Scheduled Tasks problem, affects security

[Olle]

Hello all.

I've noticed that my Scheduled Tasks (not sure about the english
translation) never run. The log file for Scheduled Tasks says that "Empty
passwords are not allowed", but i havent set up any password for my user
account. So i cant enter any password for the task, and when i do the log
file says "Invalid password". (obviously)

This is annoying of course, but also my antivirus and firewall program uses
a Scheduled Task to scan my hard disk for viruses, and that task hasnt ever
run, and i didnt know why until now. So this could be a security problem too,
a small one :-).

Please fix this problem.

I'm using XP home Service pack 1A.

/Olle

[Fitz]

Set up a password for your User Account and you can then schedule tasks.
***

"Olle" <olle dot bergkvist at yahoo dot se> wrote in message
...
> Hello all.
>
> I've noticed that my Scheduled Tasks (not sure about the english
> translation) never run. The log file for Scheduled Tasks says that "Empty
> passwords are not allowed", but i havent set up any password for my user
> account. So i cant enter any password for the task, and when i do the log
> file says "Invalid password". (obviously)
>
> This is annoying of course, but also my antivirus and firewall program
> uses
> a Scheduled Task to scan my hard disk for viruses, and that task hasnt
> ever
> run, and i didnt know why until now. So this could be a security problem
> too,
> a small one :-).
>
> Please fix this problem.
>
> I'm using XP home Service pack 1A.
>
> /Olle

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

The security problem would be to allow Scheduled Tasks to run with out a password. By default, XP only allows the use of blank passwords for the local console logon session. There is a work around, but it is what creates the security hole, as all an attacker would need is your username, without the requirement for a password.

For XP Pro: Start, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Local Security Policy, Local Policies, Security options.

In the right hand pane (third down). Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only. This is enabled by default, disable it.

For XP Home: Click Start, Run and enter REGEDIT Go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Contro l\Lsa

In the right pane, locate the Value "limitblankpassworduse"

Data: 0 (disabled) 1 (enabled)

It is enabled by default. Disable it and scheduled tasks should run.

--
Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart Display\Security
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com
--------------------------------
Per user Group Policy Restrictions for XP Home and XP Pro
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_securityconsole.htm
--------------------------------
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"Olle" <olle dot bergkvist at yahoo dot se> wrote in message ...
> Hello all.
>
> I've noticed that my Scheduled Tasks (not sure about the english
> translation) never run. The log file for Scheduled Tasks says that "Empty
> passwords are not allowed", but i havent set up any password for my user
> account. So i cant enter any password for the task, and when i do the log
> file says "Invalid password". (obviously)
>
> This is annoying of course, but also my antivirus and firewall program uses
> a Scheduled Task to scan my hard disk for viruses, and that task hasnt ever
> run, and i didnt know why until now. So this could be a security problem too,
> a small one :-).
>
> Please fix this problem.
>
> I'm using XP home Service pack 1A.
>
> /Olle