Windows 7: Task Scheduler & Running application in foreground....

subbu · 08 Feb 2010

Hi,

My requirement is to start an application (UI based) in the foreground as soon as the PC boots (whether user is logged in or not). I added a task to the task scheduler & configured it to run under the same account as my foreground logon account.

I am seeing the task is scheduled but it is running in the background. Also observed that task manager is not showing the process unless I click on the button "Show processes from all users".

What is the reason for such a behavior and how can I achieve my requirement?

Thanks,
Subbu

WindowsStar · 05 Jul 2010

Yes, what you can do is start the application as a service and make sure that it is allowed to interact with the user. That way the application will start if no one is logged on, and will display when a user logs on.

subbu · 06 Jul 2010

Hi,

What can be done to make sure that it is allowed to interact with the user?

Thanks,

Bare Foot Kid · 06 Jul 2010

Hello subbu, welcome to Seven Forums!

Have a look at the tutorial at the link below to see if that method will do what you need; be sure to keep us informed.

How to Change, Add, or Remove Startup Programs in Windows

subbu · 06 Jul 2010

Hi,

First of all thanks for the reply.

I saw the link. It talks about adding a program to system startup. i.e. starting a program after the user logs in.

But I am looking for a way to start a UI based app as soon as the PC boots even before the user logs in and should show up the UI as soon as the user logs in.

Thanks,

Bare Foot Kid · 06 Jul 2010

Have you had a good look at all the options under the "Triggers" and "Conditions" tabs in the Task Scheduler to see if you're setting all the parameters that need to be met for the program to run correctly? Have a look at the tutorial at the link below.

Task - Create to Run a Program at Startup and Log On

Dwarf · 06 Jul 2010

Have you considered the alternative method of doing this? By editing the registry.

The location(s) to modify are as follows:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
(you will need to open the registry editor with administrative credentials to modify this location - affects all users)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
(you can edit this from any account - affects the current user only)

Quote: Originally Posted by Dwarf

In the right-hand panel, right- click and choose New > String Value. Name it AutoLogOff (or whatever you want, this doesn't matter but it is helpful to have meaningful names). Next, right-click on the new entry and choose Modify... (alternatively, double-click it). Enter the following code (remember to include the spaces):

C:\Windows\system32\shutdown.exe /r /t 3630

Example taken from my posts in this thread: Solved Time usage control - Vista Forums

The parts to change are highlighted in RED.

WindowsStar · 06 Jul 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by subbu

Hi,

First of all thanks for the reply.

I saw the link. It talks about adding a program to system startup. i.e. starting a program after the user logs in.

But I am looking for a way to start a UI based app as soon as the PC boots even before the user logs in and should show up the UI as soon as the user logs in.

Thanks,

Again you can set the application to start as a service. That will do what you are wanting.

How To Create a User-Defined Service

Windows 7: Task Scheduler & Running application in foreground....

Task Scheduler & Running application in foreground.... problems?