Batch file does delete files. but not work at Windows task schedule

Question

I am running Windows 10.
I have a .bat file aimed at deleting old files.
It contains the following commands :
dir W:
forfiles.exe /P "W:\mydirectory" /s /d -30 /c "cmd /c echo del @mutia keyza "

When I run the .bat file from an Ms-Dos windows, it runs correctly and deletes files.

However, when I run the .bat file from the Task Sheduler :

• the .bat file does run
• it shows "dir W:" result
• it lists the "del xxxx" commands
• BUT files are not deleted

It seems that other people have asked about the same issue in the past, but I could not find any solution.

Thank you so much for any help.

Answer 1

You need to capture both stdout and stderr to see what the .bat file is doing.

Verify that the scheduled task is set to execute program "cmd.exe".

In the arguments field set it to:

/c C:\YourFolderName\YourBatFileName.bat  1>>"C:\YourFolderName\Logs\YourBatFileName-%date:~10,4%-%date:~4,2%%date:~7,2%.log" 2>&1

That will create a daily log file of all executions of the task. The "2>&1" redirects stderr to stdout and ultimately to a single log file.

Answer 2

Hi @mulsambe

Try giving this a try, you can use this command in a Batch file.

forfiles /p "PATH" /s /d -30 /c "cmd /c del @file : date >= 30 days >NUL"  

Change "PATH" to the UNC path you are running the command for. This example uses 30 days as the required age but you can adjust this on the above command and use it .

Hope this resolves your Query!!

--------
--If the reply is helpful, please Upvote and Accept it as an answer--