Windows 7: Task Scheduler: Automatic Backup/Shutdown

This is the procedure I've tried following but without success:

1. Open Task Scheduler
2. Create a new basic task
3. Enter a description for the task
4. On the trigger screen select "When a specific event is logged"
5. Select the Application from the log drop down menu.
6. Select Backup from the source drop down menu.
7. Enter 4098, 14, or 754 (depends on OS version) as the event ID.
8. On the action screen select "Start a program"
9. Enter "Shutdown" or "Shutdown.exe" into the Program/Script text box.
10. Enter "/s" or into the Arguments box.
11. Click next & Finish.
12. Run a backup to confirm the task is working.



I've checked on the scheduled automatic backup and it works every day as it is suppose to, but the procedure listed above to start a shutdown upon completion of any backup does NOT work. I checked in Task Scheduler and it doesn't even list the Auto Shutdown Task as every being run despite there being several backups already run. Could someone tell me where I'm going wrong on this and/or why this is NOT working to shut my system down upon completion of a backup?

Well, the Event ID is correct - 4098 = "Backup completed successfully". But, remember if the backup is completed with errors, there's a different event ID. Have you checked in Event Viewer to see what ID is being given?

My second thought is perhaps the task needs to be run with highest priviledges or as the System account, if it isn't already?

Hello sperry1975, welcome to Seven Forums!



Since the back-ups seem to be completing successfully, perhaps you would have better success creating a second, separate task to shut-down the PC after the backup task has completely finished.

Have a look at this tutorial at the link below and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.


Task Scheduler : Create Shut Down PC Automatically Task


You may have to add " /s /f " (force) to the arguments dialog.

You were correct. The Event ID was totally different than any I had used. Also there were errors in the backup so it could have been either of the problems that were causing the auto shutdown to not work. After doing an experiment with all other programs shutdown I found that sure enough when I had the correct Event ID in and no errors in the backup it shutdown just fine. Apparently the Event ID varies based on individuals computers just as much as on their os version. Thanks for the information!

No problem - I found this out when I was trying something similar to you, only I wanted an alert or email when the backup was not successful.