Schedule a Windows 2003 Server Restart

While doing a Service Pack Update on Symantec Backup Exec on our main Windows Server 2003 file server I was told that I needed to restart the file server to complete the update. Since this is the file server for our entire office shutting it down in the middle of the day isn’t really an option.

The Scheduler application in Windows Server 2003 allows you to easily schedule tasks, including scheduling a system reboot.

To get to the scheduler you go to the Start Menu / Programs / Accessories / System Tools / Scheduled Tasks. You can then create a new task through the “Add Scheduled Task” wizard.

Below is the command line that I put into the “Run” box after running the wizard:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\shutdown.exe /r /c”Symantec Backup ServicePack Install” /f /d p:4:1

Here is what the individual commands do:

• /r – reboot
• /c – comment
• /f – force apps to close no warning
• /d – lists reason for restart
• 4:1 – Application:Maintanance

Source: TechRepublic: Rebooting Windows 2003 Server

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