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Create Scheduled Task - Windows 7 and 8

The following page explains how to create a scheduled task in Window 7 and Windows 8 to run the Uniform Server MySQL Auto Backup plugin. Although the instructions are specific to the Uniform Server plugin they are equally applicable to running other applications such as executables and batch files. Note you must be logged on as an Administrator.

Create a task

Step 1: - Start Task Scheduler:
To start Task Scheduler use one of the following methods. Preferred method is method 1.

Method 1: Navigate to folder C:\UniServerZ\utils and double click on start_task_schedule_w7_w8.bat

Method 2: Use a command line, open Run command (Windows key + R) type %windir%\system32\taskschd.msc /s

Method 3: For Windows 8 only

  • a) Move cursor to bottom right, charms displayed.
  • b) Click on search item b) (magnifier glass).
Start screen
  • c) In the search box enter Schedule Task
  • d) Click the Settings tab
  • e) Click on the window item that is shown.
Application search


Step 2: Task Scheduler - Create task:
The "Task Scheduler" Window allows you to create, delete and administer tasks. Start the task creation process as follows:

  • a2) Click Create Basic Task opens the Create Task window.
Task scheduler

The Create Basic Task Wizard Window is shown bellow. Every task must have a unique name and preferably a description.

  • b2) Enter a Name in the Name field. Use UniServer_Auto_Backup
  • c2) Enter a Description in the Description field. Use Uniform Server MySQL automatic backup
  • Click Next button
Create basic task


Step 3: Create Basic Task Wizard - Task Trigger:
You need to decide how often you want to create a MySQL database backup. Generally once a week is adequate however this example sets it to once a day for critical data applications.

  • a3) Select one of the options: "Daily", "Weekly" or "Monthly" For this example select Daily for a daily backup
  • b3) Click Next button.
Task trigger


Step 4: Create Basic Task Wizard - Daily:
This step allows you to set the starting date and time of the task. Generally there is no need to change the start date. The start time requires a little thought preferably set the time when your server is under minimum load, check the Apache log for this information. The “ Recur Days” means do you want the backup to occur every day if so set to 1. If you want it to occur once every three days set value to 3.

  • a4) Set the starting date, start time e.g 28/08/2014 20:00:00
  • b4) Set Recur every 1 days makes backup every day
  • c4) Click Next button.
Set date and time


Step 5: Create Basic Task Wizard - Action
This step allows you to select the action to be performed. Click radio Button to select required action for Uniform Server we are going to run a program.

  • a5) Select Action to perform, click Start a program radio button.
  • b5) Click Next button.
Set action to program


Step 6: Create Basic Task Wizard - Start a Program
This step allows you to set the location of the programs by either typing in the full path or by clicking on the browse Button and navigating to the required application. You can optional add arguments Uniform Server requires "auto" to be set.

  • a6) Program/script Click Browse button.
         Navigate to application UniDbBackup.exe for example C:\UniServerZ\utils\UniDbBackup.exe
         Click Open button.
  • b6) Add arguments: Enter auto
  • c6) Click Next button.
Start a program


Step 7: Create Basic Task Wizard - Summary
This is the final step in the creation of the scheduling process. Although optional you can open the properties dialog for this task. Click on the Check Box "Open the Properties dialog for this when I click Finish" Finally click on the Finish Button to complete the process.

  • a7) Check Box Open the Properties dialog for this when I click Finish click to select.
  • b7) Click Finish button. New task is created and added to Windows schedule.
Task finish summary


Step 8: UniServer_Auto_Backup Properties(Local Computer):
This displays task properties shown for completeness.

  • a8) Click "OK" button.
  • Click File>Exit
Task properties

Delete a task

Step 9: Task Scheduler - Delete task:
To remove a task, start Task Scheduler, select task from the library list and delete. The following details how to remove the Uniform Server UniServer_Auto_Backup task:

  • Start Task Schedler: Navigate to folder C:\UniServerZ\utils and double click on start_task_schedule_w7_w8.bat
  • a9) Left menu: Select Task Scheduler Libary
  • b9) Center menu: Select UniServer_Auto_Backup ensure it is highlighted
  • c9) Right menu: Click Delete menu item.
  • Pop-up displayed Do you want to delete this task click Yes button
  • Click File>Exit
Delete a task

Run task

Step 10:Task Scheduler - Run task:
For testing there is no need to wait for the scheduled time you can instantly run the Task as follows:

  • Start Task Schedler: Navigate to folder C:\UniServerZ\utils and double click on start_task_schedule_w7_w8.bat
  • a10) Left menu: Select Task Scheduler Libary
  • b10) Center menu: Select UniServer_Auto_Backup ensure it is highlighted
  • c10) Right menu: Click Run menu item.
  • Forces a run with the parameters set.
  • Click File>Exit
Run task