Power settings never work

[BDM]

Hello all. Long time reader first time poster. My system specs are updated. My power setting quit working a few days ago. No matter were I set sleep mode or power monitor down, it never does. Not sure why? I've performed an sfc/scannow with no errors. Nothing has really changed in my system recently except my vid card driver. I can't say that caused it, but I rolled it back just in case with no change. Any ideas?

Brian

 

[zigzag3143]

Hello all. Long time reader first time poster. My system specs are updated. My power setting quit working a few days ago. No matter were I set sleep mode or power monitor down, it never does. Not sure why? I've performed an sfc/scannow with no errors. Nothing has really changed in my system recently except my vid card driver. I can't say that caused it, but I rolled it back just in case with no change. Any ideas?

Brian

There are several ways to find what the problem is. The best is to go into event viewer (type eventvwr in search). Go to the windows log>application tab.

You want to look for critical errors (they have red in the left column ).

When you find them you want to look for critical errors that say app hang, app crash, or anything that relates to the problem.

When you find them please note the event ID, and the source codes and tell us what they are.

Let us know if you need help with any of this.

Ken

 

[BDM]

Thanks Ken. I took a look, and the only critical error occurred on 7/30 for "
The system has rebooted without cleanly shutting down first". This I'm aware of, as I shut the system down due to a hang. I looked through other logs and couldn't find anything I'd say related.

Brian

 

[NTFS]

Do you have the latest drivers and BIOS?

 

[Jacee]

Do you have a USB device plugged in? It may be causing the problem.

 

[MacGyvr]

System Restore to a point before the problem occurred.

 

[Jacee]

It's best to track down the problem. System restore isn't the best way to find it

 

[BDM]

Do you have the latest drivers and BIOS?

Yes

 

[NTFS]

Try a custom plan and make sure that Link state management for PCI is set to off.

 

[BDM]

Do you have a USB device plugged in? It may be causing the problem.

I installed a new gaming mouse, a Razer Deathadder. I thought that may have been it. So I un-installed the software and tried my old trusty Logitech, no change. That's the only USB device I have installed. The keyboard is PS2.

I've also considered rolling back my system restore, but hate to do that unless I'm left with no other answer. Thanks so far gents.

 

[BDM]

Try a custom plan and make sure that Link state management for PCI is set to off.

It is custom. Could you explain link state management for PCI?

 

[NTFS]

Try a custom plan and make sure that Link state management for PCI is set to off.

It is custom. Could you explain link state management for PCI?

Its to do for putting PCI cards to sleep, similar to selective PCI suspend. Problem is, it tends not to work. I'd also set the HDD to never turn off, and set the CPU minimum to 50% and maximum to 100%. That way 7 can save power and throttle the PC if its not being used. I wouldn't do this for a gaming PC. Last thing you need is dips in FPS.

 

[BDM]

Try a custom plan and make sure that Link state management for PCI is set to off.

It is custom. Could you explain link state management for PCI?

Its to do for putting PCI cards to sleep, similar to selective PCI suspend. Problem is, it tends not to work. I'd also set the HDD to never turn off, and set the CPU minimum to 50% and maximum to 100%. That way 7 can save power and throttle the PC if its not being used. I wouldn't do this for a gaming PC. Last thing you need is dips in FPS.

Ahh, ok. Yup, this is my main gaming machine. I use this for web browsing also, but generally stick to my other quad core machine (another one of my home built machines for video & web use).

 

[gregrocker]

Trace Windows 7 boot/shutdown/hibernate/standby/resume issues - MSFN Forums

I always start with reinstalling the Display driver, checking optional Updates for newer, looking on computer or vid card maker's support Downloads webpage for your model for other display drivers. Try each. Try Vista drivers also installed in Vista compat mode.

On mouse, keyboard, LAN and other major devices in Device Manager, look for a Power Management tab to uncheck Allow Device to Wake Computer.

Check also the Performance -Diagnostics log found by clicking through WEI score link on Computer>Properties page, then Advanced Tools. Look for repeat errors at the moment of standby to see what is hanging computer. Google also all repeat errors here and in Event Viewer>Admin View to resolution.

Generate a System Health Report and look for cued issues at the top of Advanced Tools page.

 

[BDM]

UPDATE: I finally had a chance to sit down and play around with the settings. It turns out my gaming mouse (Razer Deathadder 3500/dpi) software was the cause. Version's 3.00 or 3.01 made no difference. I simply un-installed their software. I'm using the windows software to change mouse settings. Thanks for the tips gents.

P.S., I Googled for any issues with Razer's software, and it seems there are plenty of issues, though none like mine. I'm not going to waste any further time on Razer software. It's doing what I want it to do without their goodies installed.

 

[gregrocker]

This is why I always wait to install the full software package on anything which will otherwise work with just the driver. If you do install the Software, turn it off if possible in msconfig>Startup or Services.msc.

An example is laptop touchpad. You only need the software package if you want the scrolling or tap feature on the touchpad, which also needs to be in startup list. If the scrolling annoys you (as it does me) you don't need the software which can bug out at any time.