W2K Power Management Problem

[sprstock]

I have a Dell 1.6 GHz, 512 Mb RAM computer with Windows 2000 Pro as the OS.

Since installing an Envision LCD monitor and associated software (multiple times to try to cure problem) I have found it necessary to start and shutdown the computer 4, 5 or 6 times to get it running normally. I believe everything but the monitor is running (its green light flashes on and then changes to orange-standby-where it stays). I have to keep restarting it, keeping the power button on the computer depressed trying to guess just the right moment to release it and hope the monitor catches. Generally after numerous tries I get a message stating after numerous attempts at starting without success because of a failure at the monitor bootup it is bypassing that and it allows it to start up. I feel the continuous startups and shutdowns are too hard on the machine and that just leaving it running is better than all the heat and cool cycles even under more desirable circumstances.

But, enough background, onto the problem.

Because I leave the computer running all the time, I try to use the Power Management feature to help save energy and the hardware. I use the Max Battery setting (which I have set at shutting down the monitor after 3 minutes, the hard drive after 5 minutes and a system shutdown after 15 minutes) when I am away from the computer. When I am at the computer I use the Home/Office setting (set at monitor shutdown after 5 minutes, hard drive after 15 minutes and a system shutdown, never). If I am downloading, defragging, running virus scan, etc. I leave everything but the monitor running.

What I've found, about 25% of the time, when I switch from Home/Office setting to the Max Battery setting because I plan on being away for some time, there is no system shutdown. There may be no kind of change whatsoever, but I can't tell that, I just know that when I come back hours later, the monitor is shut down, but the computer power switch is solit green rather than flashing green as it does when the system shutdown has operated properly. I have tried rebooting the system without a full power down to try to stay away from the multiple restart/shutdown scenario I described earlier, but have found that only works a small percentage of the time.

Is there something I can do to assure my Power Management settings will be used?

Thanks.
sprstock

[glc]

I recommend you don't use power management. Keep it simple. You aren't saving much energy, a LCD monitor uses very little electricity and it's harder on the hardware constantly turning it on and off than just keeping it running.

Even if you do use power management, don't use laptop settings.

[mrmister1]

As glc said the Max Battery setting is used for unplugged laptops usually. The only thing you may want to change in the settings is the monitor standby time.

[glc]

With an LCD, just hit the power button when you leave the computer.