Abrupt Wake from Sleep

[masteryoda34]

I put my computer into sleep mode (hybrid S3 + S4) while not in use. However, Vista likes to wake itself up sporadically. I have Ultimate 32-bit with SP1. The computer wakes up from sleep randomly and I do not want it to do this. I have my USB keyboard set as the only device capable of waking the computer. I know that no one is inadvertently bumping the keyboard or mouse when this happens. Vista is doing it by itself. I have looked through the tasks in task scheduler and disabled anything that I thought could have been a conflict, but it still happens.

I would like to know if there is a way to disable Vista from waking from sleep automatically. I only want it to wake when I wake it up manually.

 

[JustaGeek]

Unless you use the "Wake-on LAN", go to the settings of your Network Adapter, and de-activate all the settings that pertain to "waking" the computer.

And disable all the other devices that can wake the computer (mice, game controllers etc.)

Also, make sure that +5VSB is enabled for all the USB and PS/2 ports, either in BIOS or by jumper settings on your MB.

Good luck!

 

[masteryoda34]

All of my wake from LAN settings are disabled. The only device enabled to wake the computer is my keyboard and this problem still exists.

 

[darktubbly]

Check your System log in Event Viewer for any items triggered by the Power-Troubleshooter. This should point you in the right direction as to what is causing your computer to resume. There might also be applications or services which are waking up your PC. I know the latest beta of VMWare Server causes random wakeups unless you disable a particular service.

 

[masteryoda34]

Here is a screen shot of event manager. I have selected a wake event that occurred by itself in the picture.

Link

It seems that every time this happens, RTC is listed as the wake source. I have been unable to determine what RTC is though.

 

[darktubbly]

From what I've read, it seems like some application or service is causing these random wakeups. The folks here cite Windows Update as being a possible culprit, along with a host of other apps. For me it was VMWare waking up the PC. I guess I don't have any more helpful hints other than check and double-check to see if there is any service/app running which might cause this.

 

[kylef]

RTC is an acronym for "Real-time Communications", and is the technology which underlies programs like Windows Live Messenger.

RTC may be a service installed on your system too, so you may need to both exit Live Messenger AND stop the RTC service.

You can check to see whether or not RTC is a service on your system by executing "sc query" at a command prompt and looking through the output.

If it shows up, you can stop the service with the command "sc stop <servicename>". My guess is that you should see an RTC service in the list, because the power messages in the log usually come directly from services (which can be user-mode or kernel-mode services/drivers).