Disk Defragmenter cannot start because the task scheduler service is not running. Start the task scheduler service and try again.

Question

In Windows 7, when I try to start Disk Defragmenter, I get this errot, "Disk Defragmenter cannot start because the task scheduler service is not running.  Start the task scheduler service and try again."

Task Scheduler is set to Startup Type - Automatic, but it is not running.  When I try to start it i get this error, "The Task Scheduler service on Local Computer started and then stopped.  Some services stop automatically if they are not in use by other services or programs."

Answer 1

Hi Aplysiatoxin,

Method 1: I suggest you to run sfc scan on your computer and check if the issue gets fixed.

SFC /scannow is a super-useful command you can use in any Windows version. When the SFC (System File Checker) command is used with the /scannow switch, the tool will scan all of the important Windows files on your computer and replace them as necessary.

Missing and corrupt operating system files (like many DLL files) are arguably the biggest cause of major Windows issues. Considering that, plus the fact that SFC /scannow is completely automatic and very easy to use, the tool should usually be one of your first troubleshooting steps.

a. Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as    administrator. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or    click Allow

b. Type the following command, and then press ENTER:  sfc /scannow 

   [The sfc /scannow command scans all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with correct    Microsoft versions.]

A message will appear stating that 'The system scan will begin'. Be patient because the scan may take some time

c. If any files require a replace SFC will replace them. You may be asked to insert your Win7 DVD for this process    to continue

d. If everything is okay you should, after the scan, see the following message "Windows resource protection did not    find any integrity violations"

e. After the scan has completed, close the command prompt window, restart the computer and check.

Check the below mentioned link for further guidance on SFC scan –

How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7****http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833

Method 2:  I suggest that you check the status of the Event log service. This service should be started and set to ‘Automatic’.

a. Click on start and type ‘services.msc’ in the search field.

b. Select the services and look for the ‘Event log service’

c. Right click on service and click on properties.

d. From the dropdown, select the startup type to ‘Automatic’

Also try to run Disk Defragment on your computer.

a. Open Disk Defragmenter by clicking the Start button, clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, clicking System Tools, and then clicking Disk Defragmenter.  If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

b. Click Defragment Now.

Refer this article for more information on this:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Improve-performance-by-defragmenting-your-hard-disk

Method 3: If nothing works, try to create a new user account and check if the task gets disabled after restart:

To create a new user profile, follow these steps:

Note: To create a new profile, you must first create a new user account. When the account is created, a profile will also be created.

a. Open User Accounts by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking User Accounts and Family Safety and then clicking User Accounts.

b. Click Manage another account.  If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

c. Click Create a new account.

d. Type the name you want to give the user account, click an account type, and then click Create Account.

Note: Do not give the existing user name for the new user account.

Check out this article that will give you information on ‘How to Fix a corrupted user profile’:****http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Fix-a-corrupted-user-profile

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Thanks and Regards:I. Suuresh Kumar - Microsoft Support. Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Answer 2

Try this:

Goto Control Panel > Administrative tools> Computer Management > Storage > Disk Management > Right-click and select Properties on the drive u wish to Defrag. Goto Tools tab and click Defragment now.

Bloody worked for me. Remember to set a scheduled defragmention to prevent problem from coming back. Peace!

Answer 3

I have tried all the advice to recover my disc fragmenter but to no avail.  Does anyone have any other ideas?  I keep coming to full stops.

Answer 4

Response I get is "remote computer not found"

I just need to run the disk defragmentor..  how, it does not work?