Remote powerup

Visibleman · 09-09-2004, 20:48

Hi all,

I have a server that sits in the spare room, that is used to download stuff at night. However, it gets shutdown during the day because i dont want it to run up bills and cause any hazards whilst im out etc etc

Anyways, my question is, is there a way of powering up the pc remotely via the network? or on some sort of scheduling device or via windows etc?

Thought about wake-on-lan, but its connected to a router (which does stay on) so im worried that anything that gets forwarded to the server, will cause it to switch on when i dont want it to

tar all,
Dom

Millay · 10-09-2004, 06:40

hmmm my first thought is, I would be more concerned of hazards etc whilst im tucked up in bed rather than whilst I am out

If its on all night then the cost of running it durring the day is going to be negligable.

Alternativly if hibernate works well on the system, then you can get software that will bring it out of hibernate at a set time.

Wake-on-LAN only works when a specific command is sent to the network card so this could still be an option, althouugh something i have never had to deal with.

interesting question mind..

Tricky · 10-09-2004, 07:30

Some ASUS motherboards have automatic power up at set times...Have you checked if there is anything in the BIOS?

With regards WOL (Wake on Lan) it is a special packet that needs to be sent, not too sure how you'll manage this over the net. Alternatively you may find installing a cheap modem with Wake up capabilities may help - unless you get lots of calls through the day?

Best bet is probably the hibernate wakeup software...Or leave the machine on (just switch off the monitor) - I do this and run temperature monitoring software so that if it does start getting a little too warm I shut the PC down. You'll probably find the plugs on the router and modem are warmer than the PC though!

zoombini · 10-09-2004, 09:26

You could use a phone modem, ring that up & get it to wake up on that if it works.

I seem to recall something about either that or the LAN bit not working in the UK, so it's something to try.

If you want it on at set times, just use a cheap mains timer.

How about ringing up an old tape answer machine with string tied to the tape drive motor, connected to the guts of an old mouse, so that it turns the mouse wheels, which in turn makes the PC come out of hibernation (with auto logon) Now thats what I'd do!

Millay · 10-09-2004, 11:37

I thought about a cheap mains timer this morning when replying, but surley there would be shutdown issues and not all PC's come alive when mains voltage is returned. i may be wrong mind!

zoombini · 10-09-2004, 13:07

Hmm, a timer that shorts the serial pins used by a UPS will shut it down OK, then another timer to start it again?

Ramrod · 10-09-2004, 13:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoombini

How about ringing up an old tape answer machine with string tied to the tape drive motor, connected to the guts of an old mouse, so that it turns the mouse wheels, which in turn makes the PC come out of hibernation (with auto logon) Now thats what I'd do!

It's Heath Robinson!