PowerArchiver - Using Windows Task Scheduler

Using Windows Task Scheduler

Introduction

Windows Task Scheduler is a Microsoft program that ships with almost every version of Windows. It is used to schedule different tasks that you want to run unattended, which makes it a great tool to be used together with PowerArchiver Backup Express Lite scripts (.PBS).

Schedule a Backup

Windows Task Scheduler is usually located in "Start Menu> Programs> Accessories> System Tools> Scheduled Tasks".

Here are step by step instructions on how to schedule a .PBS file to run via the Windows Task Scheduler:

Step 1. Click on "Start Menu> Programs> Accessories> System Tools> Scheduled Tasks". The Scheduled Tasks window will open.
Step 2. Click on "Add Scheduled Task". The Scheduled Task Wizard will appear.
Step 3. Click on the "Browse" button in Scheduled Task Wizard. Browse to your backup script file (.pbs) that you want scheduled and click "Open".
Step 4. Proceed to enter the name of the task and the time when you want your backup scheduled.
Step 5. Enter the username and password if needed to run the backup.
Note: make sure you enter this correctly, it is most common cause of errors.
Step 6. The last window of the Scheduled Task Wizard will appear with your options shown. Click "Finish" to complete the wizard and schedule your backup.

You should now be able to see your scheduled backup in the Scheduled Tasks window. To make sure you have done everything correctly, you can right click on the task and select "Run". This will activate the backup and you will be able to see if everything is running as it should be.

Tip

You should select "Run Silent if run from Windows" option in PowerArchiver Backup Express Lite Wizard. That way, backups can be completely unattended.

Can't Find Windows Task Scheduler?

If for some reason Windows Task Scheduler did not get installed during your Windows installation, simply go to "Add/Remove Windows Components" in the "Add or Remove Programs" tool in your "Control Panel" and install it now.