Fun with Automation: Task Scheduler

hi there!
Here’s a guide to automating computer tasks that can be both useful and a little mischievous—like opening Microsoft Edge every 5 minutes. Be kind and cautious! :smile:


Step 1: Open Task Scheduler

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type taskschd.msc and press Enter. This opens the Task Scheduler.

Step 2: Create a New Task

  1. In the Task Scheduler window, click Action on the top menu and select Create Task.
    • This will open the Create Task window.

Step 3: Configure General Settings

  1. In the General tab, name your task (e.g., “My Automated Task”).
  2. Optionally, add a description for the task.
  3. Choose security options (e.g., run only when the user is logged in or with the highest privileges).

Step 4: Set the Trigger

The trigger determines when the task will activate.

  1. Go to the Triggers tab and click New….
  2. In the New Trigger window:
    • Choose when the task should start (e.g., at a specific time or system event).
    • For example, if you choose Daily, set the time and repetition intervals.
  3. Click OK after configuring the trigger.

Step 5: Set the Action

The action defines what the task does.

  1. Go to the Actions tab and click New….
  2. In the New Action window:
    • Select Start a program.
    • Browse to the program or script you want to run (e.g., a batch file or app).
  3. Optionally, add arguments or a start location.
  4. Click OK after configuring the action.

Step 6: Set Conditions (Optional)

Conditions can restrict when the task runs, such as only when the computer is idle or on AC power.

  1. Go to the Conditions tab.
  2. Choose conditions to apply (e.g., Start the task only if the computer is idle).
  3. Click OK after setting conditions.

Step 7: Configure Advanced Settings (Optional)

Further refine your task under the Settings tab.

  1. Choose options like allowing the task to run on demand or stopping it after a certain time.
  2. Click OK when done.

Step 8: Save and Test the Task

  1. After setting everything up, click OK in the Create Task window.
  2. If you chose higher security, you might need to enter an admin password.
  3. Find your task under Task Scheduler Library. Right-click it and choose Run to test.

Bonus: Harmless Batch File Pranks

Want to spice things up? Create funny batch files for harmless pranks!

  1. Write the code in Notepad.
  2. Save the file with a .bat extension.
  3. Test responsibly (and on your own computer)!

1. Infinite CD/DVD Drive Opening

@echo off
:loop
(echo ^(new-object -com "wmplayer.ocx.7"^).cdromcollection.item^(0^).eject^) | powershell -noprofile -
timeout /t 2 >nul
goto loop

2. Hide All Desktop Icons

@echo off
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v HideIcons /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
start explorer.exe

3. Endless Error Messages

@echo off
:loop
msg * "An unknown error has occurred."
goto loop

4. Infinite Browser Tabs

@echo off
:start
start https://example.com
goto start

5. “Jumping CMD Window”

@echo off
:move
powershell -Command "$x = Get-Random -Minimum 0 -Maximum 800; $y = Get-Random -Minimum 0 -Maximum 600; (Get-Process -Id $pid).MainWindowHandle | foreach { [Windows.Forms.Cursor]::Position = New-Object System.Drawing.Point($x, $y) }"
goto move

6. Keyboard Light Show

@echo off
:loop
powershell -Command "$wshell = New-Object -ComObject WScript.Shell; $wshell.SendKeys('{NUMLOCK}'); $wshell.SendKeys('{CAPSLOCK}'); $wshell.SendKeys('{SCROLLLOCK}')"
timeout /t 1 >nul
goto loop

7. Nonstop Beeps

@echo off
:start
echo ^G
goto start

(To insert ^G, press Ctrl + G in Notepad.)


8. Taskbar Hiding Script

@echo off
:loop
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StuckRects3" /v Settings /t REG_BINARY /d 30000000000000000200000004000000030000001e0000001e000000fe000000fe000000 /f
taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
start explorer.exe
timeout /t 3 >nul
goto loop

9. Mouse Cursor Vanishing Act

@echo off
:loop
taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
start explorer.exe
timeout /t 1 >nul
goto loop

10. Endless “Checking for Updates”

@echo off
color 1f
title Checking for Updates...
echo Checking for updates. This may take a few moments...
echo.
:loop
echo Searching for updates %random%%%...
timeout /t 1 >nul
goto loop

Note:

These scripts are meant for fun and harmless experimentation. To stop a script, press Ctrl + C and close the window.


Enjoy😊

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