True Image Home 2013 Scheduled Back ups don't run in Windows 8
I am facing the exact same issue as Riddlespoon : Acronis TI 2013 won't resume my system and won't start backing up files and partitions as planned. I have :
- Delete backups and set them up all over again : same issue.
- Uninstalled/reinstalled TRUE IMAGE 2013 : same issue.
This is a major concern that needs to be fixed asap. The whole point of using such software is to let it deal with the backups - and NOT have to do it manually until you forget to do so and loose data ! Leaving the computer turned on 24/7 is not a solution either.
I am quiet disappointed because I recently purchased ATIH 2012 and had to give it up because it's not compatible with Windows 8. Now that I have TI 2013, it won't do the job.
It's already been very much time consuming I hope there will be some progress very shortly.
Hi, I have done more testing and am able to reproduce then fix the problem. Definitely has to with "Fast Startup". Here is my testing procedure: Set schedule time, restart or shutdown(look below), wait for start screen, do not log in, wait for scheduled time to pass, check results, change schedule time, sleep pc, wait for scheduled time to pass, wake pc, log in and see if missed back up runs. Here are the results:
Fast startup off:
1. Restart PC - Schedule runs as it should. Missed backup runs when logging in after sleep.
2. Shutdown PC - Schedule runs as it should. Missed backup runs when logging in after sleep.
Fast startup on:
1. Restart PC - Schedule runs as it should. Missed backup runs when logging in after sleep.
2. Shutdown PC - Schedule does not run as it should. Missed backup does not run when logging in after sleep.
These results are consistent with Fast startup as it only works when a shutdown is performed. Does not with a restart. Read this MSDN blog:
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/09/08/delivering-fast-boot-time…
"Also, choosing Restart from the UI will do a full shutdown, followed by a cold boot."
Also you can try changing "hybrid sleep" setting:
control panel>search "power">click "change power saving settings">click "change plan setting">click "change advanced power settings">click "change settings that are current unavailable">under "sleep"> then "allow hybrid sleep">turn on or off.
Same issue here. I have to kick off my backup job manually and it runs fine. It was running on schedule after initial installation less than a month ago, but has stopped running as scheduled within the past week or so. Hopefully Acronis will determine and fix shortly. I have one PC that works at least right now and this one that I have to kick off manually. Nice to see I'm not alone.
It is quite clear that the problem is caused by fast boot. If you turn off fast boot the backups run as scheduled, at least at my PC.
J'avais réinstallé complètement TIH 2013 et ça a marché correctement pendant plusieurs semaines.
La semaine dernière, peut être suite à une mise à jour de Windows 8 pro), le lancement automatique des sauvegardes a cessé de fonctionner.
J'ai alors regardé l'état du fameux flags relatif au "quick backup" et il était "on". Je l'ai mis "off" et depuis, tout marche correctement à nouveau.
Hello all,
Thank you for your reports.
I was able to reproduce the issue using the description provided by laxonite, thanks a lot for detailed instructions. We will investigate the issue in our test lab as soon as possible and will provide you with a solution.
The only thing that is not clear for me, is that I am able to reproduce the issue with Fast boot been enabled, and with Fast boot been disabled as well. I assume that there can be several reasons of the encountered issue. That's why we are continuing investigation.
Thank you.
PS
Andr23a,
What do you mean by "quick backup"?
Hello,
Sorry, it was a mistake. i want to spoke about the new "fast startup" option introduced by Windows 8 Pro in the power management setup.
I have turned off this option since november, 19th and automatic scheduling of TIH 2013 saves work perfectly.
For the "fast startup", see for example this URL : http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/6320-fast-startup-turn-off-windows…
Hello Andr23a,
Thank you for the update.
Actually, your post inspired me to check one more thing.
In my previous tests I have disabled the option Fast startup in BIOS. After reading your post I disabled the option in Power settings in Control Panel, and scheduled task started. Due to unknown reason disabling Fast startup in BIOS didn't disable this option under Windows.
BIOS version is up-to-date, motherboard is ASUS Rampage 4 Extreme
I suppose that the issue in regards to the scheduler malfunction because of Fast startup has been localized.
I will post an update when any progress on the issue is available.
Thank you.
Turning off fast boot did the trick and fixed my problem. Though I lost this windows 8 feature !
Oleg,
The "Fast Boot or Fast Startup" (or other similar named feature) option in current system board firmware (BIOS or UEFI) is not related to the "Fast Startup" option in Windows 8. Typically the "Fast Boot or Fast Startup" option in system firmware is turned on to speed up the boot process before Windows loads. It is accomplished by skipping certain hardware testing during the firmware initialization (memory testing, CMOS updates, etc.), sometimes disables firmware graphics splash screens, and sometimes disables the ability to boot to certain devices. The firmware based "Fast Boot or Fast Startup" option should normally be enabled on a stable system for quicker firmware initialization/boot times, and be turned off when troubleshooting hardware issues, or when specific boot options are needed, that may have been disabled by the "Fast Boot or Fast Startup" option being turned on.
Some systems even let you change the "Fast Boot" options to control how the BIOS/UEFI firmware handles Boot devices, USB and Video.
See this video for a good comparison of normal vs. fast boot setting on an Intel board: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHIsiBwdju8
James
Hello James,
Thanks a lot for the explanation, actually, the reason became clear for me.
Also, I would like to express my appreciation to all the forum members who participated in this discussion, it helped to localize the issue.
Thank you.
on my computer, i have also a fast startup option in the bios but it has no concerns with the software fast startup (new feature) of Windows 8. The bios fast startup is enabled for me but TIH 2013 scheduler works correctly with the fast startup of power management of Windows 8 disabled.
On the net, i have found some posts involving Windows 8 "fast startup" for other softwares. An explanation would be that "fast startup" does not reinitialize some features of Windows as normal startup does but i have no more explanation.
Best regards
Marcin,
You stated:
"It's strange Acronis delevpolers didn't notice this problem before, as fast startup is enabled by default and it seems many systems are affected with the issue."
As part of the beta test team, I would like to reply to that comment.
During the True Image 2013 by Acronis beta testing, the Windows 8 versions being used were pre-release versions (Developer Preview, Customer Preview, Release Preview, etc.). The Windows 8 RTM build 9200 (release to manufacturing) is the current version that is out now, along with those copies of the RTM acquired through TechNet subscriptions and other Academic channels. The "Fast Startup" and "Hybrid Sleep" options in these pre-release builds varied in how they were implemented, and whether the options were "on" of "off" by default. Since the RTM release Acronis has been working to resolve issues such as the scheduling problems noted in this thread, that were not apparent (or even existed) when testing on the pre-release versions of Windows 8.
I have just installed TI 2013 on a new computer supplied with Windows 8 and get exactly the same problems - manual backup works fine but scheduled jobs just don't start.
Automatic scheduled backup is a MUST not just a nice to have. That's why I bought TI 2013 !
kgee,
Simply use the Windows Task Scheduler to run the Acronis task.
Many thanks for the reply.
Well I suppose a workaround is better than nothing until Aronis fix this but as a non technical person never having used Task Scheduler is there any article I can lookup to see a step by step guide as to how to do this.
I've found the Task Schedule program but it looks as though a program and script is needed, then presumably some trigger criteria to launch it.
I really do feel completely let down again by Acronis, this software should work without users having to waste hours trying to implement work arounds.
Anyway, apologies for the frustration here, I will try to use the solution you propose, I could just do with a pointer in the right direction for some detail on how to get it to work.
Indeed, if what's been said here is that all Windows 8 users are having the same problem ( and I'am still a bit unclear as to whether this is the case ) then Acronis should be publishing a definitive statement as to exactly how to create the work around and more importantly when they are going to fix it.
Still, any help would be appreciated.
I am also having the same problem since moving to Windows 8. My scheduled backups will not start. This is a clean install of windows 8 and I am a long time user of Acronis. I have noticed one thing that may or may not raise a flag...when I go into the Acronis program I notice that on the Backup Recovery Tab, the window says "no backups found on your computer" for a good 6 seconds and then it finds them and populates the screen.
I can run backups manually without a problem, but not any scheduled backups. I have tried EVERY scenario of backups and none work.
Hello,
Since november, 2th, i have disabled the new "startup option" in power management" Under Win 8 Pro, i have no more problems with ATIH2013 scheduler.
Been into power management advanced settings but can't see anything labelled "startup option" - can you please describe where it is.
Thanks
By the way, the issue I have of scheduled jobs not starting is not confined to when the PC has gone to sleep or hibernating - it happens even when it's fully up.
Strangely enough, I have just opened the lid of this laptop after it's been sleeping ( or hibernating ) not sure which, and I see the Acronis job did actually start - but then failed presumably because my external drive was not connected.
All very strange - particularly since I declined the option to run on startup when I set the job up - although I seem to remember that used to happen with my previous Windows 7 setup along with TI2012
Will do some more tests but clarification of where this "startup option" would be helpful.
Thanks
One TrueImage startup option is located inside the Scheduler under advanced options.
Hi kgee,
See my previous post at november 28th 13:49. Click on the url to have a sample. I have turned off this option.
So, i have turned OFF this option.
Regards
Hi GroverH thanks for the reply.
Yes, that's the option I had unticked i.e it shouldn't try to do a missed backup on startup ...... but it does.
Not sure what criteria is used for "startup" - on this last occasion when it tried to run was after it had been sleeping / hibernating ( not sure which ) but perhaps that doesn't rank as a real startup i.e. a complete bootup
Hi Andre23a,
Thanks for the info. Yes, I have located the Fastboot setting in BIOS settings but think it's probably set correctly. The Dell E6530 has : Minimal / Thorough / Auto
Mine was set on "Thorough" which means " Performs complete hardware and configuration initialization during boot"
So I guess this is right ?
Update :
just scheduled another job for a backup to another partition on the same drive.
This time the schedule works !
All previous scheduled backups were to a network drive - didn't think this was significant because a manual execution of the job worked fine.
Will do some more testing but now suspect it's something to do with this.
kgee,
First, you can try to turn off the fast startup option.
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/6320-fast-startup-turn-off-windows…
Or, you can use Windows task scheduler:
- In ATI, in the gear menu, choose more, then create a shortcut. Note that if the account that you are using is NOT an administrator account, the shortcut will appear on the desktop of the administrator account you use when you launch ATI.
- In Windows task scheduler, in the actions menu, create a new basic new task. In the wizard, in the action step, choose start a program.
- Right click on the backup task schortcut you have created. choose properties
- Copy the complete program path (not including the long key like parameter) and put in the program box
- Copy the parameter (after trueimagehome.exe) to the option parameter,
- Ignore the start in box.
You will see that the Windows task scheduler is actually pretty flexible and useful. There is no downside in using it at all.
Many thanks for the info.
After getting around to doing some more tests I found the original job actually started working as scheduled and for a while thought all was well and was somehow something to do with a recent Win8 set of updates. Unfortunately it's stopped working again so I've switched off the fast startup option as you suggest and I'll see what happens now.
As a contingency I've checked out the Windows task scheduler and yes it does look as though it should work fine - but have yet to get it to execute - think it's something to do with the "argument" parameter but will do some more work on that if fast startup switch off has no effect.
Thanks again
Is there any way to use the windows task scheduler to run a silent backup? I have the scheduled task set up, but currently it opens up the program in order to run the backup.
Rs990,
Windows task scheduler runs as a service, so you shouldn't see the program opening up at all... Are you setting the task scheduler with an administror account and with high privileges? See attached
Pat L
Update :
Turning off "fast startup" seems to have fixed the scheduling problem - or at least over the last couple of days.
I've now also got the Windows Task Scheduler to work also - I believe it was the "run with highest privileges" flag on the General tab ( as per your later post ) that was the problem.
Thanks again.
Same problem here, same solution: disable the fast boot option in power management and scheduled tasks run without a problem.
On a side note: I find it unacceptable that you have to dig into a user forum to find an explanation and workaround for the problem. Users should be warned by Acronis about this problem.
I bought Trueimage in order to keep my data safe, both through a local backup as to the cloud. Lucky enough I now and then check manually to see whether the backups are being performed as they should. It is completely unacceptable that the product does not do what it should do, especially given the possible grave consequences it might bring with it, such as data loss.
Hello all,
Thank you for your reports.
We have created a new build of scheduler that should fix the issue. We will test the file and will publish it here in several days so that you can check its' functionality.
Thank you.
Why was my previous post deleted?!
Hello all,
Here is the fix that we have created. Please perform the below actions to check if Acronis scheduler works as it should.
- Please go to Search -> Type services .msc -> make right-click on Acronis Scheduler2 service -> Stop
- Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Acronis\Schedule2 and rename the old schedhlp.exe and schedul2.exe files to, for example, schedhlp_1.exe and schedul2_1.exe
- Download and unpack the files attached to this message. They are for 32bit and 64bit systems accordingly.
- Place the new files to the same C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Acronis\Schedule2 directory
- Start Acronis Scheduler2 service (Search -> Type services .msc -> make right-click on Acronis Scheduler2 service -> Start)
- Launch True Image and see if the issue remains.
Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The file 32bit.zip has been updated
++++++++++++++++++++++
Update
The new versions of the files are available here
Hi,
I have just finished testing this fix.
1. Applied fix.
2. Enabled "Fast Startup"
3. Shutdown, then boot.
4. Adjust schedule.
5. Shutdown, then boot.
6. Schedule runs as it should.
7. Adjust schedule, then sleep...wait for scheduled time to pass.
8. Missed backup runs when logging in after sleep.
Fix seems to be a success.
Hello laxonite,
Thank you for the good news.
Actually, it was a heavy fix from the technical point of view.
Thank you.
Hello,
Thank you for the patch. Il have installed it (no problems to install it) and restarted "Windows fast startup". i'll await some days to see what happen and tell you the results.
Best regards,
Andr23A
Hi Oleg,
No problem at this time with the new scheduler except that the bug of the numerical keybord not locked at the restart has comed back.
So, no doubt, it is Acrnis scheduler that does not restore correctly the status of the numerical keyboard or the activating of Windows fast startup.
Best regards
Andr23a
Sorry, but the patch does not work : i had 3 planified saves and nothing happened.
I am using Windows 8 Pro, True Image Home 2013 with Plus Pack and have the same problem as others, i.e., scheduled backups run when the computer is awake but not when it is asleep. I tried the 32bit fix provided by Oleg on Fri, 2013-02-01 15:12 but after placing the new files in the C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Acronis\Schedule2 directory, I was unable to restart Acronis Schedulet2 Service. When I tried, I got the error message: "Windows could not start the Acronis Scheduler2 Service on Local Computer. Error 216: 0xd8. Consequently, I returned to the old scheduler files. Any suggestions?
Philip,
You are running the 64 bit version of Windows if you have the C:\Program Files (x86)\ folder.
You should use the 64 bit version of the files in Oleg's post.
It does seem counter-intuitive to put the "64 bit" version of the files in the C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Acronis\Schedule2 folder, since this is where 32 bit applications are normally stored.
Hello all,
Thank you for the feedback.
Andr23a,
I assume that you have tested your old tasks that should have been registered in the new "patched' scheduler (unfortunately, there is no a reliable way to register them manually). Please create several new tasks and see if they work.
Also, could you please clarify what you mean by "the bug of the numerical keyboard"? Could you please provide me with a link to the description?
Philip,
Is the proposal stated by James correct? If not, could you please provide us with a screen shot of the error?
Thank you.
Hi Oleg,
You are right, i have not re-created my tasks. So i'll try the patch tomorrow with new tasks.
At the beginning of Win8 pro, many users (and me) had noticed that, after log-in, the status of the numerical keyboard (locked or unlocked) was not restored properly. There are posts on Microsoft forum about that. it seemed to come with the new dualboot or the new fast startup. We had observed that, before the dual boot screen, the numerical keybord (set by the bios) had a correct status, not after the boot selection.
For me, the problem had disappeared mysteriously. May be the "fast startup" put off, but i am not sure.
Best regards
Hello James & Oleg,
I have 32 bit Windows 8. Sorry, I was careless & just copied the folder name from Oleg's instructions, not noticing the x86. The actual folder in which I put 32 bit files that Oleg supplied was C:\Program Files\Common Files\Acronis\Schedule2.
I will have to send a screen shot of the error message later; however, the entire content of the message was, "Windows could not start the Acronis Scheduler2 Service on Local Computer. Error 216: 0xd8".
Thank you for your help.
Oleg,
Is the 32 bit program applicable to XP Pro 32 bit if placed in the same folder as old.
After making the switch, I get an error when restarting the service.
" Cannot start service,
error 0xc1"
Grover
Everyone,
I have been following this thread for months and I have had the same symptoms of my PC not waking up to perform ATIH 2013 backups.
I have successfully gotten ATIH 2013 to WAKE my sleeping Windows 8 Pro x64 notebook to perform unattended backups properly.
I am NOT currently using the patch supplied by Oleg.
Fast Boot is ENABLED in my BIOS.
Hybrid Sleep is DISABLED in Win8 Prox64.
From a clean install of Windows 8 Pro x64 and a fresh install of my ATIH 2013, all I did was power cycle the PC, F2 into the EFI BIOS, and DISABLE the power savings option in the BIOS. In fact, there was a message in the BIOS beside the power savings option that stated that enabling power savings "may cause wake from sleep" problems.
I hope this is information is of use to some others out there. Thanks for this thread and all the efforts of Oleg and everyone.
Hello Oleg,
I have attached the error message that I received when I attempted to restart Acronis Scheduler2 services after placing the two 32 bit files that you provided in my C:\Program Files\Common Files\Acronis\Schedule2 folder.
Regards,
Philip
Hello all,
I was able to reproduce the issue on WinXP 32bit and Win 8 32bit systems. I will look for what we can do with it and will update the thread.
Thank you.
I thought everything worked correct with the patch, however today my scheduled backup did not start. It was scheduled for 9.30 am but until now (2:00 pm) the backup did not start.
Hello Rob,
Could you please obtain Acronis system report from the Help section and send it to us? I am sending a FTP link to you via PMs.
Thank you.