Scheduled Tasks Error - "0x80070005: Access is denied."

For some reason Microsoft chose to throw the following error rather than explain itself:

An error has occurred while attempting to set task account information.
The specific error is:
0x80070005: Access is denied.
You do not have permission to perform the requested operation.

Of course, this seems like some deep, dark security setting or registry modification at first reading. Then, after multiple internet searches you may be led to a similar conclusion. However after digging deep I found the following Google discussion in which the questioner discovered the solution on her own -> Backup Task Scheduler Error 0x80070005: Access is denied.

So here's the deal:
PROBLEM: I'm trying to schedule a task that wakes the computer, logs on, and runs at a scheduled time. However, when it asks me for a password (see picture below), I just hit "OK" since I don't have my computer's password enabled. Then it gives me the above error.

SOLUTION: Reopen the scheduled task and check the box titled "Run only if logged on" (see picture below). You'll find this in the bottom left side of the window.


That should do it.

Note that if you do have a password enabled, all bets are off. You'll simply input your password and uncheck the "Run only if logged on" box. This way the task will log on using the password you enter in the box two pictures above in this post. I do remember having an issue with this in the past, but can't remember what it was or how to solve it.


Good evening

Donald W. Hasson
http://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldhasson
http://donaldhasson.blogspot.com