Need help with Task Scheduler Errors

[Slowhand]

Hi everyone, I hope someone on the planet can offer advice on repairing a Task Scheduler in Windows 7. When I click almost anything in Task Scheduler I get about 40 errors saying: Task (insert task name here): The task image is corrupt or has been tampered with.

Here are some examples of the task images that have been corrupted:

GoogleUpdateTaskMachineUA
Adobe Flash Player Updater
Uninstall Device Task
System Task
Analyze System
AutoBackup
Scheduled Defrag

I've done a lot of research on this error, but I keep getting conflicting information. The problem started when I tried to open Disk Defragmenter. It gave this message:

"Disk Defragmenter was scheduled using another program."

"Disk Defragmenter is currently using customized settings created by another program. Before you can modify the schedule, you must remove the customized settings." with two selections: "Remove Settings" and "Cancel".

Selecting either choice produces no results except to reproduce the same popup when attempting again to start the defragmenter

1. What other program would be using Defrag?
2. How can I end it?
3. How can I completely repair Task Scheduler?

This problem started after upgrading to Windows 10, and then reverting back to Windows 7. I really appreciate any help. Hopefully I will learn something from this experience. Thanks.

 

[Slowhand]

Anyone who can help, if you need more info about the problem, I'll be happy to provide it. Thanks.

 

[sm625]

You should delete all those tasks.

 

[DrGreen2007]

If your going to use the GUI to set the defrag schedule, dont use the Task Scheduler also.
Either use the GUI to set the time, or use the task scheduler to disable the default 1am Wed one, then create a new one.
(thats what Ive done for scheduled defrags, my .CMD file below)
REM this disables the default Wednesday 1am defrag

schtasks.exe /change /TN "\Microsoft\Windows\Defrag\ScheduledDefrag" /Disable



REM Create Defrag task

schtasks /create /TN "\Microsoft\Windows\Defrag\3amThu_Defrag" /XML C:\Windows\3amThu_Defrag.xml

 

[Ketchup]

First off, I would recommend removing all those tasks, as sm625 mentioned.

Secondly, I would remove the program that has made all those schedules. I have a feeling it won't be too hard to find. If it is, look for any installed programs that offer system optimization, or any AV suites that offer to check/improve system health/performance.

As for order, I would remove the tasks first because there is not guarantee that the uninstaller for the program will remove the tasks, and you may be able to remove the tasks without removing an otherwise-useful program.

 

[Slowhand]

First and foremost, thank you all for your advice!

You should delete all those tasks.

Ok, sm625, do you mean delete them from the registry, or using the Task Scheduler itself, to delete them? So far the task scheduler appears to be broken.....

If your going to use the GUI to set the defrag schedule, dont use the Task Scheduler also.
Either use the GUI to set the time, or use the task scheduler to disable the default 1am Wed one, then create a new one.
(thats what Ive done for scheduled defrags, my .CMD file below)
REM this disables the default Wednesday 1am defrag

schtasks.exe /change /TN "\Microsoft\Windows\Defrag\ScheduledDefrag" /Disable

REM Create Defrag task

schtasks /create /TN "\Microsoft\Windows\Defrag\3amThu_Defrag" /XML C:\Windows\3amThu_Defrag.xml

Ok let me try this too, will take a bit of time. I'll get back to you.

First off, I would recommend removing all those tasks, as sm625 mentioned.

Secondly, I would remove the program that has made all those schedules. I have a feeling it won't be too hard to find. If it is, look for any installed programs that offer system optimization, or any AV suites that offer to check/improve system health/performance.

As for order, I would remove the tasks first because there is not guarantee that the uninstaller for the program will remove the tasks, and you may be able to remove the tasks without removing an otherwise-useful program.

Ketchup are you also referring to remove the corrupted tasks using regedit, or by Task Schedular? Thanks.

 

[Ketchup]

Regedit would be the "if nothing else works" fix. Task Scheduler should do it though.