Using Windows Task Scheduler instead of the Backup Express Scheduler

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Backup Express - Setting up a Scheduled Task Page 1 of 8

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

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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.

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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

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Step 4 – Scheduled Task Wizard

This will open the Scheduled Task Wizard. Click “Next” to continue.

Step Five – Choosing the Backup Express Program

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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

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Step Eight – Advanced Properties

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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

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Step 11 – Finished

The Scheduled Task should now be set up correctly and ready to run at your specified time.