Scheduled tasks under Windows XP - how it works

Scheduled tasks are useful in Windows XP, for example, if you want to automatically start a script, program or similar at a certain point in time. We explain how you can use this function.

Create a planned task under Windows XP

The "Scheduled Tasks" tool is automatically executed every time Windows is started. You do not have to make any further preparations, but can directly create a new time-controlled task:

1. Click on "Start". Then move the mouse pointer to "All Programs" and click on "Accessories" and then on "System Tools". Click on "Scheduled Tasks". You will now see an overview of all previously scheduled tasks.
2. Double-click "Add Scheduled Task". A wizard starts, which guides you through the creation of a new task. Click on Continue".
3. Now select the program that you want to run automatically. If your program is not in the list displayed, click on "Browse ..." and search for the program on your hard drive. Then click Next".
4. Enter a new name for the task or accept the default name. On the same page of the wizard, you can also specify how often the task should run. Alternatively, you can set the execution of the task to start the computer or log on to the user. Confirm your selection with "Next".
5. Enter the time and day on which the task is to be started. Confirm with "Next".
6. Enter the name and password of the user whose identity you want the task to run. The currently logged in user is specified by default. Confirm with "Next".
7. Windows XP shows you an overview of the created task. Click Finish".

Change extended properties of a task

After you have created a task, you can change its properties in more detail. You can also correct your previous entries. To do this, double-click on the name of the task whose properties you want to edit in the overview of the planned tasks.

• In the "Task" tab you can change the program to be started and the execution location, add a comment and change the user name and password. You can also prevent the task from running if you are not logged in or deactivate the task completely.
• The time at which the task is executed can be edited in the "Schedule" tab. You can also set multiple schedules for the task here.
• In the "Settings" tab you can have the task automatically deleted if it is not planned again. You can also specify a time after which the task should be ended. Furthermore, the execution of the task can also be made dependent on the idle time of the system or on battery operation.

Please note: If you want to create a planned task under Windows XP, it is imperative that you use a user account that is password-protected. If this is not the case, you have to do it before you create the task. You can find out how to create a user account under Windows XP here.