Jet Reports Running in Background on Server

Overview

The Jet Scheduler is a Jet-specific interface for creating Windows Tasks that are then run by the Windows Task Scheduler.

In addition to any permissions that Microsoft requires for being able to create and run scheduled tasks (for detailed information, please refer to Microsoft's documentation for your specific version of Windows), there are a few other specific requirements for running Jet tasks - especially when the user is not logged in to Windows.

All permissions listed in this article typically need to be assigned to the individual login. It is usually not sufficient to only assign them to a group to which the individual belongs

Jet Reports versions 2013 and higher incorporate running the Jet Scheduler with elevated (i.e., 'administrator') rights, automatically.

Due to Microsoft updates (KB 23692 and KB 2836943) for the Windows Task Scheduler published for Windows Vista and higher, if you plan on using the Jet Scheduler with Jet Essentials 2012 R2 or earlier, you will need to start Excel by right clicking the Excel.exe file and choosing "Run as Administrator".

Special Requirements for your version of Windows

Windows 10 / Server 2012 or higher / Windows 8.0-8.1
In addition to the requirements for Windows 7 (see below)...
This Windows Registry Key:
[ HKEY_Current_User\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders\Cache]
must be set to: C:\Windows\Temp
Windows 7 / Server 2008 and higher
If you are using a NAV Server or Local connection, you will find most of the information you need to configure your data source on the Connection tab.

The folder C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\desktop must exist and you must have Full Control permissions to both the systemprofile and desktop directories (if either folder does not exist, it must be created)
For 64-bit versions of Windows, in addition to the folders under System32, the folder C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\desktop folder must *also* exist and you need Full Control permissions to both the systemprofile and desktop directories (if either folder does not exist, it must be created)
You must have Log on as Batch permissions. (see Setting Log on as Batch Permissions below)
Local Launch, Remote Launch, Local Activation, and Remote Activation DCOM permissions for the Excel Application need to be set to Allow. (see Setting DCOM Permissions below)
The scheduled task needs to be run with Highest Privileges. (see Running Tasks with Highest Privileges)
You may need to have your system administrator run CACLS to give you permissions to the “C:\Windows\Tasks” folder and the files it contains. This should allow you to edit and delete Windows tasks. (see Setting Permissions on Scheduled Tasks)
You must become a member of Backup Operators group. (see Becoming a Member of Backup Operators)

Windows Vista

The directory C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\desktop must exist and you need Full Control permissions to both the systemprofile and desktop directories (if either folder does not exist, it must be created).
For 64-bit versions of Windows, in addition to the two folders under System32, the folder C:\Windows\SystemWOW\config\systemprofile\desktop must also exist and you need Full Control permissions to both the systemprofile and “desktop” directories (if either folder does not exist, it must be created)
You must have Log on as Batch permissions. (see Setting Log on as Batch Permissions below)
Local Launch, Remote Launch, Local Activation, and Remote Activation DCOM permissions for the Excel Application need to be set to Allow. (see Setting DCOM Permissions below)
It is possible that you may need to have your system administrator run CACLS to give you permissions to the the folder C:\Windows\Tasks and the files it contains. This should allow you to edit and delete Windows tasks. (see Setting Permissions on Scheduled Tasks)

All Versions of Windows:

Running Tasks with Highest Privileges

To run Jet reports in a scheduled task when logged off of Windows you need the privileges that you are allowed when logged on. In order to have these privileges you will need to check the Run with highest privileges option on the General tab of the scheduled task.

In order to check this task property you will need to be part of the Backup Operators group. For more information about becoming a member of Backup Operators see the Becoming a Member of Backup Operators section.

Open the Task Scheduler (Click the Windows Orb and type Task Scheduler) and select the Jet task you wish to run. In the Actions pane click Properties. On the General tab check the Run with highest privileges box and click OK. You will have to do this every time a new task is created or edited through the Jet Scheduler.

Setting Log on as Batch Permissions

In Microsoft Windows, when a user submits a job by means of the task scheduler, the task scheduler logs that user on as a batch user rather than as an interactive user. This means that to run a Jet Report using the Windows Task Scheduler you will need Log on as Batch permissions.

This user permission is defined in the Default Domain Controller Group Policy object (GPO) and in the local security policy of workstations and servers.

To set “Log on as Batch” permissions have your system administrator go to the Local Security Policy editor in Administrative Tools. Then follow the links to Local Policies->User Rights Assignment. In the list of Policies right-click on Log on as batch job and select Properties. Click Add User or Group… and add the user that needs to run the Jet scheduled task.

Setting DCOM Permissions

To run Jet reports in a scheduled task you must have permissions to open and activate the Excel application. These permissions can be set using the DCOM Configuration utility.

To run the DCOM Configuration utility have your system administrator click the Windows orb and type DCOMCNFG to open the Component Services console.

On 64-bit systems running a 32-bit version of MS Excel, type DCOMCNFG -32 to open the 32-bit version of the Component Services console*

Go to Console Root->Component Services->Computers->My Computer->DCOM Config->Microsoft Excel Application, right-click it, and select Properties.
Click on the Security tab,
Select the Customize option in the Launch and Activation Permissions section and click the Edit… button.
Click Add... and add the user that needs to run the Jet scheduled task.
Select the newly added user and allow the Local Launch , Remote Launch , Local Activation , and Remote Activation options (click OK)
Select the Customize option in the Access Permissions section and click the Edit... button.
Click Add... and add the user that needs to run the Jet scheduled task.
Select the newly added user and allow Local Access and Remote Access (click OK)

*NOTE: on 64-bit systems running 32-Excel, if Microsoft Excel Application does not appear in the DCOMCNFG list, it may be necessary to run the 32-bit version of the Microsoft Management Console [mmc -32] in order to add the 'Component Services' snap-in. Contact your system administrator for further assistance.

Setting CACLS Permissions

See the article on Setting Permissions on Scheduled Tasks .

Becoming a Member of Backup Operators

To become a member of the Backup Operators security group have your system administrator click on the Windows Orb and type Computer Management. In the Computer Management console select the Users folder in Local Users and Groups.

If the user is not present in the list then it will be necessary to add them.

Right click on the blank user area and select New User…
Specify the UserID (without the Domain) and full name.
Enter and confirm the password.

(NOTE: *uncheck* the box that states User must change password at next logon.)

Right-click on the user that needs to be a member of Backup Operators, and select Properties. On the 'Member Of' tab click Add... Type Backup Operators as the object name and click OK.

NOTE: This article pertains to machines with a 32 bit operating system. Adjustments will need to be made for 64 bit systems. Contact your