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!
Step 1: Open Task Scheduler
- Press
Win + R
to open the Run dialog box. - Type
taskschd.msc
and press Enter. This opens the Task Scheduler.
Step 2: Create a New Task
- 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
- In the General tab, name your task (e.g., “My Automated Task”).
- Optionally, add a description for the task.
- 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.
- Go to the Triggers tab and click New….
- 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.
- Click OK after configuring the trigger.
Step 5: Set the Action
The action defines what the task does.
- Go to the Actions tab and click New….
- 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).
- Optionally, add arguments or a start location.
- 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.
- Go to the Conditions tab.
- Choose conditions to apply (e.g., Start the task only if the computer is idle).
- Click OK after setting conditions.
Step 7: Configure Advanced Settings (Optional)
Further refine your task under the Settings tab.
- Choose options like allowing the task to run on demand or stopping it after a certain time.
- Click OK when done.
Step 8: Save and Test the Task
- After setting everything up, click OK in the Create Task window.
- If you chose higher security, you might need to enter an admin password.
- 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!
- Write the code in Notepad.
- Save the file with a
.bat
extension. - 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😊