Cant get a powershell script to run with task scheduler

cecilduplessis2 · 2018-09-04T16:54:23.000Z

I read a ton of articles on this and a bunch of posts here, tried all the suggestions and not having any luck.

I’m using a script that sends emails to people who’s passwords are about to expire from here: Link

I self-signed it so I don’t need to bypass the execution policy.

I have powershell.exe as the target. (I had the full path before also)

As arguments I have: C:\scripts\PwdChangeNotification.ps1 -smtpServer -ca.mail.protection.outlook.com -expireInDays 10 -from "IT Support <@.ca>" -Logging -LogPath c:\logFiles -reportTo "@*.ca"

(*'s is just to hide personal info)

When I paste that line as-is into powershell it executes with no issue.

when I run it from task scheduler I get: “powershell.exe” with return code 2147942401. (aka F** you from Microsoft-have a pleasant day)

I tried:

-Command &" ‘C:\scripts\PwdChangeNotification.ps1’ -smtpServer -ca.mail.protection.outlook.com -expireInDays 10 -from "IT Support <@.ca>" -Logging -LogPath c:\logFiles -reportTo "@*.ca" "

I also tried the -File option but had no luck either.

I’m starting to think it will be easier to put it in a batch file and then run that via task scheduler at this point. Why is something so easy so hard to get working?!

Neally · 2018-09-04T16:58:09.000Z

If you post code, please use the ‘Insert Code’ button. Please and thank you!

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING! Read if you're new to the PowerShell forum! Programming & Development

Hi, and welcome to the PowerShell forum! Don’t apologize for being a “noob” or “newbie” or “n00b.” There’s just no need – nobody will think you’re stupid, and the forums are all about asking questions. Just ask! Use a descriptive subject. Don't say "Need help" or "PowerShell Help", actually summarize what the problem is. It helps the rest of us keep track of which problem is which. Don’t post massive scripts. We’re all volunteers and we don’t have time to read all that, nor will we copy, past…

Neally · 2018-09-04T17:02:49.000Z

Cecil7950:

C:\scripts\PwdChangeNotification.ps1 -smtpServer ***-ca.mail.protection.outlook.com -expireInDays 10 -from "IT Support <***@*****.ca>" -Logging -LogPath c:\logFiles -reportTo "***@***.ca"

why don’t you put all that stuff in the script, that would make it much easier.

https://community.spiceworks.com/how_to/17736-run-powershell-scripts-from-task-scheduler

like this if you move all the paramaters in the script

Program: powershell
Argument" -executionpolicy bypasspass " C:\scripts\PwdChangeNotification.ps1 "

cecilduplessis2 · 2018-09-04T17:20:59.000Z

That would be awesome but I downloaded a pre-made script and its all set up for receiving a bunch of things. I’ll try and figure out how to define them in the script instead.

Neally · 2018-09-04T17:34:31.000Z

Cecil7950:

I downloaded a pre-made script and its all set up for receiving a bunch of things. I’ll try and figure out how to define them in the script instead.

Just make it a function and call it in the script, and then schedule it as I showed you above

script.txt (13.3 KB)

cecilduplessis2 · 2018-09-04T17:58:07.000Z

Ahh Sorry I did not realize that’s even a thing, I’m very new with powershell but that makes total sense!

Tested and works perfectly now :D!!

Thanks so much!