Ways to Auto-Boot Up computer after power outage?

[p1tin]

Scenario:
I have a computer with Asus M3A78-EM Mobo. Also I have the PC connected to a UPS (uninterrupted Power Supply) which can provide power backup for about 15 minutes. I have frequent power cuts; duration ranging from 10 minutes - 90 minutes 4 times a week; I run (want to) the PC non-Stop for days for downloading stuff & various other things.

The problem:

When power outage lasts more than 15 minutes, the UPS cannot hold it and so system powers down. I cannot power on the system unless I am physically present beside my PC.

What I want to accomplish:

I want a way to make the PC automatically power on when power comes up after power outage..either it can be BIOS setting or a software or a combination of softwares. If this is done, downloads n remote session can continue once pc boots up.

The things I tried to accomplish this but not successful are:

1. Browsing net & wandering over the computer shops to find a UPS with RS232 or serial port so that it can be connected to PC's serial port & configure power settings in windows xp such that UPS triggers PC to power on.
Result: There is no such UPS ( I am pretty sure earlier models of APC home UPS, around 9-10 years ago... had this feature).

2. Tried various softwares such as Auto power-on etc, etc
Result: These softwares can make the system power up automatically only from Hibernation state and not a fully powered down state.

3. Explored and collected Details on Wake-on-WAN feature for turning on the PC over WAN.
Result: somewhat confusing data. Also I have Dynamic IP so I cannot know what IP was assigned by ISP (once modem powers up after power outage) to be used for send Wake-on-WAN magic packets over net.
Tried tieing my dynamic ip with dyn dyns but not useful as PC needs to be up for dyndns to be updated with my new dynamic ip.

I request anyone who knows a way to accomplish this to let me know a way to wake my PC over WAN.

Also....
I have noticed LAN port glows even when computer is shutdown, PC connected to power socket. Can there be a software made Such that PC can reboot at specific time if LAN port is active. I doubt Wake-on-LAN, Wake-on-WAN works based on this but not sure. any help would be useful!!

-p1tin

More info on PC if needed:

AMD AM2 x2 6000+; MoBo:AsusM3A78-EM; 4GB Transcend 800MHz RAM; UPS: APC BackUPS 500

 

[mpilchfamily]

No bios setting or software will be able to acomplish the task. The button either needs to be manuelly pressed or a hardware device needs to be wired to the power pins to turn the system on when power has been restored. Problem is making sure it only does its job once and doesn't keep the pins crossed when power is on.

In order for software or wake on LAN to work the system has to be in sleep mode. meaning its already on just has key items powered down to concerve power. You only solution will be hardware. The device will have to detect when power has been restored then activate a relay to power on the PC. It just needs to do a quick on and off for about 1 sec tops to get the job done. Chances are the device will be pretty pricey to buy/build.

 

[Fardringle]

Most newer computers will have an option in the BIOS to do this. The actual wording of the option is different depending on the motherboard manufacturer, but look under Power Management/Boot options for something like "Status after power loss" or "Power loss recovery".

 

[MedicBob]

BTW, I think APC SmartUPS can do this.

 

[funkymatt]

does your router and device support wake on lan? You should be able to remotely connect to your router, sine it will boot once power is restored and then WOL your system.

also, have your router run a tomato or ddwrt firmware so you can do a dyndns or similar config so you connect to a name in case your IP changes.

 

[sonoma1993]

Look in the BIOS, should be in option, to power on after power loss. Most likley be under the power management section

I looked up the manual for your motherboard, there is an option in the bios to turn pc on after AC Power Loss

The option is called restore on AC Power Loss, it default to always off, but you can change it to always on or last state

 

[p1tin]

HI all,

Thanks for all of you for your inputs.

Found a solution to my problem by digging BIOS:


In the BIOS (all latest MOBOs have this, I think..) there is Advanced Power Management (APM) there is option like this:

Restore from AC power loss [always off | always on | last state]

I set this to always on, saved config, pulled the AC plug, and replugged it the PC booted directly..without having to push the power-on button in the case.

If someone wants to have to look at the BIOS, i uploaded the BIOS page here:

http://img19.imagevenue.com/im...ig-M3A78_122_872lo.jpg

I will use this till I find elegant way..that is: PC powers down or hibernates when PC runs on APC battery-->UPS powers off --> system power up when AC power restored.

-p1tin

 

[Fardringle]

That's the best and easiest way to do it. I'm glad someone mentioned it earlier!

 

[redbeard1]

Powercom UPS with serial port

 

[p1tin]

Originally posted by: redbeard1
Powercom UPS with serial port

Thanks redbeard1...however that UPS u specified is 25Kgs n way beyond my price range!.

 

[redbeard1]

??

Newegg

 

[p1tin]

Wowowow!! Thanks! redbeard1!
Newegg is intra USA!

I m planning to get a APC BACK-UPS ES 650VA INDIA !! which is $65 (Rs.3300) including tax:

http://www.apc.com/resource/in...u=BE650Y-IN&tab=models

Missed this while trying to get through computer market here, coz...the stores dont get good profit margin with APC guys here --> so they dont even mention it --> even when asked about this specific model they say 'not available' or 'cant be purchased here'---> so got a dealer name from chat support and then a retailer name from him.
many other local branded UPS are getting 'pushed' to customers here... which I am wary ...about..their quality (dies just after a year).
My friend's 3month old APC-UPS died (which is very rare in APC)..it was replaced the next day evening!
So Finally...zeroed in on a good APC-UPS!!

 

[treponim]

No bios setting or software will be able to acomplish the task. The button either needs to be manuelly pressed or a hardware device needs to be wired to the power pins to turn the system on when power has been restored. Problem is making sure it only does its job once and doesn't keep the pins crossed when power is on.

In order for software or wake on LAN to work the system has to be in sleep mode. meaning its already on just has key items powered down to concerve power. You only solution will be hardware. The device will have to detect when power has been restored then activate a relay to power on the PC. It just needs to do a quick on and off for about 1 sec tops to get the job done. Chances are the device will be pretty pricey to buy/build.

No bios setting or software will be able to acomplish the task. The button either needs to be manuelly pressed or a hardware device needs to be wired to the power pins to turn the system on when power has been restored. Problem is making sure it only does its job once and doesn't keep the pins crossed when power is on.

In order for software or wake on LAN to work the system has to be in sleep mode. meaning its already on just has key items powered down to concerve power. You only solution will be hardware. The device will have to detect when power has been restored then activate a relay to power on the PC. It just needs to do a quick on and off for about 1 sec tops to get the job done. Chances are the device will be pretty pricey to buy/build.

So I don't want to go into every reason why this is completely wrong. So motherboards usually come with some protection features, as well as internal clocks, and various other things that require small amounts of power, and these small systems need power, and without going into any further detail about systems and security and clocks that is why we have those small batteries on the motherboard, aka the CMOS battery, which provides rail voltage to critical circuits. This CMOS battery is what lets your computer turn on, basically, and as a result allows the bios to detect things like power outage (for a short period of time).

tl;dr

look at your BIOS setting for something containing the phrase "After Power Failure," usually it allows your machine to restart once the power is restored, this only works for a short power outage, if you have power outages that last longer than a few minutes I would suggest checking a battery store for a back up, or investing in a generator depending on where you live and the situation you are in.

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