Deleted scheduled task tries to run
I've been trying to get a task scheduled and have created a few test tasks. I've deleted one and it stills pops up when the task reaches its then scheduled execution day of the week and time.
How can I fully delete this task?
OK, did the following:
Downloaded the latest version of scheduler (465). According to that link, they were using scheduler 461, the latest version was 465. I zapped all tasks. I then repaired using a freshly downloaded version of 2011-build 6942. Do I need to delete all the task scripts using "remove task from list" and re-do them? I have two..the weekly SSD to USB backup that I have detailed a post or two back and a script that runs monthly to backup my ipod music database.
If I needed to deleted all the scripted tasks, it seems that it would have been logical to delete the scripted tasks first using "remove task from list", then kill all the scheduled tasks, then run the repair option and then re-entered my task scripts..correct me if I'm wrong? my thinking is, seeing as the scripted tasks are still live tasks, that rebooting will re-activate them, however if I needed to delete them, then perhaps I should have done that first?
Thanks Grover.
If you zapped all tasks, you should have no tasks and will need to recreate the ones you want to use. Go ahead and reboot and start TruieImage fresh and see what you have.
I had shut down the system so was unsure if I needed to "re-zap" when I powered the system back up. Attached is a capture of my task list that shows my two tasks still listed, but I notice that for scheduling it has these tasks listed as "off".
The two tasks are not scheduled to run. If you want them scheduled, you will need to turn them on and verify the times.
Use Windows Explorer and look at the contents of the Scripts folder. I believe you should only find the two for your listed tasks. You can look at the contents of these tasks by opening in notepad.
Here is my Win7 path to my scripts folder.
C:\Users\All Users\Acronis\TrueImageHome\Scripts
Hmmm can't find the scripts folder. I don't have your path on my system. My Acronis path is:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Acronis
And there isn't a script folder. Any other place it might be?
Scripts: "C:\ProgramData\Acronis\TrueImageHome\Scripts"
This is one place. Otherwise, use your Windows File Search module and search for
scripts
OK. Found it..thanks Grover. The script names are encrypted somehow, and they are in .tib format. See attached. There were 4 tasks. 2 were the tasks I just enabled the other two were validation tasks. I'm guessing the validation task scripts are simply the scripts for the validation task I have selected for my backups in advanced settings?
Ok. It would seem you do not have any extra tasks so zapping did its job. You should not have any tasks attempting to run except those you saw in the scripts folder.
Great! Lady Luck shined on me..I'll see how the task does tomorrow.
Well Lady Luck didn't shine to brightly after all :) I attached the USB this morning around 9 and booted the system. Acronis reported that the task had started. So far so good. Then an error message popped up saying that an error occured and if I didn't make a decision in 10 minutes the task would be cancelled. I let it fail and looked at the log. The first part of the error report is where Acronis is trying to get online and check for updates so ignore that. I don't have this machine attached to the internet. I'm wondering if the program got confused because I had ran this task manually last week and the backup .tib file SSD_to_USB_Sunday_Backup_ already exists in that folder. I thought the program would have simply added a number increment for each successive backup..for example SSD_to_USB_Sunday_Backup_1, SSD_to_USB_Sunday_Backup_2, etc..
See attached, the log file has html in it which is formatting weird when I display it within message.
As for the checking for updates error, you should be able to prevent that. In upper right corner of the program, click the HELP option and then click the "Check for updates"option. Let the program attempt to check but afterwards, uncheck the box so updates will not be checked in the future.
Also, while in the same Help area, click on settings and then change the default Timout Settings to a longer period of time.
"Analyzing partition '0-0'
"Analyzing partition '1-1'
"Analyzing partition 'C:'
"Analyzing partition 'D:'
"Analyzing partition '0-0'
"Analyzing partition 'E:'.
"Analyzing partition '0-0'
"Analyzing partition 'F:
See my note below
Create Full Backup Archive
"Backing up to file: G:\My Backups\Sunday SSD\SSD_to_USB_Sunday_Backup_.tib
message="Error occurred while creating the file."
message="The system cannot find the path specified" module="0"
Note: there should also be a line "analyzing...... G"
This error would seem in indicate storage Drive G is missing or not powered up or not recognized by Windows--or at least not at the moment that TrueImage started.
How does drive G get its power? From its own transformer or power from the computer?
Update me about this task.
Did this task start via a schedule or because it was overdue? Was this a task which was supposed to run at startup if missed?
Has this task been edited? Which type backup is expected for the 2nd smaller backup?
Still recommend that you change the drive letter from G to something toward the end of the alphabet. If you temporarily add a thumb drive or a memory stick or a camera, etc, the drive letter G will be assigned to these devices.
If the backup had been completed, I am not sure whether it would have been a full or a smaller. I may have been a full to start a new set and with the number 1 on the backup. I am just not sure which it would have done.
Grover,
This is a USB 3.0 drive. It is powered via the USB connection. I became very frustrated so I completely uninstalled Acronis and will start again from scratch.
When my windows first boots up, it asks me for my user password. I enter it. Then the desktop shows up and the device association window pops up asking me what default action I want to do with the device..eg "view files". I didn't think that was important so I just clicked cancel.
The task was set to go at 4pm. I started the PC at 4:15. The task was set to run at startup if missed. I'm unclear what you mean "Which type backup is expected for the 2nd smaller backup". I had the following task setup for my Sunday SSD to USB task:
1. From the Welcome Screen, select "Go to main screen".
2. From "Add backups", select "Disk and partition backup".
3. From "Configure disk backup process", select "Switch to disk mode".
4. From "What to back up", select "YOUR DRIVE".
5. For "Destination" insert "YOUR DESTINATION"
6. For "File name" insert "YOUR_BACKUP_NAME_"
7. For "Schedule" select "Weekly", "Sunday", "Start at 7:00 AM".
8. For "Advanced settings" select "Wake up the sleeping/hibernating computer".
9. For "Advanced settings" select "Prevent the computer from sleeping during the task execution".
10. For "Advanced settings" select "Run missed backup at system startup".
11. For "Backup scheme" select "Custom scheme" under "Backup scheme" tab.
12. For "Disk Backup Options" under "Backup scheme" tab, Backup method "Full".
13. For "Old version cleanup rules" select "Store no more than 4 recent versions".
14. Select the "Advanced" tab under "Disk Backup Options", for "Backup protection" enter password "YOUR PASSWORD"
15. For "Validation" select "Validate backup when it is created".
This encompassed everything we discussed in my other thread.
I was unaware you suggested to rename the external USB drive. Can I right click on the drive (inside Windows explorer) and choose properties to rename?
Lovely. I uninstalled the program, re-installed, redid my task, got the same error. REALLY getting discouraged with all of this. It's becoming more of a job than it should be. The program is so mired down by its poorly written code that it can't function the way it advertises.
For what its worth: (didn't change the update thing):
OK. I notice you have changed the Drive Letter to Z: Good
That should reduce your risk of the drive letter problem.
If you have not done so, yes, rename the new disk using the method you describe. I like to include the drive letter as part of the disk name . Eight or less characters. One suggestion might be as below but it is your choice.
USB3_Z
The program will explicitly check for updates unless you uncheck the options as I describe above. If you did a fresh new install, the options is currently checked and will need to be unchecked.
There are two options under the Validate backup. The first line validate the backup as part of the backup procedure and this line should be checked.
The second line has monthly validation preset. You will need to click on that line and choose the "do not schedule" option.
When no monthly backups are scheduled, the second line will read
Turn on regular validation.
If this option is turned on previously, this could have been the rogue task you wrote about earlier.
The problem with the drive not being seen may not be an Acronis problem. Evidently, you see it when choosing a destination for your backup so it is being seen. The problem here is that TrueImage is starting at Startup before the drive has been recognized. Do you also have an option for the usb3 drive where it has its own transformer? What size is the usb3 disk? Do you have a usb3 connector on your computer or is it defaulting to usb2? Just to confirm, it was this specific disk which was attached at time of task creation?
After I see your response, I will give some thoughts as to how to maybe achieve some delay using the Pre/Post commands. The new 20121 has a delay option build in here but some postings indicate there is problems with this option as well.
You indicated all your backups here are full backups so all will be about the same size and no small ones expected--as you are not using the incremental or differential methods. You can ignore my comment about the smaller size.
OK, I renamed the Z: drive as suggested.
The problem here is that Trueimage is starting at Startup before the drive has been recognized.
I don't see why the program would offer the option of scheduling any tasks to a USB disk if it cannot accurately handle what seems to be a very simple task. If the script task is saying "backups are going to be stored on an external drive", you'd think the programmers would be able to accurately poll for the presence of the drive before letting the script run. For the program to get confused and crash because the external drive isn't immediately seen is in my opinion, extremely poor programming.
Do you also have an option for the usb3 drive where it has its own transformer?
No, this is a port powered USB 3 drive. I wanted this because I was tired of having to haul out cables and power boxes every time I wanted to make a backup or share a few files between PCs. Here are the specs for my drive, which is 1tb:
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=430
Just to confirm, it was this specific disk which was attached at time of task creation?
Yes, I have no other external drives. I setup a new task, again, and programmed the task to run 15 minutes into the future. I left the PC on, and left the USB drive attached. Obviously the PC had plenty of time to see the USB drive. The task executed on time, and the backup was validated.
So, I think it comes down to either changing my backup task so that the task executes and presents me with a error message when I do not attach the external drive, or somehow the time of the task is delayed to allow the drive to be seen.
I have some ideas. Let me do a little testing. I will get back to you Monday night.
Thank you Grover. If it weren't for you I would have given up on this product.
Arthur,
I ran out of time for Monday but found something promising. Most likely, I will have ready for Tuesday night or Wednesday night for sure.
Please confirm that you are running Windows 7 on this computer?
Have you ever done any work with batch files although the one I plan on using is very easy to set up.
Hi Grover,
Yes, I am using Windows 7 Professional 64 bit OEM. My batch files experience is limited to a few I toyed with back in my MS-DOS days but that wouldn't scare me :)
Create Full Backup Archive
"Backing up to file: G:\My Backups\Sunday SSD\SSD_to_USB_Sunday_Backup_.tib
message="Error occurred while creating the file."
message="The system cannot find the path specified" module="0"
To restate the current problem, the USB3 external storage disk is not being recognized by TrueImage prior to the past due backup being started at Startup of the computer. What I am attempting to do here is to place a delay command inside TrueImage so the startup of the usb3 drive will be completed before the actual backup is begun by TrueImage. The USB3 drive is being powered by the computer via the usb3 cable. The TIMEOUT command is valid for Windows 7.
My hardware is not your hardware so whether my suggestions will work for you, you will need to try them to find out. These were successful for me on my Win7 laptop during my testing.
I have used two methods--both work for me. The preferred method would be to use the separate command file titled method 1. The less preferred method is to add a command to the Backup Options Pre/post pre commands-- which is method 2. The less preferred method is simpler but more prone to TrueImage not support the command correctly. You may want to try method 2 first--just to see if this works for you.
All my modification does is to add a delay of 300 seconds before the actual backup is allowed to begin. The modification does NOT check to see if the usb3 disk is attached--although that is possible with a more sophisticated coding. If necessary, you may need to alter the number of seconds. I would not alter to less than 150 seconds to allow for all of the startup programs to open that is involved in a normal Windows startup.
The modification is assuming that the usb3 disk is attached prior to bootup. If the disk is not attached prior to bootup, the program will fail and await the next scheduled time--which is a week away--unless ran manually.
One option which has always been open to you is to create a non-scheduled task which includes the creation of a desktop shortcut. On Sunday when you start the computer with the usb3 disk attached, all you have to do is to start the backup by double clicking on the desktop shortcut. I understand this method is not your preference as you want the program to handle it but this is a valid workaround you may need to consider if nothing else works. As you are using the 2011 version, there is very very little chances of any future releases of any new build for 2011. A desktop shortcut is also any option even if you use a scheduled backup. Even if you were to upgrade to 2012, the use of the shortcut could still be your only option. Different hardware combinations produce different results.
=================================================================
Method 2:
Note: Preferred Complete all other task changing options and leave this option setting to last.
a. Click the "Disk Backup options" (lower left corner)
b. Click the Advanced Header Tag and Click the Pre/post command option.
c. Checkmark the "Use Custom commands" option
d. Click the "Edit" option for the Pre-command.
e. Within the open Command windows, click on the blue colored .... Window
f. Browse to the c:\windows\system32 folder and browse to the file titled "timeout.exe" and double click on this file to select it.
g. The title and path to the timeout.exe file should appear within the command window as per illustration below. I delete all of this line except the WORD timeout.
h. Paste the following command information into the "Arguments" window.
/T 150 /NOBREAK
i. To save the changes, click the Backup Scheme Header and then click the OK button at lower right of Backup Schemes content. All other option settings changes should have been made prior to this last change.
====================================================================
Method 1 Using a CMD (batch file) to create the delay.
@ECHO OFF
ECHO.
ECHO A countdown delay of 300 seconds to allow time for Drive Z to be recognized by Windows at Startup.TIMEOUT /T 300 /NOBREAK
Save file as "Z-TIMEOUT.CMD" (WITHOUT QUOTES) into documents folder. Path will probably be like: C:\users\arthur\documents\Z-TIMEOUT.CMD
=============================================================
First part of editing the Pre/post pre command Method 2
http://forum.acronis.com/sites/default/files/mvp/user285/arthur/arthur-…
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Resulting edit of the pre-command Method 2
http://forum.acronis.com/sites/default/files/mvp/user285/arthur/arthur-…
---
Log file after successful backup with a 300 second delay. Method 2
http://forum.acronis.com/sites/default/files/mvp/user285/arthur/arthur-…
------
Editing the pre command to add the command (batch) file to Method 1
http://forum.acronis.com/sites/default/files/mvp/user285/arthur/arthur-…
----
Log file after successful backup with a 300 second delay via the command file--Method 1
http://forum.acronis.com/sites/default/files/mvp/user285/arthur/arthur-…
----------------------
These instructions in PDF form.
http://forum.acronis.com/sites/default/files/mvp/user285/arthur/arthur-…
Edit:
The method I used for testing was to schedule a new task directed to a usb3 external disk on a Win7 laptop.
I then shutdown the computer and waited until the schedule time had passed.
Then I rebooted the computer with my Drive V usb3 attached. My usb3 has its own transformer so that was different than yours. The log files shows the results that the delay occurred and the test was successful. I did not use validation because of testing time constraints and it should have no bearing on the results of whether the program found the usb3 disk.
Hi Grover,
Wow! OK, give me a day or two and I will post my results. Your solution sounds like it is exactly what I need. Thank You
Art
OK. Found it..thanks Grover. The script names are encrypted somehow, and they are in .tib format. See attached. There were 4 tasks. 2 were the tasks I just enabled the other two were validation tasks. I'm guessing the validation task scripts are simply the scripts for the validation task I have selected for my backups in advanced settings?
Actually, they are in xml format, not encrypted, jsut written according to xml rules.
Scott,
Here's an example of one of the names:
7E4C235B-6A88-4912-B5F7-AD2C0284E369
I'm not overly familiar with xml. Is this some form of hexadecimal or something? Just curious how/why xml would translate the title of my task into this.
Thanks
This is the normal name assignment for scripts created by TrueImage Home. If you wish to view its contents, it can be viewed in Notepad. If you use a shortcut to start your backup program, it is this file name that you will find inside the shortcut.
If you look inside the scripts folder and sort the contents by most recently used, the listing will be the most recent tasks run.
This script number or task identification can also be found in the registry under
HKey_Current-User\Software\Acronis\TrueImageHome\TasksSortData
I made a few appearance changes in the pdf as posted in posting #21. No change of content.
http://forum.acronis.com/sites/default/files/mvp/user285/arthur/arthur-…
Thanks Grover, been on overtime all this week as my employers busy season fast approaches. It looks like Saturday afternoon will be my only free-time and I'm really looking forward to playing with this.
got to Wiki xml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XML
and you find out all about xml -- more than can be said here. the short version is that xml (Extensible Markup Language) comprises rules for encoding documents in machine-readable form.
OK I sort of understand that. But what has me confused is why a machine would prefer "7E4C235B-6A88-4912-B5F7-AD2C0284E369" over "Sunday USB to SSD Backup". I see no benefit to a human or a machine.
OK Grover, I'm all set using method 1. The script is set to go for tomorrow at 7am.
Method 1 indicates you are using the cmd file--probably stored in the documents folder.
One quick test to see if the cmd (batch) file will work is to open your documents folder and double click on the cmd file.
What should happen is a dos like command window should immediately open (no permissions windows) and the you should see the countdown in process based on the number of seconds you entered into the file.
You can close the window by executing a Control C as shown on the display.
This test will not tell you if the external will be seen but the test will indicate that a delay action will be performed.
Works! Now hoping tomorrows test is a success..
Everything worked perfectly. Please take a look at attached logfile image. Tomorrow I will make an external backup from the Acronis DVD and then hopefully have the guts to test my backup.
3 Cheers... Hip Hip Hooray!
I wanted to have this task run, generate a fresh backup and restore from it as soon as possible. The task ran beautifully, then I got the nerve to securely erase my SSD drive, which is necessary before restoring a backup image. The drive was essentially blank after reboot. I re-booted onto the Acronis CD, restored the backup located on my external USB drive and it is now at 100%. All works great.
One question, within the restoration options I'm offered to "restore the disk signature" I clicked on yes. Hopefully that was correct as it seems it was important to take it into consideration during the backup.
Now, Grover, I get to move onto my DAILY backup :)
Merry Christmas...
Yes, you made the correct decision regarding recovering the signature. Your disk was blank. You wanted it to have the same signature as when it was working--so this necessitated the recovery of the signature. If you had been restoring the c overtop an existing C, you would not have needed to recover the signature as the signature was already there.
Practice makes perfect. Progress has been made.
and a wonderful Merry Christmas to you as well.