How to export/migrate Scheduled Tasks (preferably via script)

[jasonp45]

I have several Scheduled Tasks on one of my Vista machines, and I will soon be migrating to another machine.

What I'd like to do is export (or copy) all of these tasks via script to some shared location, then import them on the new machine.

I've looked in Windows\Tasks but don't see my tasks there. Are they stored in the filesystem in a format that allows for simple copying, and if I put them in the same location on the new machine will they automatically be recognized? I realize I'll have to access them and enter a password manually.

Thanks.

 

[linney]

Can you make use of the Import option in Schedule Tasks on the new machine?
Of course you still have to locate them in the first place, see if these articles help with that problem?

Some Tasks are hidden (tasks) too.

Description of the scheduled tasks in Windows Vista

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=939039#appliesto

Where are kept Scheduled tasks?

http://forums.techarena.in/vista-help/894313.htm

 

[SimonDavies]

Export a Task
You can export a task so that the task is stored in an XML file which can be imported by other users and computers. A task's properties, triggers, actions, conditions, and settings are represented in an XML file. A task's XML is defined by the Task Scheduler Schema. For more information about importing tasks, see Import a Task.

To export a task by using the Windows interface

If Task Scheduler is not open, start Task Scheduler. For more information, see Start Task Scheduler.

Find and click the task folder in the console tree that contains the task you want to export.

In the console window, click the task that you want to export.

In the Actions pane, click Export…. The Save As dialog box will appear.

In the Save As dialog box, browse to the location that you want to save the task, and click the Save button.


To export a task by using a command line

Open a command prompt. To open a command prompt, click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.

Type:

schtasks /Query [/S <system> [/U <username> [/P [<password>]]]]
/XML /TN <taskname>
The XML for the task is shown in the command prompt. Copy the XML for the task and paste it into a blank XML file. When the XML file is saved, the file will contain the task definition and can be imported.

To view the help for this command, type:

schtasks /Query /?


More info can on Tasks can be found at

http://www.windowsvistauserguide.com/task_scheduler.htm

SimonD.

The real world is not about exam scores, it's about ability.

 

[jasonp45]

Thanks. With the tips provided I see I can export them all via the command-line (and thus via a script or batch file) with the following command:

schtasks /Query /XML >[desired output path & XML filename]

Or I can specify a single task with the /TN switch. I'll play around with importing from the XML file - thanks.