My ATX box doesn't shut itself off

[Moreno]

First of all, I’d like to say thanks to all you guys who helped me out with the last one (the P233 that ended up having bad cache). My latest problem is with a Gateway P120 in its original ATX (full tower) case. I bought this one used (that should come as no surprise) and I have 64 MB of RAM in it. On some of my previous installations of Windows, it powered itself down as I shut down windows. This time, all it does is get to the “It is now safe to turn off your brain” screen, and I’m left having to hit the button. Any suggestions?

[Paleo Pete]

Shut Down Problems (http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q238/0/96.ASP) might help, also try turning off everything you can before trying to shut down. Could be doing this because of h-other applications still runnung. Corrupt Windows Shut Down sound file can cause problems, and other things can affect it too. Check the MS link, it has some good info, Bud Allen (http://www.webteam.cc/~budallen/95wizard.html) also has good info.

------------------
So many idiots, and only six bullets...
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[tk421]

pete, i think you are misunderstanding him. He's not getting the classic "please wait while windows shuts down", which is what I think you're taking him to mean.

Moreno: try enabling power management in Windows, and/or in the BIOS (assuming your system is ATX). This will allow your Windows to automatically shut down.

tk

------------------
____________________
mp3.com/stairwell (http://mp3.com/stairwell)

[tjaymadison]

I think both you guys are missing something here. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

The automatic power-down after you get the "safe" message usually depends on one or more options in BIOS setup. For example, on my "Chipset Features" page there's one called "Power-Up State" with the options "Stay Off", "Last State" and "Power On". It's able to tell the system how to respond after a power outage, and I set mine to "Power On". This lets my system unit power itself off after the "safe" message. Since I use one of those power centers under the monitor, it also lets me start my box from a switch up there rather than by actually pushing the button, sort of by remote control. I don't think you'd want to enable this if you plug directly into a wall outlet, though -- you could come home after a bad thunderstorm and find your PC running. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/eek.gif Also, if you have your power button set to "Soft Off", you'll have to change it to "Instant Off".

[Paleo Pete]

Yep, I missed the point. I thought the system was locking up at that point, didn't realize it was the auto shutdown issue. I think tjay is real close, if not right on the money...

------------------
So many idiots, and only six bullets...
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[Moreno]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I commute to school, but as soon as I get home tonight, I'll try the power management settings in the BIOS and report back to you. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Moreno]

Problem solved. You guys are great!