Using Windows Task Scheduler instead of the Backup Express Scheduler This document contains a step by step guide to using the Windows Task Scheduler instead of the Backup Express Scheduler. Backup Express comes with its own built-in job scheduler which is very flexible. However there are two cases where we recommend using Window's own scheduler instead: 1) You require more flexibility than the Backup Express Scheduler provides. For example, if you want to run a backup task repeatedly during the day with a repetition period less than 1 hour (our scheduler has a minimum period of 1 hour). 2) You are running Backup Express on a server which runs 24/7. In particular, if the machine is running terminal services it is essential that you use the Windows scheduler. Important: If you use an external scheduler you must remove any schedule entries that you may have configured within Backup Express. Do not attempt to use both the external scheduler and the Backup Express scheduler together. Backup Express - Setting up a Scheduled Task Page 1 of 8
Step 1 Choosing a Backup Set Choose which Backup Set you wish to be backed up using the Windows Task Scheduler. You may choose to create a new Backup Set or use an existing Backup Set. You will find the name of your Backup Set here: Backup Express - Setting up a Scheduled Task Page 2 of 8
Step 2 Windows Task Scheduler Now it s time to create a task in the Windows Task Scheduler. You will find the Task Scheduler in the Control Panel. If your computer is configured in Category View you will find it under Performance and Maintenance. If you computer is configured in Classic View you will find it in the main Control Panel window. Step 3 Add a Scheduled Task When you have opened the Task Scheduler select Add Scheduled Task Backup Express - Setting up a Scheduled Task Page 3 of 8
Step 4 Scheduled Task Wizard This will open the Scheduled Task Wizard. Click Next to continue. Step Five Choosing the Backup Express Program Scroll down the list of programs to find Backup Express. Once this is selected click Next. Backup Express - Setting up a Scheduled Task Page 4 of 8
Step Six Choosing a time to run Give the Task a name and select the time when you want the Backup to run. Step Seven Choosing a user to run as When you have finished selecting the time when the Backup should be run the Wizard will prompt you for a username and password which the Task should be run as. It is best to provide the Administrator user or another user which has Administrator access. Note: The username which is chosen cannot have a blank password. Backup Express - Setting up a Scheduled Task Page 5 of 8
Step Eight Advanced Properties The last step of the Wizard will prompt you whether to open the advanced properties of the Task once the Wizard has finished. Please check this box and click Finish. Backup Express - Setting up a Scheduled Task Page 6 of 8
Step Nine Modifying the command In the Advanced Properties window please add -b followed by the name of the Backup Set which you chose in Step One to the end of the Run field. This -b is required and tells the Backup Express software to run a backup on the specified backup set instead of simply opening the Backup Software onto the screen. If the Backup Set has more than one word in it s name you will need to enclose the name with quotes ( ). If you only have one Backup Set defined you do no need to specify the name of the Backup Set as the software will choose that Backup Set by default. Step Ten Confirming the change to the properties Click the OK button and, if prompted, confirm the username and password the task will be run as. Backup Express - Setting up a Scheduled Task Page 7 of 8
Step 11 Finished The Scheduled Task should now be set up correctly and ready to run at your specified time. If you require any assistance in setting up a Scheduled Task please feel free to send an email to support@backupexpress.com.au or give us a call on 1300 369 325. Backup Express - Setting up a Scheduled Task Page 8 of 8