Macro Not Repeating as Scheduled

amnhdba · Post by **amnhdba** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 3:01 pm

I have a macro which launches another program, generates three reports, and closes the program. It is scheduled to run daily, every 30 minutes, with the 'Repeat Continuously" option selected.

The macro runs manually, but does not run automatically as scheduled. What other settings are needed to get this to work? We recently upgraded from the Trial Version by purchasing a license.

Post by **Marcus Tettmar** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 3:05 pm

To set up a repeating macro you need to do the following:

In Macro Properties:
- Check off each day on which the macro should run
- Enter a start time (must be in the future)
- Enter a repeat interval

You can also affect how repeating macros are handled on reboot in Advanced Settings under Macro Properties.

amnhdba · Post by **amnhdba** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 3:42 pm

As I stated in my previous post, the macro runs daily, every 30 minutes. The start time is in the future. Under Tools->Options, I activated "Keep Scheduling on Exit (Starts Scheduling Service" (it was previously unchecked.) I have a valid username and password entered on the AutoLogon tab. If left blank, will the Windows System account run the macro?

Also, "Unlock Computer to Run This Script. Then Lock Again" is unchecked. Is this option required?

Post by **Marcus Tettmar** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 3:50 pm

I'm confused now - I thought you were saying that the repeating schedule wasn't working. Now it looks like you are saying it is but something else isn't?

As for AutoLogon - it won't work without a username and password.

amnhdba · Post by **amnhdba** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 4:03 pm

No, it is not working.

amnhdba · Post by **amnhdba** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 4:06 pm

The macro is SCHEDULED to run daily, every 30 minutes, but does NOT. It only runs when Macro Properties->Run Now is selected.

Post by **Marcus Tettmar** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 4:08 pm

Ok, sorry to keep going over this, but please confirm that you have:

1. Entered a start time in the future (try 2 mins from now)
2. Entered the start time in 24 hour notation (e.g. 2.30pm = 14:30)
3. Entered a repeat interval (30)
4. Checked the boxes for each day the macro should run on.

Please confirm these things.

Enter a start time 2 minutes from now and watch it. Does it start? If not contact [email protected] and we can do a remote desktop session and set it up for you.

amnhdba · Post by **amnhdba** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 4:50 pm

I have it set for 12:45PM est.

amnhdba · Post by **amnhdba** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 4:52 pm

Also, this machine is accessed using remote control software called Timbuktu. The Administrator account is logged on with the screen locked. Could this be interferring with Macro Scheduler?

Post by **Marcus Tettmar** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 4:53 pm

Depends what your macro does. If it needs to control the GUI (Send mouse/keyboard events and access Windows) then it won't work when the console is locked. Enable logging. You'll probably find it IS being scheduled - but just isn't able to be effective.

amnhdba · Post by **amnhdba** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 5:23 pm

Logging was already enabled. Here is the last line of log file:

"7/25/2006 12:48:39:328 - Finished Macro : MIIS Volunteer Export 3"

But when I check the directory, the Modified Date (timestamp) on the report output files are not current. It reflects the last time I ran the macro manually.

Previously, I had "Unlock This Computer. . ." checked, and the macro still didn't work. I think you may be on to something here. When the macro runs manually, the screen is unlocked. Let me try disabling the remote control software and see what happens. It appears the remote control software prevents anyone from logging off the computer.

Post by **Marcus Tettmar** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 5:25 pm

Yes, sounds like your macro needs full access to Windows to be able work. If Windows is locked there is no console and therefore the macro cannot 'see' the windows and is unable to send keyboard/mouse events to the desktop. Sounds like the remote control software is blocking access.

amnhdba · Post by **amnhdba** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 6:40 pm

I noticed the Macro Scheduler Service was not running, but set to Automatic. Is this normal? Is this service only activated when a macro is scheduled, or should it be running at all times?

amnhdba · Post by **amnhdba** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:09 pm

It's working now. We disabled the Windows screen saver. It was set to lock the workstation every 15 minutes and required a password. Since the currenty logged on account was Administrator and not the account setup to run the macro unattended, it may have caused a conflict.

So, there is no screen saver or screen locking. About 30 minutes ago, the macro ran by itself. It should run again in a few minutes. . .if it runs again, you can close this incident.

amnhdba · Post by **amnhdba** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:12 pm

You can close the incident. Thanks for your help!