Sleep mode activated when PC not idle - why?

[unbob]

Some programs may have a "prevent idling to sleep" option while they are running, and it sounds like that is what you want.

Yes, but more accurately, I want my backup program (for example) to "suppress sleep mode activation while running".

I don't understand why Win7 doesn't have a program attribute that could be specified by the user to do this very thing (ie, "while this program is running do not enter sleep mode").

 

[DavidE]

Some Backup programs have options that can prevent sleeping.
Have you checked your Backup program documentation or forum for this?

 

[bigmck]

Some programs may have a "prevent idling to sleep" option while they are running, and it sounds like that is what you want.

Yes, but more accurately, I want my backup program (for example) to "suppress sleep mode activation while running".

I don't understand why Win7 doesn't have a program attribute that could be specified by the user to do this very thing (ie, "while this program is running do not enter sleep mode").

Here is an article that pretty much says what these guys have said. It might answer some questions for you. https://support.sosonlinebackup.com/entries/21663546-can-a-backup-run-if-sleep-mode-is-turned-on

 

[cytherian]

I'll bet you that the paid version of Macrium Reflect has this sleep control in it.

Otherwise, I suggestion one of the following:

• Determine your average backup time and change your sleep time to this plus some padding of minutes
• Turn off automatic sleep and launch your backup program using a shell that will follow with a command to put the computer to sleep once the backup program completes (see nircmd)
• Switch to backup software that has sleep mode control

 

[Layback Bear]

unbob let me see if I understand this correctly. You don't like how Windows 7 sleep mode works when you are backing up. Thats okay, some like it and some don't. It has been explained how Windows Sleep works and how you can change some settings that might help but they don't solve your problem. You have been given suggestion on 3rd party program you might want to investigate to see if they will meet your needs. If I understand you correctly (post # 15) your main concern is that you are on solar power so you need to backup using the least amount of power possible. My understanding is a back up will use what ever power is needed no mater what mode the computer is in to complete the backup job. I don't know of any laptop that will draw enough power in any mode to effect any quality solar system installed for use in a dwelling. The point being, I don't think what every method or program you decide on for your back up will effect your solar power system.

 

[cytherian]

^ He really should have said that he runs on "battery power"... the solar cells recharge the batteries; he doesn't run directly off of the solar cells.

 

[Layback Bear]

cytherian thank you. I have a better understanding now.

 

[cytherian]

No problem, Mr. Bear. Incidentally, ever seen this polar bear video?

 

[Layback Bear]

No not until now. It just shows how wonderful Polar Bears are.

 

[unbob]

I'll bet you that the paid version of Macrium Reflect has this sleep control in it.

Otherwise, I suggestion one of the following:

• Determine your average backup time and change your sleep time to this plus some padding of minutes
• Turn off automatic sleep and launch your backup program using a shell that will follow with a command to put the computer to sleep once the backup program completes (see nircmd)
• Switch to backup software that has sleep mode control

• Your 2nd suggestion is probably the best solution for me. The NirCmd command-line utility looks like a very handy tool and I'll research further to see if I can use it. Thanks for your post.

 

[unbob]

^ He really should have said that he runs on "battery power"... the solar cells recharge the batteries; he doesn't run directly off of the solar cells.

Yes, of course, I'm running on battery power which is charged by my solar panels during the day.

 

[Injust]

lawlz

 

[unbob]

If I understand you correctly (post # 15) your main concern is that you are on solar power so you need to backup using the least amount of power possible.

No. That is not my main concern - in fact it has nothing to do with my concern.

My concern is that sleep mode (as defined by Mr. Softy) actually means "put the computer into sleep mode if the user is idle". It has nothing to with whether the computer is idle or not. That makes no sense to me.

To prove my point, if the user initiates one or more programs which are actively running and performing work, and the user either falls asleep, drops dead or leaves the computer to do whatever, sleep mode is entered after x minutes (assuming the sleep mode feature is "turned-on").

Yes, I understand how Win7 sleep mode works - no, I don't agree with it's implementation.

 

[Injust]

Yup, it's when the USER is idle, so when the computer detects no keyboard/mouse input for X time.
LOL@the user dropping dead

 

[Layback Bear]

Post #15 by unbob
If there are no application programs running, I don't want the PC sitting there for 2 hours and wasting power (I'm solar powered so that's a big deal).

Sorry I though that something that is a big deal was a concern.

 

[Layback Bear]

This might be of some help.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/187346-robocopy-create-backup-script.html

 

[unbob]

Post #15 by unbob
If there are no application programs running, I don't want the PC sitting there for 2 hours and wasting power (I'm solar powered so that's a big deal).

Sorry I though that something that is a big deal was a concern.

My point is that my #1 concern (and the topic of this thread) is the way sleep mode functions. The topic here is not how to prevent wasting power.

Of course, I don't want to waste power - doesn't everyone?

 

[unbob]

SetThreadExecutionState function

I think this is what I've been looking for ...

SetThreadExecutionState function

"Enables an application to inform the system that it is in use, thereby preventing the system from entering sleep or turning off the display while the application is running."

Exactly!

 

[unbob]

This might be of some help.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/187346-robocopy-create-backup-script.html

Thank you. I'm running 3 different local backup programs now - plus 2 online upload to the "cloud" programs. Not sure why I would need to run ROBOCOPY.

 

[unbob]

I'll bet you that the paid version of Macrium Reflect has this sleep control in it.

Otherwise, I suggestion one of the following:

• Determine your average backup time and change your sleep time to this plus some padding of minutes
• Turn off automatic sleep and launch your backup program using a shell that will follow with a command to put the computer to sleep once the backup program completes (see nircmd)
• Switch to backup software that has sleep mode control

Re nircmd, has this function: "Put your computer in 'standby' mode". Is that the same as "sleep mode"?

The nircmd page does not mention "sleep" at all.