Admin PW problems using TaskScheduler

(Windows 10 Home)

Just did a fresh install on my mothers PC using a SSD and secondary HDD for data. I wanted to setup a routine to SHUT DOWN the computer if the PC is idle for more than an hour. I do not want Sleep or Hibernate.

I was following a tutorial to do pretty much just this via taskschd.msc and this link.
I went through the entire tutorial and could not enter a user password when prompted.
There is no password on this computer, however, and wonder why it is asking for one.

At the end of the tutorial there is a note that reads:
"Note that you will likely be asked to enter your user account password to finish creating the task. And you can now exit Task Scheduler. From this point on, your PC should shut down automatically at whatever time you scheduled—unless you’re using the PC at that time."

Dialog box: Task Scheduler can not create the task. The user account is unknown, the password is incorrect, or the user account does not have permission to create this task.

I attempted this on my laptop where I have a password and still failed to create a scheduled task... I'm thinking it has something to do with permissions.I know that the tutorial sets the computer to turn off at a specified time if idle for more than an hour, but I think I tweaked that to avoid a particular time, but just if it is idle for more than an hour. I am needing help understanding the account password thing. Or we can escape all this crap if there is an easier way to SHUT DOWN if idle for more than 1 hour.

Brian

dalchina said:

I believe that's what the On Idle option does. There's little help with the program, but a popup appears for that option sthg like 'Computer will perform the chosen operation when the idle time stands at the time set'

Duh, Overlooked it! Yes I see it now. I set the program up and it seems to work. Not sure what the difference between "Shut Down" & "Power Off" is, will have to try.

The programs site say's this of Shut Down/Power Off:

The current power supply of mainframe is ATX. Instead of being completely cut off when turning off PC, ATX keeps a faint current on, which has been used as stand-by power model. By stand-by power, not only the PC's operation system could manipulate the power supply of computer, but also users could do that by software control. What’s more, it also makes power supply managed by networking possible.
A remote control signal would be sent to PC’s modem and the monitor circuit would activate the power by 5 v to turn pc on. This is how to realize remote control. If the motherboard supports keyboard switch, users could also turn on PC by key pads. All above functions requires keeping the power board on.

I assume, if I am reading this correctly, that the safest "Off" is to use Shut Down?
I am equating "power off" with the descriptions "turn off PC"

Also: So far, I haven't been able to find a way to start the program at startup. It may starts the program, but does not execute the idle time/shut down sequence. It must be executed via a button from the program interface. Need some sort of command-Line parameters or something.

Thanks

dalchina said:

Good. Might be
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Assuming the program functions by creating a scheduled task, you could examine it and see the difference.
However, it may just do the timing itself.

The link refers to an executable file called "poweroff.exe" which does not exist on my Windows 10 Home, Windows/system32/directory, thus is not applicable. The comparison only distinguishes between SOFT & HARD shutdowns, which equates to not forcing or forcing program closing...

ADDITIONAL 1:
Found a nice little portable program to do exactly what I want.


Found Here: Watch 4 Idle

If idle for 45min Shutdown
Minimize to task tray
Restarts when Windows starts up, minimizes and starts the idle count again
Never any user input required.

ADDITIONAL 2:
This, of course still does not explain why I can not create a scheduled task in Windows.
Gonna try default UAC and repeat the taskscheduler setup...see what happens.

UPDATE:
Despite resetting the UAC to it's default, I was still unable to create a scheduled task.
It seems that one must have a password attached to the user creating the scheduled task or I would get the prompt to enter a PW.
Once I added a user PW, the task can now be scheduled.