Ashcmd includes a command
/@ --task = expect string
Parameter contains name of task which will be started.
I can find nothing in the Avast user interface referring to a task. It is mentioned in Google searches as part of Avast for Business. I use Avast Internet Security. I’d like to run Ashcmd in Task Scheduler to execute a daily scan because Avast scheduler refuses to work. I had hoped that “task” meant a custom scan, but apparantly not.
Ashcmd is in the paid versions of avast and is a command line scanner.
If scheduling through the interface is not working you should fix the problem.
Start with a repair of avast.
Schedule a scan and see if it works.
If the repair hasn’t solved the problem, perform a clean installation of the latest avast version.
Thank you for your response. I am using the paid version and have just tested a command line using ashcmd. I’ve done everything but hose out the computer to try to repair Avast’s scheduling; I’d rather use the program than a command line. Avast has had the same characteristic in Windows 7 and Windows 10. The Win 10 installation was clean, not an upgrade. My daily scan is scheduled to run at 1900 (7:00 PM). Avast will start it at any time during the day that it pleases, sometimes at 1900, mostly not. Sometimes not at all. If I’m the only one with this problem then there must be a gremlin in my computer.
What exact version of avast do you have ?
Are date and time still correct in the bios ?
Is the Windows version 32 or 64 bit ?
Here y’go:
11.1.2245
Date & time are correct
32 bit
We’ve migrated from the original question: What is a “task”? Any thoughts?
It can be a bug.
I suggest you submit a ticket to avast.
https://support.avast.com
Open a command prompt and navigate to the folder that has Ashcmd
Run AshCmd and it will show you the possible tasks.
Hmm. So “task” is another way to say “parameter”? I’m not sure why a special parameter is needed, given that one can list all of the desired switches on a single command line. Anyhow, I was mistaken in believing that there was some kind of task to be set up in the user interface program. Thanks for setting me straight!
“In computing, a task is a unit of execution”
Just like in the real world.
A teacher/boss telling someone (or a group) to do something.
e.g.
Wife telling her husband “Give me your money”
The husband (ashcmd) needs to perform the task.
The “give me your money” (switches/parameters) is the task.
Hmm could be a street-robber instead of a wife.
Really confusing, sometimes they behave the same… ;D
Thanks, all, for your input. I came across a very comprehensible list of Ashcmd parameters:
https://148.251.229.77/index.php?topic=61450.0
Look for the author Lisandro, down about 1/3 of the page.
“Task” means just what I hoped: it refers to a scan name created in the user interface.
My finished command is
“c:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\ashCmd.exe” /@=Daily
Reply #6
Open a command prompt and navigate to the folder that has Ashcmd Run AshCmd and it will show you the possible tasks.