Setting Up an Automated File Transfer Using SecureFX's SFXCL and Windows Scheduler

SecureFX's SFXCL command-line utility can be used with the Windows Scheduler to automate file transfer activities. For example, you can schedule logging onto a server to pull down a date-stamped log file, or run jobs that repeat every day or every week. You can also call a script or enter a set of commands into Scheduler, or execute multiple commands from one Scheduler task.

Setting Up A Scheduled Task
From the Windows Start Menu, find and click on the Programs\Accessories\System Tools\Scheduled Tasks command (there is also a "Scheduled Tasks" Control Panel item). Run the "Add Scheduled Task" wizard and follow the instructions. Browse to Sfxcl.exe when prompted for the program file. At the end of the wizard, select "Open advanced properties for this task when I click Finish", then click "Finish". When the task Properties dialog appears, the "Run" field should show the full path to Sfxcl.exe. Modify this field to include any command-line parameters you want to use. SecureFX Help covers SFXCL parameters.

Running Multiple SFXCL Commands In One Task
The task you create in the wizard only runs one program. To run more than one SFXCL command line, create a batch (.bat) file that contains several SFXCL command lines. Then schedule a task to run the batch file.

General Notes:

The system date and time on your computer must be accurate, since Scheduled Tasks relies on this information. To verify or change this information, double-click the time display on the task bar.
Scheduler deals with user accounts and passwords differently depending on the version of Windows you are running. You must supply a non-blank password for the account that the scheduled task runs on. In Windows 2000, 2003, and XP, be sure to enter the username and password of the user account from which the program will be run. In Windows 98 and Me, the task uses the configuration of the user who created it.
Windows NT 4.0 Scheduled Tasks do not support the ability to "Run as" a specific user. Under NT 4.0, the scheduled task runs as the System user and, consequently, will not have access to any SecureFX configuration information.

You can find more information on using the SFXCL command-line tool in the Command-Line Tool for SecureFX and AbsoluteFTP FAQ.

Was this information helpful?

1. Read or download one of our secure solutions white papers.

2. Download a free
30-day evaluation copy of our products.

3. Let us help define the right Secure Shell solution for your company.

4. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for tips, solutions ideas, and product news.

VShell, SecureCRT, SecureFX, Entunnel, CRT, and AbsoluteFTP are trademarks or registered trademarks of VanDyke Software, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.