Windows Security Tutorials - Herong's Tutorial Examples - v3.01, by Dr. Herong Yang
Windows 7: Disable Scheduled Tasks
This section provides a tutorial example on how to review tasks that have been scheduled to run on a Windows 7 system in the background and disable any unwanted tasks.
The next thing you should do is to review all scheduled tasks and disable any unwanted tasks on your Windows 7 system.
1. Go to "Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Administrative Tools".
2. Double click on "Task Scheduler". You will the "Task Scheduler" screen displaying detailed information in 3 sections in the middle panel:
"Overview of Task Scheduler" - A quick introduction of what is Task Scheduler and how to use it.
"Task Status" - A list of tasks that have been executed in the last 24 hours by default.
"Active Tasks" - A list of tasks that are currently active. You need to scroll down to see this section.
3. Review each of active tasks to ensure that it is legitimate and needed.
Fo example, I see "GoogleUpdateTaskMachineUA" listed on my Windows 7 system. It looks like a legitimate task to keep Google software up to date. But the only Google software I have is Google Chrome. I can update it myself if needed. So I will disable this task.
4. Double click on "GoogleUpdateTaskMachineUA". You will the details of this scheduled task.
5. Click the "Actions" tab. You can verify what program this task is actually running.
6. Click the "Delete" icon in the right side panel. Then click "Yes" in the confirmation message box.
7. Continue to review all other scheduled tasks.
The picture below shows you the list of scheduled active tasks on a Windows 7 system:
Table of Contents
About This Windows Security Book
Windows 8: System Security Review
Windows 8: System Security Protection
Windows 8 Defender for Real-Time Protection
►Windows 7: System Security Review
Windows 7: System Version-Information
Windows 7: Create Restore Point
Windows 7: Uninstall Unwanted Programs
Windows 7: Disable System Services
►Windows 7: Disable Scheduled Tasks
Windows 7: Remove Startup Programs
Windows 7: Review Running Processes
Windows 7: Disk Folders and Files
Windows 7: Review Personal Downloads Folders
Windows 7: System Security Protection
Windows 7 Forefront Client Security
Norton Power Eraser - Anti-Virus Scan Tool
McAfee Virus and Malware Protection Tools
Spybot - Spyware Blocker, Detection and Removal
Keeping IE (Internet Explorer) Secure
Malware (Adware, Spyware, Trojan, Worm, and Virus)
HijackThis - Browser Hijacker Diagnosis Tool
IE Add-on Program Listing and Removal
"Conduit Search" - Malware Detection and Removal
"Tube Dimmer", "Scorpion Saver" or "Adpeak" Malware
Malware Manual Removal Experience
Vundo (VirtuMonde/VirtuMundo) - vtsts.dll Removal
Trojan and Malware "Puper" Description and Removal
VSToolbar (VSAdd-in.dll) - Description and Removal
PWS (Password Stealer) Trojan Infection Removal