Task Scheduler Overview

Task Scheduler is a Windows application allowing a program to automatically run on a timed schedule. This application is beneficial to the SNODAS Tools because new SNODAS data must be downloaded and processed daily.

The SNODASDaily_Automated.py script is designed to be programmed on a timed schedule. It will download the current day's SNODAS data from the SNODAS FTP site and export the daily zonal snowpack statistics in the processedData folder on the local computer.

For information on the data processing steps of SNODASDaily_Automated.py, refer to the Processing Workflow section. For information on the SNODAS FTP site, refer to the SNODAS Tools Data of the user guide. For information on the output snowpack products, refer to the SNODAS Tools Products section of the user guide.

SNODASDaily_Automated_forTaskScheduler.bat

The SNODASDaily_Automated_forTaskScheduler.bat batch file sets the environment variables and launches the Python program to run the SNODASDaily_Automated.py. The task scheduler program, as described below, runs the SNODASDaily_Automated_forTaskScheduler.bat batch file instead of directly running the SNODASDaily_Automated.py Python script. The advantage of packaging the SNODASDaily_Automated.py script within the SNODASDaily_Automated_forTaskScheduler.bat batch file is that the environment variables are automatically set.

For more information about the contents of the SNODASDaily_Automated_forTaskScheduler.bat batch file, refer to the 4. SNODASDaily_Automated_forTaskScheduler.bat section of the File Structure page.

How to Set Up the Task Scheduler to Run SNODASDaily_Automated.py

Grant Log on as Batch Job Rights to User

Log on as Batch Job rights allow the SNODASDaily_Automated.py to run automatically with the user being logged off of their account. Note that the setting of running the script while the user is logged off still needs to be configured within the task scheduler, see how in the Set Other Options with Task Scheduler section. The Log on as Batch Job rights need to be granted in order for this setting to be enabled. The administrative account is defaulted to have these rights but other users are defaulted otherwise. An administrative account must grant the Log on as Batch Job rights to the user who will be running the SNODASDaily_Automated.py with the task scheduler.

1. Sign in on the local computer's administrative account.
2. In the Control Panel, open Administrative Tools, then Local Security Policy.
3. Beneath Security Settings, open Local Policies and highlight User Rights Assignment.
4. Locate Log on as a batch job. Open the properties and add users who will be running the task scheduler SNODAS task.
   
5. When finished, save your changes and close the Local Security Settings window.

Set up Task in Task Scheduler

1. Sign in on the user account that will be running the daily script

2. Navigate to and open Task Scheduler.

3. On the right-hand side of the screen, click

4. Give the task a name and description.

   

5. Click Next.

6. Select Daily. Click Next.

   

7. Select desired Start date and select the time for the script to run every day. Click Next.

   

8. Under the Action menu, select Start a program. Click Next.

   

9. Under Program/Script, navigate to the SNODASDaily_Automated_forTaskScheduler.bat script. For Start in (optional):, enter the folder location holding the SNODASDaily_Automated_forTaskScheduler.bat script. In this example, you would enter D:\SNODAS\pycharm-project in the Start in (optional): text box. Click Next.

   

10. Review task information and correct if necessary. Click Finish.

Set Other Options with Task Scheduler

Hide command line prompt when task is running

Every time a task runs, a black command line prompt screen will appear on the screen. If you want this box to be hidden and the task to run in the background, follow the instructions below.

1. Navigate to and open Task Scheduler.
2. On the left-hand side of the screen, click

3. Click the name of the SNODAS Tools Daily Download Script Task. Note that the name of the task may be something other than SNODAS Tools Daily Download Script. It will be the name that was entered as the task name in step 4 of Set up Task in Task Scheduler.

4. On the right-hand side of the screen, click Properties under the blue Selected Item menu bar.

   

5. Under the General tab, check the box next to Hidden. Click OK

   

Enable task to run when user is not logged in

The ‘Create Basic Task’ interface does not enable manipulations of user properties. The task is defaulted to only run the task when the user is logged in. This can be changed to enable the task to also run when the user is logged off. To do so, follow the instructions below.

1. Ensure that the user has “Log on as Batch Job” rights. If not, refer to the Grant Log on as Batch Job Rights to User section.

2. Navigate to and open Task Scheduler.

3. On the left-hand side of the screen, click
4. Click the name of the SNODAS Tools Daily Download Script Task. Note that the name of the task may be something other than SNODAS Tools Daily Download Script. It will be the name that was entered as the task name in step 4 of Set up Task in Task Scheduler.

5. On the right-hand side of the screen, click Properties under the blue Selected Item menu bar.

   

6. Under the Security options of the General tab.

   • Select Run whether user if logged on or not.

     

7. Click the Conditions tab.

   • Uncheck Start the task only if the computer is on AC power.

   • Check Wake the computer to run this task.

     

8. Click the Settings tab.

   • Check Run task as soon as possible after a scheduled start is missed.

   • Change the Stop the task if it runs longer than: selection to 2 hours.

     

9. Click Ok.