One built-in Windows tool, the Task Scheduler, is often overlooked by users. In fact, I’ve known about Task Scheduler for many years but never bothered to play with it. However, this little utility is quite handy once you set it up.
Task Scheduler comes with a wizard that will guide you through the set up of an automatic task. For example, you can set up Task Scheduler to perform your regular computer maintenance routines on your behalf. Let’s say you are committed to running Disk Cleanup once a week in order to keep your computer running smoothly. While this is a good idea, if you’re like me, you’ll forget to do it or postpone this basic chore. Instead, use Task Scheduler to schedule and run Disk Cleanup (or any other task) on your behalf.
To access the Task Scheduler, go to the Start button, choose Programs, choose Accessories, choose System Tools, and finally choose Task Scheduler. If you’re familiar with the Microsoft Management Console (MMC), you’ll recognize the layout because Task Scheduler is a snap-in for the MMC.
Click on Create Basic Task and type in a name and description. In this case, let’s set up a Disk Cleanup. Click Next. Now, you’re in the Trigger section which is an interesting term for schedule. Choose how often you want the Disk Cleanup utility to run and then click Next. The next screen continues with scheduling details. Fill in the details and click Next.
Now, you’ll be in the Action section. Your choices are: Start a program, Send an e-mail, or Display a message. In this case, click on Start a program. Click on Browse and browse to the location of your program. For launching the Disk Cleanup utility, the path is usually:
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\System Tools\Disk Cleanup
Don’t just copy and paste the path. Instead, click to Program Data, select Microsoft, select Windows, and so on. While this involves a lot of clicks, it works best. A summary screen appears showing all of your choices. Finally, click Finish and you’re done!
The more I play around with the Task Scheduler, the more I like it. For example, I frequently send “reminder” e-mails to my colleagues reminding them of upcoming deadlines or that monthend is approaching and invoices are due. Now, I can use the Task Scheduler to automate this for me. The possibilities are endless. . .
View the whole series of System Tools Articles:
System Tools: Backup and Restore
System Tools: System Information
System Tools: Windows Easy Transfer
Celeste Stewart | July 30th, 2008
You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.
