Learning Objectives

By the end of this article, you will:

  • Schedule PowerCLI and Python scripts for recurring automation.
  • Use Windows Task Scheduler to run scripts without manual intervention.
  • Apply best practices for reliability, security, and maintainability in VMware automation.

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Prerequisites

  • Completed Articles 1–6.
  • PowerCLI, Python, and previous scripts tested and available on your automation host.
  • Access to Windows Task Scheduler or an equivalent scheduling tool.

1. Why Schedule VMware Scripts?

Routine tasks like VM snapshots, reporting, backups, and audits are time-consuming if performed manually.
Scheduling scripts lets you automate these tasks consistently, freeing up time and reducing human error.

2. Using Windows Task Scheduler for Automation

Windows Task Scheduler is a built-in tool to run scripts on a schedule (daily, weekly, etc).

Example: Schedule a PowerCLI Script

Step 1: Prepare Your Script

Next up: In Article 8, you will dive into advanced VM, NSX, and Aria Operations automation with practical PowerCLI and Python scripting examples.

Step 2: Open Task Scheduler

  • Press Win + R, type taskschd.msc, and hit Enter.

Step 3: Create a New Task

  • Select “Create Task”.
  • Give it a descriptive name (e.g., “Daily VMware Report”).
  • Under “Security Options”, select “Run whether user is logged on or not”.

Step 4: Set the Trigger

  • Go to the “Triggers” tab and set the schedule (e.g., daily at 6:00 AM).

Step 5: Set the Action

  • Go to the “Actions” tab.
  • Click “New”.
  • Set “Program/script” to: powershell.exe
  • Set “Add arguments” to: -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "C:Automationvm_report.ps1"

Step 6: Save the Task

  • Click OK, enter your credentials, and ensure the task is enabled.

Example: Schedule a Python Script

  • Follow the same steps, but set “Program/script” to the path of your python.exe, and “Add arguments” to your script path: "C:PathTopython.exe" "C:Automationmy_python_script.py"

3. Diagram: Scheduling and Automation Workflow

4. Best Practices for Safe and Reliable VMware Automation

  • Credential Management:
    Use Windows Credential Manager or encrypted credential files instead of hardcoding passwords.
  • Script Logging:
    Ensure all scripts write logs for auditing and troubleshooting.
  • Testing:
    Always test in a lab or on non-critical systems before deploying to production.
  • Alerting:
    Set up email notifications for script failures using Task Scheduler’s “On failure” actions or via your scripts.
  • Idempotency:
    Scripts should be safe to re-run without unintended side effects (e.g., check for existing snapshots before creating new ones).
  • Documentation:
    Maintain comments and change logs in your scripts for future reference.

5. Troubleshooting Tips

  • If scripts do not run as scheduled, check Task Scheduler history for error codes.
  • Make sure the task user account has permission to run PowerShell/Python and access network resources.
  • Use full paths for all files in your scripts to avoid “file not found” errors.
  • For scripts that hang, set a timeout in your Python subprocess.run() calls.

6. Further Reading

7. Conclusion and Next Steps

Make sure your PowerShell script (e.g., vm_report.ps1) is working and located at a path like C:Automationvm_report.ps1.

You have learned how to schedule VMware automation scripts and apply best practices for reliability, security, and maintainability.
This enables consistent, automated operations and helps you scale your infrastructure management.

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