Scheduled Task gone mad

[Guest]

Hi all,
I hope somebody can help me.
A few days ago the the computer hard disc started to work very hard and load.
I checked the Task Manager, nothing was running.

I happened to be reading Windows XP in easy steps and I came across the
scheduled tasks, i checked it and it was loaded with all the programs I have
on the computer ( about 50),

I tried to right click like the book said (and also the Help and Support) to
delete each program but nothing happened, the right click produces nothing.
under file the delete option is greyed out

I right clicked many times many times ( even retarted the computer many
times, to no avail.

I clicked on the Advance menu and ticked the Stop using schedule. It doesn't
stop the running schedules But if you stop and start the computer its OK (it
stops) but the schedule reverts back to start again by itself (unless I
remember to stop it) and will start sometime later.

The noise drives me crazy.

I view the log and yes its always on when the noise starts.

I rang MS windows they could help -they suggested that i talk to their Tech
for $50 so they can talk me thru on how to stop the tasks.
I tried to check this and similar sites for an answer, nobody seems to have
had my problem before.
I hope somebody has an Idea on what I can do ( I don't use the scheduler so
it can even be deleted all -program included doesn't bother me)

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Hi all,
I hope somebody can help me.
A few days ago the the computer hard disc started to work very hard and load.
I checked the Task Manager, nothing was running.

I happened to be reading Windows XP in easy steps and I came across the
scheduled tasks, i checked it and it was loaded with all the programs I have
on the computer ( about 50),

I tried to right click like the book said (and also the Help and Support) to
delete each program but nothing happened, the right click produces nothing.
under file the delete option is greyed out

I right clicked many times many times ( even retarted the computer many
times, to no avail.

I clicked on the Advance menu and ticked the Stop using schedule. It doesn't
stop the running schedules But if you stop and start the computer its OK (it
stops) but the schedule reverts back to start again by itself (unless I
remember to stop it) and will start sometime later.

The noise drives me crazy.

I view the log and yes its always on when the noise starts.

I rang MS windows they could help -they suggested that i talk to their Tech
for $50 so they can talk me thru on how to stop the tasks.
I tried to check this and similar sites for an answer, nobody seems to have
had my problem before.
I hope somebody has an Idea on what I can do ( I don't use the scheduler so
it can even be deleted all -program included doesn't bother me)

Log on as Administrator, then move each and every file from
c:\Windows\Tasks to some holding folder. Now reboot the
machine and check what happens.

I suspect that some hacker found his way into your machine.
How is your firewall protection?

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

This may be caused by a Policy setting.
See: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/305612

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]
Windows® XP Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


Hi all,
I hope somebody can help me.
A few days ago the the computer hard disc started to work very hard and
load.
I checked the Task Manager, nothing was running.

I happened to be reading Windows XP in easy steps and I came across the
scheduled tasks, i checked it and it was loaded with all the programs I have
on the computer ( about 50),

I tried to right click like the book said (and also the Help and Support) to
delete each program but nothing happened, the right click produces nothing.
under file the delete option is greyed out

I right clicked many times many times ( even retarted the computer many
times, to no avail.

I clicked on the Advance menu and ticked the Stop using schedule. It doesn't
stop the running schedules But if you stop and start the computer its OK (it
stops) but the schedule reverts back to start again by itself (unless I
remember to stop it) and will start sometime later.

The noise drives me crazy.

I view the log and yes its always on when the noise starts.

I rang MS windows they could help -they suggested that i talk to their Tech
for $50 so they can talk me thru on how to stop the tasks.
I tried to check this and similar sites for an answer, nobody seems to have
had my problem before.
I hope somebody has an Idea on what I can do ( I don't use the scheduler so
it can even be deleted all -program included doesn't bother me)

 

[NewScience]

Have you tried Checking On View Hidden Tasks under Advanced?

 

[Guest]

thanks one and all

Pegasus - I'm a dinosaur when it comes to the working of a computer,
although I'm the owner/admin, you to explain like you would a 5 year old.
I've got Norton Internet Security and its always on, even when I disconnect
from the net.

Ramesh- I follwed the link and did as it requested. when I wrote gpedit.msc
in the run and pressed ok, nothing came back tried the search for the file
"it wasn't found"
I did the reg editor
HKEY ........ windows\ (but there was no task Scheduler)

New Science - yes I got view hidden files ticked.
PM

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

If you wish to use PCs effectively then you may want to
familiarise yourself with Explorer (or My Computer) so
that you can manipulate your own files.

Here is an express way to do what I recommended:
1. Log on as Administrator.
2. Click Start / Run / cmd {OK}
3. Type these command ***verbatim***:
md c:\BadTasks{Enter}
move c:\Windows\Tasks\*.* c:\BadTasks{Enter}
4. Reboot the machine.
Your tasks should now be history (even though they
could be retrieved).

 

[Guest]

Hi Pegasus,

I did as you said, made the new directory and move the Windows Tasks to it
came back with 'C:\Windows\tasks\Norton Antivirus -scan my computer- owner.job

I checked norton anti virus and the auto protect was in the off position, I
turned it back on (came on once I restarted the computer).

The Task Scheduler still comes on and doesn't allow editing.

I retried what you suggested a number of times and the messages were - 'the
system cannot find the path specified' or "'c:\Windows\Tasks' is not
recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file"

Can I just re-instal Windows XP, would this solve the problem?

How could this problem happen? I let Windows XP and Norton Internet Security
automatically check and install updates.

Regards,

PM

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

In my previous reply I instructed you to type this command verbatim:

move c:\Windows\Tasks\*.* c:\BadTasks{Enter}

Your reply tells me that you typed this command instead:

c:\Windows\Tasks c:\BadTasks{Enter}

This suggests that your level of experience with the nuts-
and-bolts details of Windows is low and that you are
unlikely to resolve this problem by yourself. I recommend
that you either get an experienced friend to assist you or
that you re-install Windows from scratch. Back up all your
files, then allow the disk to be formatted during the installation
process.

When finished you will have to re-install your applications.

 

[NewScience]

What it also sounds like is that Norton is preventing you from modifying
Windows Tasks. SInce you moved the folder/files, and then a new Job was
auto created for Norton, it sounds like that there is a SERVICES.MSC service
running that auto checks Norton configurations and/or an Startup application
do the same.

Have you tried totally turning Norton off (Startup Folder, Registry Run keys
and/or SERVICES.MSC services)?