Windows 7 - No battery meter showing with UPS installed

I own an APC UPS, model BR800. It is a relatively modern unit, and connects to my Win 7 Pro 64 bit computer.

The APC UPS comes with "PowerChute software." I have had endless, serious problems with this software, and would rather use Windows 7 to control the UPS instead.

I uninstalled the PowerChute software, uninstalled the device drivers, re-started the computer and then plugged the USB data cable back in. Windows 7 reported that it found the UPS unit and installed the drivers successfully. When I check 'device manager,' I see the drivers listed. All appears well.

Unfortunately, no battery meter appears in the system tray, and I can't configure Windows 7's handling of the UPS. I clicked 'customize' in the system tray, and 'Turn System Icons on or off.' The selection for Power is grayed out; I can't change it from off.

Can anyone tell me what I can do to get the battery meter in the system tray, and allow me to configure Windows 7's handling of the UPS?

As far as I know, the battery meter won't show unless you are actually running off the battery. It doesn't on either of my systems connected to APC UPSes. I also use the included software on one system, running Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1, and I have no issues with it. What "serious issues" do you have? It doesn't really do anything to cause issues, as far as I can tell...just reports on the status of the UPS. The other system is my WHS MediaSmart Server, so I used the GridJunction add-in.

Look in Control Panel then "Devices and Printers". It should be listed there. That is where mine is listed. You may find some options by opening that way. Double click or possibly right click the icon and then click Properties.

I have the CyberPower software since that is my brand. So I'm not sure what Windows installs exactly.

Mike

Also there are possibly newer versions and updates for the APC software possibly here. BR-800 was not listed but BR-700 and BR-1000 were and use the same software shown in the box below.
Software / Firmware

I think this is the newest version 3.0.

Hope that helps.
Mike

This article tells how UPS settings are supposed to work with the 'battery meter' icon in Windows 7 ... at least if the writer is correct!

Installing, configuring and testing a UPS for Windows 7

Here's a link to the .jpg that shows what I'm supposed to see ... and don't see:

http://media.techtarget.com/digitalguide/images/Misc/microsoft-windows-7-indepth-4.jpg

The issues with Powerchute are chronicled here:
APC Discussion Forums : PowerChute conflict hangs Win7 64 ...

... although the problems grew worse after I started that thread.

I was using the latest version of Powerchute, version 3. I also had problems with version 2, at least in Windows 7. I never had these problems in Win XP.

I just updated to 3.0 and I like the new Energy Usage feature. You put in you cost per KWh and it estimates your cost per day based on the draw it sees. My current draw is 3.46KWh and cost is $0.24. I am running my PC, LCD Monitor, Cable Modem, Router, Vontage Box and Wireless Phone system.

It will also track your total usage by Day,Week,Month or Year.

Jim

APC hasn't upgraded their software to work with the 64bit.
I wasn't sure you had found the 3.0.

Control Panel> Power Options> Then follow my pics and click the yellow marked links left then right Snip then Advanced window opens.
That gets you to the Advanced Settings window.

Snips are taken from my PC.
Hope that helps.
Mike

I have indeed seen those windows, Hopalong! Thanks for trying, though.

Hi Adams,

I currently using version 3 of Power Chute right now and it seems to be working fine for me.....



This is after using version 2 for quite some time without issue....



I'm using an ES750 (BE750G). Anyways have you checked the USB cabe?

Are you saying you are drawing 3.46KWh or is that the usage you have accumulated so far. I can't see a 3400watt draw from those few things you listed.