Won't Sleep From Start Menu but Sleep Timer Works

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  1. Posts : 15
    Windows 7 Ultimate
       #1

    Won't Sleep From Start Menu but Sleep Timer Works


    I know there are a bunch of sleep problems out there but I couldn't fine one similar to this after doing a forum search. Running Windows 7 Ultimate. Sleep used to work ok but now when I choose sleep from the start menu, the screen blacks out but the computer doesn't actually go to sleep. The fans, activity lights, hdd lights are all still running. If I move the mouse the screen comes back. However, if I just wait for the sleep timer to kick in then the computer does go to sleep (all fans stop running and all lights go out). I'm not sure what caused this. I use my pc as an HTCP and now when I push the power button on the remote the pc does not go to sleep. Any suggestions would be great, thanks!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 6,285
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #2

    This tells you how to disable and enable sleep, see if it applies to you: How to Disable the Sleep Option in the Windows Shut Down Menu
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 15
    Windows 7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I've seen that thread. It doesn't apply to me because the sleep option is still available in my start menu. I can choose it, it just doesn't put the computer to sleep. Just blacks out the screen.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 414
    win7 ultimate 32bit
       #4

    so what you're saying is--sleep used to work, but now it doesn't...
    what's changed? and when?
    windows updates?
    new hardware or software?

    also...what do you mean by "I use my PC as an HTCP" (Hyper Text Caching Protocol)--do you mean HTPC? (Home Theater PC).

    I can advise you on ALL the various places to control the 'sleep' function--but I need some more info about how you actually have it set now and what may have been recently installed that could have led to the problem you are experiencing.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 15
    Windows 7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks for the response. Yes, sleep use to work and now it doesn't. At least by choosing sleep from the start menu. If I set a time for sleep to kick in then that actually works. This problem actually started a couple of months ago, but I just didn't have time to try and diagnos and fix it so I'm really not sure what changes could have caused it. Windows update is set to automatically just update stuff so I'm not sure if anything has updated since then. I don't think I've made any major changes to the system. Yes, I meant HTPC, just accidentally transposed the last two letters while typing.

    Do you need to know what all the settings are set to in the advanced sleep menu? I haven't changed that so it's still what it was, except for the timers.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 414
    win7 ultimate 32bit
       #6

    IF settings remain unchanged (are you sure? because sometimes windows updates will change settings for 'security' reasons) then I don't need to know the settings.

    In two months there should have been at least one batch of windows updates installed--it's my personal experience that when something that worked before, now doesn't, then probably a 'security' update is responsible.

    which is why I have 'never' updated my OS since original install--that said--you could try a restore point prior to the problem arising--or try uninstalling 'updates' one-at-a-time until the problem goes away
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 15
    Windows 7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Hmm, before I start doing that, is there anything else that you know it could possibly be? I found a thread on here that someone had the same problem but no one responded to that thread. I figure if it was due to an update then it would be more widespread and I'd be able to find it somewhere online.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 414
    win7 ultimate 32bit
       #8

    I read this forum daily and I have experienced 'none' of the repetitive problems that I see people posting....I've also read a lot of posts where people have 'sleep' problems--I have had none.
    So...run a full backup--then try 'system restore' to a time before the problem started--which 'may' solve your problem---if the problem isn't solved, you can restore your system from the backup and you'll be no worse off than you are now.

    you could try 'googling' your problem--here's one example: (but I disagree with some of the suggested settings)

    Windows 7 will not sleep or not sleeping

    my settings are as follows:
    power plan=high performance
    turn off display=never
    put computer to sleep=never
    advanced:
    Display>turn off display after=never
    PCI express>link state power management=off
    Power buttons>Power button=shut down
    sleep button=sleep
    Sleep>sleep after=never
    Allow Hybrid sleep=on
    Hibernate after=never
    allow wake timers=Disable
    Hard Disk>turn off hard disk after=never

    when I want machine to sleep, I select 'sleep' from start menu--screen goes black--machine runs for about 5 seconds then sleeps--wakes with any key.

    BIOS, ACPI advanced power state set to S3
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 6,285
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #9

    Advising people to never apply updates is a very bad idea. Microsoft doesn't release the updates for the heck of it. Most of them are to close holes that expose the system to exploitation and malware.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 414
    win7 ultimate 32bit
       #10

    Ztrucker---that's your opinion--I have had NO problems with Malware or exploitation of my system--but then I'm careful with my firewalls (hardware and software), run good AV and MalwarebytesPro. And, FYI, most builders that I know DON'T run MS updates, as in their experience, they cause more problems than they solve...and I know current and former MS employees who firmly believe that the updates (at least for knowledgeable people) don't matter.

    but thank you for the off topic reply--can you offer a viable solution for the OP?
      My Computer


 
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