Windows 7 - My Power Management Settings Are Whack, Yo!

So I've reformatted (sometimes I do that when I'm bored...) but now my computer won't cycle down after a certain time has passed. In my settings it says that that the monitor should turn off in 10 minutes of no use and other various things will sleep after 20 minutes of no use.

These settings used to work, but now they don't? I have a ghost in the machine!

Did you try to re-apply new settings ?

You might have a corrupted install ,I would try to customize the settings again and wait to see if it takes effect

Unless you unconciously deactivated it by moving something while it was set like bumpin the mouse a little

Here's another thing I should note...

I have a file server hooked up to the network with a KVM Switch to go back and fourth between computers. I also run dual monitors. So one monitor (primary) and the second one (secondary) are all hooked up to a KVM Switch. When I was switched over to the file server, my primary monitor did actually go to sleep, but I didn't give it enough time to see if the HDD would fall asleep.

Could that particular configuration have an effect on these sleep settings? Seems a bit odd...

I would belive so that kind of thing you are doing would require profiling

Set up profiles for your system to sleep and to shut the other monitor down as well

Im not to sure how to go about something like this but im sure others will come through with some experience

Since you are dual screening I think would have to tune the monitors to sync with each orther and im also thinking since you are running between systems that could deactivate the sleep mode because the computer doesn't have time to rest if you have it doing task that prevents it from happening

I've looked for custom profiles but can't seem to find any. I'm at a loss as to what to do. I did try to create another profile, but I don't think it'll work because there aren't any different options in a new profile as the other ones were set at. I'll probably try to install the monitor drivers again and see if anything changes...

Sigh!

Update the display drivers.

Check in Device Manager for any Power options for the KVM related devices.

Did it ever sleep correctly in this configuration? If so, try System Restore to that time. Then set a System Restore point and a Windows 7 backup image so you can always revert if necessary.

I'm a little worried about using system restore at this point. I just have too much loaded now. I tried updating drivers for everything, though. KVM Switch, and both monitor drivers. I'm at a loss. It's almost as if something is running in the background that is preventing my system to sleep. Maybe too much caffeine?

Any continued help would be superly appreciated!

Did you even check the System Restore point most likely to still sleep? It will report what programs will be lost if any. It's likely manageable.

This is handled pro-actively by naming a System Restore point "Sleep works" and saving a backup image at the same time for when the Restore point is overwritten.

I also would configure System Restore to use more Disk Space if you can to save Restore Points longer. System Protection - Change Disk Space Usage

If this is not how you want to handle it for your own reasons, then try these steps: Sleep Mode Problems

If these fail then run a trace which will determine the cause with certainty: Gathering a Startup, Shutdown, Sleep, Hibernate, or Reboot Trace - Windows 7 Forums

Actually, I have reformatted after the problem started happening. I was hoping that it would take care of the issue that way. You know, setting the system totally at bare bones and original settings. But even then it doesn't seem to work. I really think it's with the KVM set up because when I'm switched over to the other computer, my primary monitor does turn off but haven't waited long enough to see if the rest of the computer does what it's supposed to do. Just a little KVM switch shouldn't hinder anything though.

I'll certainly follow the links you have provided to see if I can do anything. Thanks so much for your help, Greg! You sure seem to know your stuff!