Run a scheduled task at shutdown ?

Pinkeyes · 14 Nov 2006 at 18:57

I have an idea where I use Windows Sync Toy to copy the documents folder of one machine to another for backup purposes.

I want to run this as a scheduled task, but there only seems to be the option of Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Once
When My Computer Starts
When I log on.

Well I thought it would be best to sync the folder on a shutdown. Just seems more logical. You do some work -shut the machine down - it makes a backup and then shuts down the PC.

Does anyone know a way to do this ?

MarcLister · 14 Nov 2006 at 19:20

Quick google: http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=run+a+task+on+shutdown&btnG=Google+Search&meta=
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,115628-page,1/article.html
http://gladiator-antivirus.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t28864.html

Good question though, let me know if any of those results work.

Kerplunk · 14 Nov 2006 at 21:42

You create a BAT file. Then schedule it using what you said, Scheduled Tasks.

MarcLister · 14 Nov 2006 at 21:44

Kerplunk said:
You create a BAT file. Then schedule it using what you said, Scheduled Tasks.

How do you make it run at shutdown though? He's already said there isn't a At Shutdown option that he can see under Scheduled Tasks.

Kerplunk · 14 Nov 2006 at 21:51

IIRC you have to enter "shutdown -f -s" in the BAT file.

marc2003 · 14 Nov 2006 at 21:55

rather than use task scheduler, just create a .bat file on your desktop to sync your files and then shut down?

MarcLister · 14 Nov 2006 at 22:00

Kerplunk said:
IIRC you hae to enter "shutdown -f -s" in the BAT file.

Oh that easy? Might have to try that. So does that command go at the end of the bat file? So I'd have some files copied from A to B then 'shutdown -f -s'?

What do the -f and -s stand for?

Kerplunk · 14 Nov 2006 at 22:03

-f stands for force, the -s escapes me.

I was just testing it out a sec ago and i accidently, ran the BAT file, lol.

Yes it shut down.

MarcLister · 14 Nov 2006 at 22:09

Kerplunk said:
-f stands for force, the -s escapes me.

I was just testing it out a sec ago and i accidently, ran the BAT file, lol. Yes it shut down.

LOL. You weren't on MSN or anything were you?

Kerplunk · 14 Nov 2006 at 22:10

MarcLister said:
LOL. You weren't on MSN or anything were you?

Incidentally, I was

MarcLister · 14 Nov 2006 at 22:14

Kerplunk said:
Incidentally, I was

Noob.

"Where'd you go?"
"Er, I shutdown my PC"
"Er, why'd you do that? I was talking to you!"
"Well you see I was messing around with the shutdown commands"
"LOL. Noob"

Like that by any chance?

Kerplunk · 14 Nov 2006 at 22:16

No, I had updates to install.

You know the drill

MarcLister · 14 Nov 2006 at 22:17

Kerplunk said:
No, I had updates to install.

You know the drill

Oh that excuse. I've used that one many a time. :rolleyes:

Just found http://www.winutility.com/qsd/. It explains the -f and -s. Pity there isn't a -noob option.

Kerplunk · 14 Nov 2006 at 22:19

MarcLister said:
Oh that excuse. I've used that one many a time.

Just found http://www.winutility.com/qsd/. It explains the -f and -s. Pity there isn't a -noob option.

That one?

http://www.winutility.com/qsd/beginnersguide/

MarcLister · 14 Nov 2006 at 22:27

Kerplunk said:
That one?

http://www.winutility.com/qsd/beginnersguide/

Nowt loads up? Or was that a test to see how gullible I am?

JonnyT · 14 Nov 2006 at 22:34

This can be done via group policy if you're running Xp Pro (Not Home)

Start -> Run -> gpedit.msc

You've now got two options - you can configure it to run a script at user logoff (1) OR at machine shut down (2)

(1) User Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Scripts (Logon/Logoff) & double click Logoff in the right-hand pane

(2) Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Scripts (Startup/Shutdown) & double click Shutdown in the right-hand pane

Using either of these, you can set windows to run a batch file (.BAT or .CMD file) that you've written to synchronise your files manually (or prompted SyncToy to do it).

One warning - Be VERY careful with Group Policy - it's VERY powerful and you can lock yourself out of Windows permanently (well, everything bar a reinstall)!!

benjo plz. · 14 Nov 2006 at 22:37

Kerplunk said:
the -s escapes me.

shutdown maybe?

.

Kerplunk · 14 Nov 2006 at 22:40

Phnom_Penh said:
shutdown maybe? .

MarcLister · 14 Nov 2006 at 22:44

Phnom_Penh said:
shutdown maybe? .

I think Kerplunk may have worked that one out when he tested a bat file that in. Apparently his PC shut down. :rolleyes:

Whilst installing updates of course.

benjo plz. · 14 Nov 2006 at 22:47

/wonders what happens if you change the s to an r

.