[Question]3 things - msdos, task schedule, computer lockup

[Skye]

Hi everyone! Happy Saturday!

Two questions: First, I seem to be missing my msdos program (I recall the little msdos icon that used to be there - not there anymore) - can I get that back? how?

Second, I get a message when I turn on my computer that some scheduled tasks didn't run because the service wasn't running(?) yet in my services list, task scheduler is on automatic -- so what's up with that? I don't even know what task isn't running... suspect it's my Trend PC-cillin antivirus software.

Lastly, when my computer has been idle for a few minutes, it locks up, i.e., I get a popup that asks for my password and then I have to click "unlock" and then it goes right back to where it was before locking up. How can I stop that from happening.

Title edited -- Please, use [TAGS] in your topic's title.

--Sonic

[Sonic]

1) MSDOS isn't in Windows XP. Use command-line interpreter with Start->Execute-> 'cmd'.

Old MSDOS programs may not work. You can enable Compatibility in the properties of the executable.

2) I think you use an old version of PC-Cillin which work with old Task scheduler ...

3) Display settings, Screensaver, untick "Protect by password ..." (I don't remember exactly the name of the option)

[Skye]

Thanks for the screensaver password thing -- never noticed it was checked!

thanks again, for the cmd thing on start -- never knew about that either! I musta been thinking about the MSDOS command/icon on my old system.

re: PC-cillin -- it's the 2006 version... and task scheduler has worked up to about a week ago when i started getting the tasks didn't run message. something changed - not sure what.

[Mordac85]

There should be an icon under Programs \ Accessories called 'Command Prompt' which is the same as running cmd.

As for the Trend issue, you may want to check the event logs and Trend's KB. If you don't have a constant internet connection it could be as simple as it can't find Trend's update server when it starts.

[Andromeda43]

PCCillin is not a task....its a program and starts from a registry entry and NOT the task scheduler.

Task Scheduler is just one more of them totally redundant services that runs in the background of your OS, eating up CPU cycles and some ram.

It's one of the first things I shut off when setting up a new PC with XP.

Run your 'tasks' yourself at times that are convenient for you and leave that scheduler shut OFF.

Pick one time, one day a week for instance to do your hard drive and files maintenance.

Running "Disk Cleanup" and "Defrag" is a great place to start.

Your computer will run more efficiently as a result.