Usage How to add a cron job on Windows

June 29, 2024 at 4:56 AM

If you want to use the Synchronize to WordPress/AD feature you need to set up a cron job. On Windows operating systems you have to use the Windows Task Scheduler to accomplish this.

This how-to is specific for Next Active Directory Integration. Please read this article how to add cron jobs and scheduled tasks on Windows.

Add the scheduled task

  • On your Windows server log on with a privileged account, e.g. Administrator

  • Go to Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Administrative Tools > Task Scheduler

  • In the right panel click on Create Basic Task Windows Task Scheduler

  • Enter a name like “Sync to WordPress* and click Next

  • On the next page define the scheduled dates when the task has to run. Every night should be often enough.

  • On the Action page select Start a program

Using PowerShell

  • PowerShell is available on Windows 7 and later, as well as on Windows Server 2008 R2 and later

  • The Program/script input field must contain powershell

  • The input field Add arguments (optional) must be populated with the following command

  • Some parameters must be adjusted e.g. ${SERVER_URL} (must point to the WordPress instance), ${TOKEN} (must contain your auth code)

      -Command "Invoke-WebRequest -Uri ${SERVERURL}/wp-admin/admin.php -Method POST -Body @{'next_ad_int-task'='sync-to-wordpress';'auth-code'='${TOKEN}'}"
In case you are using Kerberos authentication, you have to append the Parameter -UseDefaultCredentials to the Invoke-WebRequest. You also have to make sure that the user under which the scheduled task is running, has a valid Kerberos token and is able to access the website.
Create basic PowerShell task in Windows Task Scheduler
  • Click Next and Finish

The added task will automatically run on the next scheduled date.

Using wget

If you are using Kerberos as a method for SSO, please go with the PowerShell solution described above.

  • Download the wget setup package from http://gnuwin32.sourceforge.net/packages/wget.htm or use this link link to sourceforge. Please note that the ZIP file does not include the required libraries.

  • Let the setup programm install wget into e.g. c:/wget

  • The Program/script input field must point to the previously installed wget.exe (c:/wget/bin/wget.exe)

    • The input field Add arguments (optional) must be populated with the wget parameters provided in NADI on the Sync to WordPress respective Sync to AD page, like --post-data "next_ad_int-task=sync-to-ad&auth-code=MFuyIpDJEEOUhw8cLsB0" http://localhost/wp-admin/admin.php
    Create basic wget task in Windows Task Scheduler

  • Click Next and Finish

The added task will automatically run on the next scheduled date.

The synchronization task is running