Automation Anywhere FAQ - The Automation Software. Automate Business & IT Tasks Easily.

Automation Anywhere Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Table of contents

1.	Recording
		How do I record a task using Automation Anywhere?
		Does it matter if the window size and locations of my applications change between recording and running?
		Do I need to finish all my work in one application before moving onto the next application or can I switch back and forth between various applications while recording?
		Can Automation Anywhere work if computer is locked? Can I record a task to unlock the computer?
		Is it possible to execute a task in stealth mode when computer is locked?
		Can I stop the task while it is running?
		Can I pause the task while it is running?
		Can my recorded activity run in background, while I have control of mouse and keyboard so that I can do other things?
		I use remote access software to access a remote machine. Can I record a task that performs activities using remote access software?
		I recorded a task on 'abc.xls' but I want to run it on xyz.xls, how do I do that?
		Is it possible to password protect my task?

2.	Variables
		How do I use a variable in the task?
		If I create a variable for one task, can I use it in another task?
		List variables can have many different text values. When I use the list variable which value will be executed?
		Is it possible to store special characters like Tab key in a variable?
		I have to run a task that needs to use a different value for a variable in every repeat. How do I do that with your automation software?
		What are these System Variables $CurrentDirectory$, $FolderName$ and $FileName$?

3.	Files / Folders
		Can I create a file with any extension?
		If I use a Files / Folders command like "Delete Files 'c:\MyPrgs\.' " , will this delete all the files in the subfolders too?
		Can I get list of all the file names in a folder to perform some operation on it?
		Can I provide value for file/folder name when the task runs?

4.	Moved Icons/Menus
		I recorded a task that opens a program from Start Menu > Programs and while running the task, the menu to open that program has moved. It clicks on a wrong program name and hence opens a wrong program. Do I need to re-record the task?
		Will my task run correctly even if files, program shortcut icons in the Quick Launch and the Desktop have moved?

5.	Create Exe Feature
		How do I create an Exe out of a task?
		Is Automation Anywhere required to run the Exe created using the 'Create Exe' capability?
		I have set most of the properties like email notification, speed, etc. for a task. If I create an Exe and delete the task, will the Exe retain all these properties?

6.	Internet
		What is E-Mail Notification?
		What is this 'Email Settings' displayed in the Notification tab in the properties window?
		Does your automation software provide any facility to send an email?

7.	Scripting
		I have been using VBScripts and JScript to accomplish some of my routine work. Can I somehow reuse them in your automation software?
		How do I know if my Script ran without any Error?

8.	Tasks
		Can I run many tasks in a batch?
		When I use ‘Run Task’ command, how do I know if the task has successfully completed?

9.	IF Condition
		Can I execute certain commands only if a window exists?
		Is it possible for me to know if one of my software is running or not? I want to do certain action only if that software is running.

10.	Loops
		What is a Loop Command?
		I want to do particular action on all the folders inside a folder. How do I do that using your automation software?
		Can I get all the file names inside a folder using the Loop command?

11.	Web Recorder
		What is a Web Recorder?
		What is Web Data Extraction? How do you extract data with Web Recorder?
		How do you check for broken links with Web Recorder?
		What is Manage Web Control?
		Can Automation Anywhere automate web based processes? If yes, what type of websites can be automated?

12.	Visualize Technology
		What is Visualize Technology in Automation Anywhere?
		What is SnapPoint in Automation Anywhere?
		What is Image Recognition in Automation Anywhere?

13.	Workflow Designer
		What is Workflow Designer?
		How do I use Workflow Designer?
		How do I run Workflows?

14.	Manage Windows Control
		How to use and manage Windows Controls to get checkbox or radio button status in Automation Anywhere?
		Does a task recorded using MWC work in the background?
		Why aren't some controls highlighted when I try to capture them using MWC?

15.	Report Designer
		What is Report Designer?
		Can I print my report generated by Report Designer?

16.	Triggers
		Can I execute a task based on availability or non-availability of any file, folder, performance or service?
		Is there any way to get an alert whenever I receive a new email?

17.	Error Handling
		Can I get the snapshot and/or log data into file when error occurs?

18.	Terminal Emulator
		Can I execute DOS commands on remote terminal?

19.	Automation Anywhere Server
		How do I grant an access request sent by the client?
		From where can I view all the pending access request?
		What is the maximum number of clients that can communicate with a server? How can I view how many clients are in use?
		How to add/delete any client? Also is it possible to change the permission of client?
		Can I change the port?
		How do I register a Client using Automation Anywhere Server?
		Apart from the 'Run' button in the main Client window, I do not see any other buttons. Why?

20.	Automation Anywhere Client
		How does the Client communicate with Server?
		How do you send an access request to Server?
		I want to copy a command and use it at many places. Do I need to create the command every time?
		Can I download/upload all types of documents?
		What is the process of registration/re-registration?

21.	Others
		My scheduled tasks do not run?
		My task is big. How do I test only a few commands that I have added in the task?
		I want to copy a command and use it at many places. Do I need to create the command every time?
		I have created a keystroke which contains complex sequence of keys, which I use repeatedly in many of my task. Do I need to copy the keystroke every time I need to create a new task?
		I have recorded a task that can be repeated as it is; only one text has to be replaced every time. I need to enter this text while running the task. How do I do that in your automation software?
		Can I edit multiple commands at the same time? Is it possible to replace window title in all commands?
		What happens to a triggered or scheduled task if a high priority task is already running?
		Can I use Automation Anywhere as a macro recorder?
		Can I use Automation Anywhere to integrate Excel commands with other applications?
		How does Automation Anywhere carry out database automation?

22.	More Questions?


1.	Recording
		How do I record a task using Automation Anywhere?
		You can easily create new task using SMART task recorder. Click 'RECORD'; perform the activities on your computer that you want to record, click 'STOP' and then 'SAVE' the recorded activities to a task. You can playback your recorded actions by selecting the task and then click the 'RUN' button. For further details refer to the Help file.
		Back to Top

		Does it matter if the window size and locations of my applications change between recording and running?
		No. Automation Anywhere's SMART Automation Technology automatically adjust to changes of window size and location.
		Back to Top

		Do I need to finish all my work in one application before moving onto the next application or can I switch back and forth between various applications while recording?
		You can switch back and forth between various applications while recording.
		Back to Top

		Can Automation Anywhere work if computer is locked? Can I record a task to unlock the computer?
		Yes. Automation Anywhere offers secure Auto Login technology. Auto Login allows scheduled tasks to run even when computer is locked. When you schedule a task you can enable Auto Login capability. If Auto Login in enabled, and if computer is locked, Automation Anywhere will unlock the computer, run the task and lock it back.
		Back to Top

		Is it possible to execute a task in stealth mode when computer is locked?
		Yes. To enable the task to run in stealth mode check Properties->Security-> Run this task in stealth mode option. This will hide the execution of the task. To allow the task to run when computer is locked, enable Auto Login capability. Auto Login allows scheduled tasks to run even when computer is locked. When you schedule a task you can enable Auto Login capability. An additional security option can also be set, where if you want to lock mouse and keyboard while task is running, just select ‘Disable mouse and keyboard for this task’ option from Properties->Security.
		Back to Top

		Can I stop the task while it is running?
		Yes. Hold the Escape Key for 2-3 seconds.
		Back to Top

		Can I pause the task while it is running?
		Yes. Press ‘Pause’ on your keyboard. This will temporarily stop the execution of the task. Click on the ‘Resume’ button that will appear at the bottom right hand corner of your screen to continue running the task from where it was paused.
		Back to Top

		Can my recorded activity run in background, while I have control of mouse and keyboard so that I can do other things?
		One of the distinguishing features of Automation Anywhere is its ability to run tasks in background. Advanced technologies like Web recorder, Object recorder and hundreds of powerful actions allow you to run many of your tasks in background. Few tasks like task recorded with standard recorder requires control of mouse and keyboard and therefore cannot run in background. Few other obvious exceptions include commands that requires screen, like taking screenshots or comparing images on the screen, but a vast majority of actions allow the task to run in the background.
		Back to Top

		I use remote access software to access a remote machine. Can I record a task that performs activities using remote access software?
		Yes. Automation Anywhere supports all the remote access software.
		Back to Top

		I recorded task on 'abc.xls' but I want to run it on xyz.xls, how do I do that?
		You can run the same task with different files of the same program. By default the task will only run on the specific file(s) it was recorded on. However you can check ‘Enable this task to run with other similar files and windows' option under the Properties>General tab. Now for example if you recorded a task on abc.xls, you can run this task on def.xls, xyz.xls or any other *.xls files
		Back to Top

		Is it possible to password protect my task?
		Yes, it is possible to password protect a task. While saving the task click on the Password Protection checkbox and specify the password. Alternatively, you can password protect a saved task by going into the Security tab in the main screen of Automation Anywhere.
		Back to Top



2.	Variables
		How do I use a variable in the task?
		You can use variable inside different commands like ‘Insert Keystroke’, ‘Open Program/File’, ‘Files/Folders’. In all the commands variable names are specified by enclosing the variable names in between the $ sign. For e.g. $Password$
		Back to Top

		If I create a variable for one task, can I use it in another task?
		Variables created for one task are only available locally for that task and not for any other task. But, if you have upgraded from a lower version to version 5.5 and above, all the variables created in the lower versions will be available to you as global variables that can be used with any task.
		Back to Top

		List variable can have many different text values. When I use the list variable which value will be executed?
		Every time a task comes across a list variable during the playback, the next text value in the sequence of the list variable is used. If the list variable reaches the last text value then its subsequent reference will return the first text value.
		Back to Top

		Is it possible to store special characters like Tab key in a variable?
		Yes, you can store any special character as a text value in a variable.
		Back to Top

		I have to run a task that needs to use a different value for a variable in every repeat. How do I do that with your automation software?
		Automation Anywhere provides "Loop – End Loop" commands. You can place your repetitive task inside a Loop – End Loop block. You can use a List variable inside it for data that keeps on changing with each loop.
		Back to Top

		What are these System Variables $CurrentDirectory$, $FolderName$ and $FileName$?
		These system variables are used with commands 'Loop for Folders in a folder' or 'Loop for Files in a folder'. Consider a command in the task - "Loop for Folders in a <folder>". Here the <folder> is the specified folder on which the Loop will execute. Its full path is available at execution time by the system variable "$CurrentDirectory$" If <folder> has 'n' number of folders, the loop will be executed 'n' times. Each time the $FolderName$ variable will have the next folder's name inside the specified folder. Now if the task is like "Loop for Files in a <folder>". Then $FileName$ will represent the next file name inside the specified folder. Outside the loop $CurrentDirectory$, $FolderName$ and $FileName$ doesn't have any usage.
		Back to Top



3.	Files / Folders
		Can I create a file with any extension?
		Yes, you can create file with any extension using the 'Create File' sub command in the Files/Folders command.
		Back to Top

		If I use a Files / Folders command like "Delete Files 'c:\MyPrgs\.' ", will this delete all the files in the subfolders too?
		No, this command will delete all the files in the current folder only. In the above example it will delete all the files in 'c:\MyPrgs' directory only.
		Back to Top

		Can I get all the file names in a folder to perform some operation on it?
		Yes, you can use the "Loop for Files in a <folder>"command. Here $FileName$ will have next filename inside the specified folder in each Loop execution. You can use this System variable to perform any operation inside the Loop - End Loop block.
		Back to Top

		Can I provide value for file/folder name when the task runs?
		Yes. Automation Anywhere has a 'Prompt' command to provide value at run time. You can provide value for any window, prompt for file/folder and even prompt for yes/no as well.
		Back to Top



4.	Moved Icons/Menus
		I recorded a task that opens a program from Start Menu > Programs and while running the task, the menu to open that program has moved. It clicks on a wrong program name and hence opens a wrong program. Do I need to re-record the task?
		No, the SMART Automation Technology built into Automation Anywhere provides a powerful feature that lets you use your original task. You can check an option from Tools > Options > “Move Icons/Menus”. After selecting this option when you run a task it opens the same program that was opened while recording even if the menus have moved.
		Back to Top

		Will my task run correctly even if files, program shortcut icons in the Quick Launch and the Desktop have moved?
		Apart from a few exceptions, opening of most of the files and shortcut icons from both Quick Launch and Desktop will run correctly if the icons have moved from their original location. Note that, the ‘Move Icons/Menus’ should be checked in Tools > Options menu for this feature to be enabled.
		Back to Top



5.	Create Exe Feature
		How do we create an Exe out of a task?
		This feature is available only in Automation Anywhere Premier and higher versions. For more information about Automation Anywhere versions check Compare Automation Software. To create exe right click on any task and click on 'Create Exe' menu.
		Back to Top

		Is Automation Anywhere required to run the Exe created using the 'task to exe' capability?
		No, even if you uninstall Automation Anywhere program the Exe will continue to work. The Exe is independent of Automation Anywhere.
		Back to Top

		I have set most of the properties like email notification, speed, etc. for a task. If I create an Exe and delete the task, will the Exe retain all these properties?
		The Exe will retain all the properties set at that time. Once the Exe is created, it is independent of Automation Anywhere and its task. So it will retain all its properties.
		Back to Top



6.	Internet
		What is E-mail Notification?
		You can use E-mail notification when you want to be notified that a task has finished running. An e-mail will be sent to the addressed specified along with the status of the task that was running and few other properties.
		Back to Top

		What is this 'Email Settings' displayed in the Notification tab in the properties window?
		This Button will open up the Options user interface that allows you to set the outgoing mail server, its port number and Exchange Server authentications, if any. Every mail that you send or receive requires the mail server. You have to obtain this information from your Internet E-mail provider or you may obtain it from the configuration section of your e-mail program.
		Back to Top

		Does your automation software provide any facility to send an email?
		Yes, Automation Anywhere provides a command ‘Send mail’. You can use this command to send e-mails to anyone. Note that this command will get information about the e-mail Server, its port number and Exchange Server authentications, if any, from the Mail Setting in the Options menu every time a task runs.
		Back to Top



7.	Scripting
		I have been using VBScripts and JScript to accomplish some of my routine work. Can I somehow reuse them in your automation software?
		Yes. Not only you can integrate disparate scripts like VBScripts & JScripts within an Automation Anywhere task but you can use in-built automation services like repeat, notification, etc., on VBScript & JScripts as well. For more information about Automation Anywhere check Automation Software. Automation Anywhere Editor has a command “Run Script”. You can use this command to Run your VBScript or JScript files from Automation Anywhere. You can even pass arguments to your VBScript and JScript files as you might have been doing it to run it through command prompt. You can also have return values, if any, to your VBScripts and JScript files.
		Back to Top

		How do I know if my Script ran without any Error?
		You can use the 'If Script Successful' subcommand inside the 'If command'. This command will run the script and will execute the 'If - End If' block only if the script ran successfully.
		Back to Top



8.	Tasks
		Can I run many tasks in a batch?
		Yes, You can create a new task in which you can use ‘Run Task’ command to run your individual tasks.
		Back to Top

		When I use ‘Run Task’ command, how do I know if the task successfully completed?
		You can use the 'If Task Successful' subcommand inside the 'If command'. This command will run the task and will execute the 'If - End If' block only if the task ran successfully.
		Back to Top



9.	IF Condition
		Can I execute certain commands only if a window exists?
		Yes. There are number of conditions in IF command. One of them is “If Window Exists”.
		Back to Top

		Is it possible for me to know if one of my software is running or not? I want to do certain action only if that software is running.
		Yes, you can use If Condition (If Application Running) to see if any application is running or not. You can specify the exe name that you want to test in the If condition. For e.g. consider the following script If Application Running ('F:\WINNT\system32\calc.exe') Comments: Add your commands when the Calculator program is running End If
		Back to Top



10.	Loop
		What is a Loop Command?
		A loop command allows repeated execution of a group of commands when these commands are placed inside the 'Loop – End Loop' block. The number of the times these commands are executed will depend on the type of Loop command selected. The 'Loop - End Loop' block might also contain within it another 'Loop - End Loop' block i.e. nested loop commands.
		Back to Top

		I want to do particular action on all the folders inside a folder. How do I do that using your automation software?
		You can use the Loop command (Start Loop “Each folder in ‘<folder>’) in Automation Anywhere. If there are ‘n’ folders in the specified folder then this loop will be executed ‘n’ times. You can get each folder’s name using the $FolderName$ system variable inside this loop block.
		Back to Top

		Can I get all the file names inside a folder using the Loop command?
		Yes, you can get the file name using the System variable $FileName$ inside a specified folder by using the Loop command " Start Loop ‘Each File in ‘<folder>’ ".
		Back to Top



11.	Web Recorder
		What is a Web Recorder?
		Web Recorder reliably and accurately records and automates web based tasks. Automation Anywhere Web Recorder understands all the web controls. You can open or close browser, perform clicks, fill forms, import data from the web, download files, extract data, extract source, check for broken links and much more.
		Back to Top

		What is web data extraction? How do you extract data with Web Recorder?
		Extracting structured or unstructured data from the Internet automatically with the help of scripts is web data extraction or screen scraping. Automation Anywhere as a data extraction or screen scraping software is both flexible to suit any kind of web technology or page format and is also non-intrusive. See two demos below to see how to use Automation Anywhere web recorder for data extraction. Demo 1: Web data Extraction using intelligent pattern matching technology Demo 2: Web data Extraction demo 2 Learn more on Web Data Extraction and Screen Scraping.
		Back to Top

		How do you check for broken links with Web Recorder?
		To check for broken links with Web Recorder, go to Task Editor and select Web Recorder -> Find Broken Links command. Enter the URL and specify if you want the entire website to be checked or just the specified webpage. Enter the path of the file to save the results and click Save. Automation Anywhere will check for broken links as specified. You can schedule to run this task at pre-defined time.
		Back to Top

		What is Manage Web Control?
		To capture image links, radio buttons, text boxes, check boxes and other web controls Automation Anywhere Web Recorder -> Manage Web Controls allows capture of web controls and assign them variables.
		Back to Top

		Can Automation Anywhere automate web based processes? If yes, what type of websites can be automated?
		Yes. Automation Anywhere can automate web based processes with its Web Automation capability. You can automate any website, even complex websites that use javascript, AJAX, Flash or iFrames. Learn more on Web Automation
		Back to Top



12.	Visualize Technology
		What is Visualize Technology in Automation Anywhere?
		Automation Anywhere Premier has an in-built Visualize Technology that allows for pictorial and storyboard views of the automated task. Visualize Technology is used in the different views in Task Editor, to capture images on demand with SnapPoint and Image Recognition with the IF command.
		Back to Top

		What is SnapPoint in Automation Anywhere?
		In Automation Anywhere Premier when a task is recorded the images of all mouse clicks and keystrokes are captured automatically. But when a task is created in Task Editor the images need to be captured on demand. SnapPoint allows you to capture images on demand; just enable SnapPoint and set it for the commands that you want.
		Back to Top

		What is Image Recognition in Automation Anywhere?
		Image Recognition is another feature of the Visualize Technology available in Automation Anywhere Premier. Image Recognition allows the recognition and comparison of images. It allows your automated task to "see".
		Back to Top



13.	Workflow Designer
		What is Workflow Designer?
		Workflow Designer allow you to create an easy to understand, intuitive graphical representation of a IT or a business processes. Automation Anywhere Premier allows any user (Business or IT) to easily create end to end business workflows.
		Back to Top

		How do I use Workflow Designer?
		Open Workflow Designer (Shortcut Ctrl+K). Drag-n-drop the objects from the toolkit to design an entire business process. Workflow Designer provides four objects to design a Workflow: Start Run Task Condition (IF) End
		Back to Top

		How do I run workflows?
		Running a workflow is very easy. Just click on the Run button in the Workflow Designer. The other option is to click on the workflow in 'MyWorkflow' file in the Task List and click Run. On running the workflow through the Workflow Designer, it highlights the part of the workflow that is being carried out. Once, the workflow has completed running, it highlights the complete path taken.
		Back to Top



14.	Manage Windows Control
		How to use and manage Windows Controls to get checkbox or radio button status in Automation Anywhere?
		Manage Windows Controls command allows you to work with windows controls like checkboxes and radio buttons. With this command you can find out if the radio button or check box is checked or not. Automation Anywhere supports only standard Windows checkboxes and radio buttons. Click on Manage Windows Control in Task Editor and select the appropriate radio button. Select the window to capture the check box or radio button. The value captured can be assigned to a variable.
		Back to Top

		Does a task recorded using MWC work in the background?
		Yes. A task recorded using MWC works in the background.
		Back to Top

		Why aren't some controls highlighted when I try to capture them using MWC?
		We capture standard Windows control using MWC. Client controls and Java are not supported by MWC. In such cases, controls are not highlighted.
		Back to Top



15.	Report Designer
		What is Report Designer?
		Report Designer allows you to create your custom reports. Automation Anywhere features Task Run (i.e. whether they were successful or not), Task Timeline(i.e. run, created, modified and deleted), Workflow Run, Workflow Timeline, ROI and Visual Logs reports. Reports can be generated by day, week, month as well as 'all time'. You can also generate a report for a custom date range.
		Back to Top

		Can I print my reports generated by Report Designer?
		Yes. You can print a report generated by Report Designer directly from Automation Anywhere. Just click on the Print logo in the top left corner of the graph.
		Back to Top



16.	Triggers
		Can I execute a task based on availability or non-availability of any file, folder, performance or service?
		Yes, it is possible to execute a task with Triggers, based on availability or non-availability of any file, folder, performance or service. There are triggers based on Window (open or close), File (create, delete, renamed or modified), Performance (CPU usage, free disk space, process count) and Process and Services.
		Back to Top

		Is there a way to perform a task when a new email arrives?
		Yes. Automation Anywhere has a trigger functionality that can perform any task when a new email arrives. You need to set the ‘Email Message Trigger’ on the task.
		Back to Top



17.	Error Handling
		Can I get the snapshot and/or log data into file when error occurs?
		Yes, Automation Anywhere Premier has advanced error handling capabilities. You can select action like Continue or Stop Task. You can specify error handling options like Take Snapshot, Run Task, Log data into file, Send Email and Variable Assignment.
		Back to Top



18.	Terminal Emulator
		Can I execute DOS commands on remote terminal?
		Yes, using Terminal Emulator command you can perform such activities. Terminal service must be on at the remote side and policy service must be set to classic. You can upload any file on FTP, Start/Stop services and execute DOS commands on remote terminal. Learn more about Terminal Emulator.
		Back to Top



19.	Automation Anywhere Server
		How do I grant an access request sent by the client?
		From Server Management Console window click on ‘View All’ Pending Access Requests. Here all pending access request are stored. It is from here that you can grant access requests.
		Back to Top

		From where can I view all the pending access request?
		Right click on server icon in tray-> Automation Anywhere Server. Here all pending access request are stored. You need click on View All from bottom right corner.
		Back to Top

		What is the maximum number of clients that can communicate with a server? How can I view how many clients are in use?
		The maximum number of clients that can communicate with the server depends on the number of client licenses that you have purchased. You can view the number of clients in use and the number left from the Server Management Console.
		Back to Top

		How to add/delete any client? Also is it possible to change the permission of client?
		From the Server Management Console click on ‘Launch’ button under the heading Client Manager. You can manage (add, edit or delete) the clients here.
		Back to Top

		Can I change the port?
		Yes. On the Server Management Console, there is an option of Server Settings. You can edit the port settings from here. “Server Port” indicates the port through which clients currently access the server.
		Back to Top

		How do I register a Client with the Automation Anywhere Server?
		In order to register a client with the Automation Anywhere Server, first launch Automation Anywhere Server by selecting it from the system tray and right click to open the “Server Management Console”. Click on Launch button to open the Client Manager Window. Register a client to the Server by clicking on the Add button and checking the boxes for the requisite “Permissions” that need to be given to the client like Upload file to Server, Download file to Server, Create task and Delete task from Server. Save the settings.
		Back to Top

		Apart from the 'Run' button in the main Client window, I do not see any other buttons. Why?
		When the Server has limited the permissions granted to a client, the client will not be able to view other actions. In order to gain adequate permissions, the Server administrator will have to grant additional permissions to the client. The server administrator can edit client permissions using the Client Manager in the Server Management Console.
		Back to Top



20.	Automation Anywhere Client
		How does the Client communicate with Server?
		In the main Client window click on Server Communication tab to communicate with the server. You can directly upload, download or compare any task on the server with the one on the client.
		Back to Top

		How do you send an access request to Server?
		You can view the current permissions provided to you by the server administrator by going to Tools-> Options-> Server Settings-> Contact. To request any other permission, click on the requisite checkbox and click send. Your request will be sent to the server administrator for permissions.
		Back to Top

		Can I download/upload all types of documents?
		Yes. You can download/upload all types of documents.
		Back to Top

		What is the process of registration/re-registration?
		The first time you start the client, it will ask you to register. If for some reason, you need to re-register the client, click on the 'Server Settings' in the Automation Anywhere Login window and click on Re-Register.
		Back to Top



21.	Others
		My scheduled tasks do not run?
		If your scheduled tasks don't run, follow the simple checklist to fix the problem. Ensure that you have provided the username/password: For security reasons Windows XP requires your Windows XP username & password to run scheduled task. For more information on what to do if you don't have password read Why username/password? On any other Windows operating system, if your account requires a password to log on, then you need to provide that password while scheduling the task, otherwise you don't need to provide a password. If you have multiple account ensure that you have provided the correct username/password: If you have multiple accounts on same computer like one domain account and one local account, please make sure the username that you have provided is the same username you have used to login to the computer. The tasks will not work if you scheduled the task using one user Account and now you are logged into another user Account. Automation Anywhere automatically fills the username that you are logged in as. Check Status in Control Panel->Scheduled Tasks window: Please go to Control Panel->Scheduled Tasks window. Select the task that corresponds to your task (it start with your task name) and right-click and select ‘Run’. See if it runs. If it does not run please see what the 'Status' column shows. Schedule Calculator Application: If your task still doesn't run go to Control Panel->Scheduled Tasks. Click on Add Scheduled Task. From the list of applications, please select Calculator as shown below. If the calculator does not run then your scheduler service is not installed correctly on your computer.
		Back to Top

		My task is big. How do I test only a few commands in the task?
		Select the command that you do not want to run. Right-click and select 'Disable'. Save the task and run it. while running the task it will not run the commands that are disabled. To enable the commands again right-click and select 'Enable'.
		Back to Top

		I want to copy a command and use it at many places. Do I need to create the command every time?
		No. You can use the 'Duplicate' function by Right click on command and select 'Duplicate'. This command Duplicates the currently selected command. You can then just drag the newly created command using mouse.
		Back to Top

		I have created a keystroke that contains complex sequence of keys that I use repeatedly in many of my tasks. Do I need to copy the Keystroke every time I need to create a new task?
		No. You can right click on that Keystroke and click on 'Convert To Variable'. You can then save the keystroke as a variable.
		Back to Top

		I have recorded a task that can be repeated as it is; only one text has to be replaced every time. I need to enter this text while running. How do I do that in your automation software?
		Open the Task in the Editor Right click on the Keystroke which you have to enter every time. Click on the "Convert to Prompt" in the popup menu. Enter the message that should be displayed which running. Save the task. While running, a dialog box will appear that will ask you to input the text that you wanted to enter. Once you click ok then entered text will be typed.
		Back to Top

		Can I edit multiple commands at the same time? Is it possible to replace window title in all commands?
		Yes. Bulk Edit is available for commands like keystrokes and delay. Select multiple commands of keystrokes or delay and right click on it. Select ‘Bulk Edit’ option; specify the new details for the selected commands. To replace the window title, select any command that has a window in it; right click and select ‘Change Window Title’ option. You can replace particular command’s window title or you can change all commands windows title in a task.
		Back to Top

		What happens to a triggered or scheduled task if a high priority task is already running?
		In the above case currently running high priority task will continue and all other task will be in queue. Automation Anywhere features advanced task-queuing technology. This technology ensures that every task will complete based on its priority, regardless of how many other tasks interrupt the running task. The order of execution is decided by the priority (high, medium and low). If two tasks in a queue have the same priority, the precedence is decided by the category (triggered, scheduled and manual) of the tasks. Thus, if the two tasks have the same priority, a triggered task has higher precedence, followed by scheduled tasks, then manual tasks.
		Back to Top

		Can I use Automation Anywhere as a macro recorder?
		Automation Anywhere can be used as an intelligent keyboard macro recorder and mouse macro recorder that allows you to easily create, edit and run macros. Automate keystrokes and save thousands of clicks to automate repetitive tasks. Record keyboard & mouse macros or use point & click wizards to create automated tasks in minutes. To learn more: http://www.automationanywhere.com/landing/macro-recorder.htm
		Back to Top

		Can I use Automation Anywhere to integrate Excel commands with other applications?
		Automation Anywhere has an advanced Excel integration and Excel automation feature. Automation Anywhere allows automation of data transfer between Excel and any web or windows based application like Salesforce, SAP, Access, SQL, etc. Learn more on Excel Automation.
		Back to Top

		How does Automation Anywhere carry out database automation?
		Automation Anywhere works with any SQL databases like Oracle, MS SQL, Sybase, etc. to transfer, maintain or update databases. Automation Anywhere's database automation solution can take data from various databases, web and in-house applications, collate them and generate reports. Learn more on Database Automation.
		Back to Top



22.	More Questions?
		You can get more information about Automation Anywhere from Automation Software
		You can see Automation Anywhere Examples & Tutorials To contact us please open a support case and we will be glad to answer any questions. Do you have tasks that you would like to automate, but don't know how? Ask our Automation Expert
		Back to Top

Next Steps

Call 1-888-484-3535

Our Customers

Customer list | Case Studies

Thank you for your quick reply. Let me start by saying this was the most direct, useful, and succinct tech support response I've ever received in over 14 years of software use. You rock. I look forward to using your software for a long time to come.

- Trey Schultz

Read Customer Testimonies >>

Products Download Purchase Services Support Customers Company Sitemap Trademark

Automation Anywhere Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)