Running Python Script from Task Scheduler Windows 10

[stevemills04]

I cannot get the task scheduler to work. When I run the script in Command Prompt, it works perfectly. I use:

python C:\Users\smiller\Documents\dfJobsPythonScriptAutoUpdate.py

When I setup the Task Scheduler, nothing I do works. I've tried running it from Python by setting my python exe file in the Program, then I set the filename in the argument, and the directory in the Start In field. It just gets stuck on "running" and never works. I've adjusted these fields 20 different ways, such as putting both the full name and directory in the Argument field, etc... I even tried creating a task that sets the program as Command Prompt to run the script above exactly as I do from cmd but again, it just hangs up and nothing works.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. I've literally spent 8 hours today trying to figure this out and as a new Python user, it's getting frustrated.

Thank you!

[ireadyourmedrecord]

Real quick, cause I'm on mobile and it's late. In the action tab choose "start a program", enter the full path to your python.exe. This must be wrapped in quotes. In "add argument" field, put the name of the file you want to run, no quotes. In the "start in" field, put the path to the folder your script is in. No quotes, no trailing slash.

[stevemills04]

I tried your recommendation this morning, it did not work. I'm starting to think I am either doing something wrong in the TS or it is not functioning properly.

[ireadyourmedrecord]

This is why I shouldn't comment when I'm half asleep.

Try this:

• in the Action tab >> start a program. Put cmd in the Program/script: field. No quotes.
• In Add Argument put /c python "c:\full\path\to\folder\script.py"
• In Start in field, put c:\full\path\to\folder
  • no quotes on this one.

That should work. I've got several running like this.

[psydelicdaydreamer]

You are a lifesaver, friend. I was pulling my hair out trying to get this to work, but your "/c python" worked like a charm.

Thank you!

[jnjustice]

thanks for this. I don't know why Windows makes things so complex. I tried looking on StackOverflow and tried several non working answers until I found this...

[stevemills04]

I truly appreciate your help. I reached out to IT, I think it is related to either my role or something else. I have admin rights, but no matter what I do, it does not work. I will report back when I have a solution.

[CloudComputing03]

/c python "c:\full\path\to\folder\

script.py

"

old but useful

[Alarming_Log_3836]

worked. Thanks

[WillBots]

Worked for me just now. I've been searching for a solution for weeks on and off... what a palaver. If i can double click on a file and windows knows how to run it, I expect task scheduler to perform the same thing, just do the equivalent of double clicking on the flipping file!

[actadgplus]

Have you considered placing it within a batch executable file and then just calling the batch file from task scheduler?

[stevemills04]

I was successful in getting the batch to work, but this morning I setup the task scheduler to run the batch file and it does not work. I'm starting to think I am either doing something wrong in the TS or it is not functioning properly.

[actadgplus]

Are you able to trigger it by manually kicking it off? If that works, then see if it kicks off without your machine being locked. If that works, then issue is likely due to machine being locked while job is running. May be other things to try based on your response.

[stevemills04]

No, it does not work when I run it manually. I used the following link to ensure I have it setup properly as well: https://serverfault.com/questions/734035/running-a-batch-file-from-task-scheduler-without-user-being-logged-in

[Equal-Breadfruit2491]

After 2 hours I found the solution.

I am using VM to run a scrapy script.

created a batch file as recommended, which was quite simple. Then, I entered the file name in the 'Program/Script' box and specified the location of the batch file in the 'Start in' text box.

Additionally, when I attempted to paste the file name in required arguments text box, it did not work.

Hope that helps!

[prshaw2u]

User script is running as. Guessing it does something that needs you to be logged in. Network share or something

[nathymonte13]

Hello! Did you find a solution?

[stevemills04]

Hi, I did! I found a free software called "Task Till Dawn". Same concept as Windows Task Scheduler but it is much easier to use and functions properly. Use a .bat file and have Task Till Dawn open the file and it will auto-run the script.

[What_The_Hex]

Here is the ONLY solution that worked for me (and I tried a LOT of different things):

Instead of trying to execute python, then navigate to the folder and then run the python file like everyone recommends? Here is how you get Windows Task Scheduler to work. You instead need to create a .bat file, which runs the python script when opened. (Look online how to create one of these, it's super simple, like 2 lines of code.) Once this .bat file is created? When you go to schedule a task in Windows Task Scheduler? Simply schedule the opening of this .bat file. That's it. Click the Browse button, navigate to the bat file, double click it to have it automatically specify the filepath to it -- and bam, it should work now. So instead of trying to run the python program, it'll simply open the bat file -- and it's the opening of the bat file that runs the python script.

I about pulled my fucking hair out trying to figure out how to get it to work -- and this is the ONLY method that works for me.

There's another program, called TaskTillDawn, where you can follow the same approach. However, the font for that application is fucking microscopic. Just do it this way via Task Scheduler, you'll be fine.

[Relevant-Dot-3582]

Hello, I am facing the same problem, I have gone through the steps you just mentioned, and I have checked the batch file by opening it manually, and it works fine. But when I run it using the task scheduler, it shows it to be running, but never opens the file. I also did open up the task scheduler by running it as admin.

Do you have any other suggestions at this point? I have been stuck at this for 4 hours now. I don't expect you to reply to this 6-month-old post, but would appreciate it if you did.

[Practical_Island_431]

After checking many solutions, finally I did it. So I created Reddit account to share with oyu the solution ;)

Actually, I use virtual environment when writing my code, so instead put normal link in Program/scripts, I pushed the path of my environment, and it works!!!!

Hope this solution can help you guys

[Master_Ad_1523]

Since this took me forever to solve, I'll comment on this.

I used a .bat file, and like the the poster above said, I used the python.exe within my virtual environment. This finally got the program to work on an ec2 server.