Windows XP

Scheduled Tasks

Scheduled tasks allow users to have Windows automatically run a specified program or open a certain file at a set time. Scheduled tasks can be used to open programs and/or files that you always use.

NOTE: To avoid a repetitive stress injury, some users create a scheduled task that runs every 20 minutes to remind them to take a break. A sample Notepad file is available here that may be opened by a scheduled task to serve as a reminder to take a break. To download this file:

Right click the link » select Save Target As...
The Save As dialog box appears.
From the Save in pull down list, select a save location
Click SAVE

This document covers the following topics:

Creating a Scheduled Task
Using Scheduled Task Options
Deleting a Scheduled Task

Creating a Scheduled Task

Scheduled tasks are created using the Scheduled Tasks Wizard.

From the Start menu, select All Programs » Accessories » System Tools » Scheduled Tasks
The Scheduled Tasks window appears.
Double click ADD SCHEDULED TASK
The Scheduled Task Wizard appears.
Click NEXT
From the list of software applications, select the program you wish to schedule, and click NEXT
OR
To select a software application that is not listed or to select a file:
1. Click BROWSE...
  The Select Program to Schedule dialog box appears.
2. Navigate to the desired program or file
3. Click OPEN
In the text box, type a name for the task
Using the radio buttons, select how frequently or when you want the task performed, and click NEXT
Depending on when the task will be performed, select a time and day to start the task, and click NEXT
NOTE: If you selected When my computer starts or When I log on in step 6, you are unable to select the day and time when the task starts.
In the Enter the user name text box, type your username
NOTE: Depending on your computer's configuration, this text box may be completed for you.
In the Enter the password text box, type a password
In the Confirm password text box, re-type the password, and click NEXT
Click FINISH
The task is scheduled.
NOTE: To further customize the scheduled task, refer to Advanced Schedule Options.

Using Scheduled Task Options

To have more control over when the scheduled task is performed, follow these instructions.

From the Start menu, select All Programs » Accessories » System Tools » Scheduled Tasks
The Scheduled Tasks window appears.
Double click the scheduled task you wish to edit
Select the Schedule tab
Click ADVANCED...
The Advanced Schedule Options dialog box appears.
To select an start date, from the Start Date pull-down list, select a date
To select an end date:
1. Select End Date
2. From the End Date pull-down list, select a date
To define a recurrence pattern:
1. Select Repeat task
2. In the Every section, select the time interval between instances of the task
3. In the Until section, select when to stop repeating the task
When finished, click OK
Click OK

Deleting a Scheduled Task

When you no longer want your scheduled task to run, you can delete it.

From the Start menu, select All Programs » Accessories » System Tools » Scheduled Tasks
The Scheduled Tasks window appears.
Right click the scheduled task you wish to delete » select Delete
Click YES
The scheduled task is deleted.