Running Tasks
The Running Tasks section in MSPControl displays all currently active or in-progress scheduled tasks, allowing administrators to monitor their status and, when necessary, stop or restart them. This is especially useful for troubleshooting long-running or stuck processes.
Overview
When you open the Running Tasks page, you’ll see a table listing all tasks that are actively processing. Each entry typically shows:
- Task Name – The descriptive label of the running task.
- Item Name – A sub-label or additional context for the task (e.g., target object).
- Start Date – The date and time the task began running.
- Duration – How long the task has been running so far.
Actions
Administrators can manage a running task by selecting it (via the checkbox or row) and then choosing one of the
following options from the -Actions- drop-down menu:
- Restart – Stops the current task instance (if needed) and immediately attempts to start it again.
This is useful when a task is stuck or if you want to force it to run from scratch.
- Stop – Terminates the currently running task. Once stopped, it won’t resume unless you restart it or wait for its next scheduled run (if it’s a recurring task).
Troubleshooting Tips
- Long-Running Tasks – If a task runs longer than expected, consider stopping and restarting it.
Check the Max Execution Time set in the Scheduled Task properties.
- No Running Tasks Listed – If the table is empty, it means no tasks are currently in progress.
- Check Logs – For tasks that fail or behave unexpectedly, consult the Audit Log or task-specific logs to identify errors or misconfigurations.
Best Practices
- Use Caution When Stopping Tasks – Stopping a task in the middle of execution may leave partial changes (e.g., incomplete file transfers). Review your environment before halting critical tasks.
- Restarting Tasks – A restart is most helpful when you suspect a task has hung or encountered a transient error.
Verify that no major conflicts or dependencies will be disrupted by forcing an immediate restart.
- Monitor Duration – Keep an eye on how long tasks typically take. If a task frequently exceeds its usual run time, investigate performance issues or potential misconfigurations.
