origin my-branch
exit
Had an issue where my task was not firing simply because it was running on a laptop without a power cord... Under the conditions tab, by default it is checked so that a task will not run while AC power is not connected.
Under Windows7 Pro, I found that Arun's solution worked for me: I could get this to work even with "no user logged on", I did choose use highest priveledges.
From past experience, you must have an account with a password (blank passwords are no good), and if the program doesn't prompt you for the password when you finish the wizard, go back in and edit something till it does!
This is the method in case its not clear which worked
Action: start a program
Program/script : cmd
(doesn't need the .exe bit!)
Add arguments:
/c start "" "E:\Django-1.4.1\setup.bat"
I messed with this for several hours and tried many different suggestions.
I finally got it to work by doing the following:
Action: Start a program
Program/Script: C:\scriptdir\script.bat
Add arguments (optional) script.bat
Start in (optional): c:\scriptdir
run only when user logged in
run with highest privileges
configure for: Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008
If all of the rest fails for you here ensure that the user you are trying to run the task as has access to the file you're trying to use.
In my case I was trying to run a batch file from C:\Users\Administrator\Desktop which the account couldn't access. Moving it to a neutral location on C:\ resolved the issue.
I post the answer to this question here and here.
Using the Run button in the Task Scheduler main window to test several variations finally found the correct settings. This two options must be combined:
-Run only when user is logged on
-Run with highest privileges.
All other variations failed. It's infuriating all the time wasted on this, but at least it works.
OS: WINDOWS 8 CORE (BASIC) VERSION
Please check which user account you use to execute our task. It may happen that you run your task with different user then your default user, and this user requires some extra privileges.
Also it may happen that the task is executed but you cant see any effect because the batch file waits for some user response so please check task manager if you see your process running.
Once it happen that I schedule a batch with svn update of some web page and the process hangs because svn asked for accepting server certificate.
Don't use double quotes in your cmd/batch file
Make sure you go to the full path start in (optional):
C:\Necessary_file\Reqular_task\QDE\cmd_practice\
Try run the task with high privileges.
put a \ at the end of path in "start in folder" such as c:\temp\
I do not know why , but this works for me sometimes.
Action: Start a Program
Program/script: C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe
Add arguments: /k start "" "E:\scripts\example.bat"
Add exit to the end of your batch file.
The cmd window will not show if you select Run whether user is logged in or not. You need to select Run only when user is logged on to see the window in action.