Standby

[Nate]

I used to see the Standby icon as available when I used
START/TURN OFF COMPUTER. Now it is grayed out and not
available.

It seemed to have happened after accepting the MS Windows
Updates that were automatically downloaded through
Windows Update.

I have Windows XP Home Edition.

 

[Cary]

Nate, you are correct. The update caused this problem. I, too have
experienced this.
There may have been video drivers in the update (which you probably did not
really need, right?)
Do a system restore. It will take your software back in time, leaving data
files and all you settings as they are right now.
You can find out about System Restore in the Help and Support screen: just
type the words "system restore." Please be sure to estimate the LAST date
when your system had normal behavior.
In the future, do not have your Update profile set for automatic
installation. The only updates you need are the Critical ones.
All other updates should be left alone unless you understand them and see a
clear benefit for yourself in installing them, since updates are famous for
"side effects."
PS: Any applications you have installed since the update will need to be
reinstalled after System Restore.
PPS: Updates and Service Packs are not the same thing. Service Packs are
something you DO want, generally.