Specifying the running directory for Scheduled Tasks using schtasks.exe

Question

I have an application which gets called by a scheduled task. It moved from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008. On 2003, the app ran in the directory where the executable was located. On 2008 Environment.CurrentDirectory (C#) reports that it's running in C:\Windows\System32. How do I set the running directory? I'm using schtasks.exe for command-line deployment.

UPD: Through the interface, it seems to be the "Start in (optional)" field on the action edit screen.

UPD: Looks like using the XML file may help, but I'm looking to do without it.

Answer 1

Just wanted to add details that are valid for Windows Server 2008 and 2012. As many people can understand screen shots better here is a screen shot:

To sum it up. When you create the action for your scheduled task you have the option to set the "Start in (optional)" field (rounded in red on the screen shot). This will be the directory from where your process is triggered.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

I recently came across the same issue. The way I resolved it was to add the /V1 switch to the schtasks command.

/V1 creates a pre-vista compatible scheduled task and automatically populates the Start In directory.