pre-command fails to run
Since backing up mail while outlook is running I created a batch file that runs an app called taskkill.exe which is provided by microsoft. This app will kill an app by it's app name, i.e. outlook.exe. When I create the pre-command and then test it successfully closes outlook. When I actually perform the backup it seems that the pre-command is not called. Does anyone have any feedback regarding pre-commands calling batch files?
thanks for the help
john
thanks, I tried that and it didn't work.
Could it be the user account you use for taskkill?
When you test it within ATI, you run it under your administrator account, but the scheduler works under the system account. If you add the system account, does taskkill work?
taskkill /f /t /fi "USERNAME eq NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM" /im outlook.exe
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddoc…
If it highly probably you could achieve this by using the free program Chain2Gen(C2G) written by forum MVP OracleDBA.
Chain2Gen is a helper program for TrueImageHome.
TrueImage creates the backups and does the scheduling.
C2G makes sure the C2G user parameters are followed in the retention of backups and that a full backup is created based on C2G user parameters.
C2G also has one feature which enables to user to run exe or batch files prior to the beginning of the backup creation. This is done utilizing the Pre/post pre command.
Below is an program extract from the C2G user parameter file. You can find more info about Chain2Gen inside my signature link below under section 5.
::
file=!_USER_SPECIFIED_PARAMS_FOR_Acronis.bat
::
:: if you desire a specific program/batchfile/command issued PRIOR to a full backup occuring
:: then enter the call for that command into any of these five varaibles.
:: Possible examples of desirable commands are to do a DEFRAG of your C: PRIOR to a full backup.
:: For example in Windows xp to defrag you would set:
:: set pre_full_backup_cmd1=defrag c:
:: These variables are used by "Acronis_PreProcessing_task.bat" and the processing for them
:: is restricted to occur only when a new chain (full) is about to occur.
:: If you need something done prior to EVERY backup then do NOT use
:: these variables. Instead use custom script "my_acronis_pretask.bat" and insert your desired
:: code into this script. Your actual acronis backup of course would need
:: its pretask to be a call to "my_acronis_pretask.bat" not "Acronis_PreProcessing_task.bat"
:: FYI: The default chain2gen behavior is to only run these commands when retiring an existing chain.
:: if you want these pre_full_backup_commands run for prior to any full backup including the
:: the initial backup then you must specify the param "ALWAYS" (NO QUOTES) in the acronis
:: job definition GUI panel.
:: Warning- while the intent of these variables was to call an actual .exe one can call a ".bat" script
:: HOWEVER please use a "start" verb as in set PRE_FULL_BACKUP_CMD1=start c:\my_script.bat
:: FURTHERMORE the .bat file call MUST end with an "EXIT" command. Failure to do so may (will)
:: cause the acronis pretask to "hang" (never finish).
set PRE_FULL_BACKUP_CMD1=~
set PRE_FULL_BACKUP_CMD2=~
set PRE_FULL_BACKUP_CMD3=~
set PRE_FULL_BACKUP_CMD4=~
set PRE_FULL_BACKUP_CMD5=~
Also, I believe there is another possibility but you would need to confirm.
Forum MVP MudCrab offers the Drive Notify program which is a reminder program as to when to attach your external hard drive and which hard drive to attach.
He has both the free version and a paid version for a nonimal cost. I believe the paid version has an un-documented feature which will enable the user to run a program before the backup begins. You would need to contact him regarding the availability of this feature.
I use both Chain2Gen and the paid version of Drive Notify and both programs are outstanding. Information about both programs are found inisde my signature below.