WindowsXP Pro - prevent shutdown

[Mark Hanley]

I have a standalone Dell WinXP PC which I need to keep switched on. Various
cleaners where I work keep turning it off at the power button. Is there any
way I can prevent the shutdown or make it say pop up a box saying 'Are you
sure?'

Thanks in advance.
Mark Hanley

 

[Daniel Kelly \(AKA Jack\)]

Hi Mark,

I guess you have several options. I would suggest the most sensible option
is to talk to your cleaners and ask them not to turn your computer off.
Failing this, put a sticky note over your power button.

If this doesn't work then you could always disconnect your power button from
your motherboard - but then you'd have to open up your machine's box every
time you wanna turn it on or off.

But I'm sure you could hack something together with some basic electronics
skill that would give you a 'hidden' power button. Or you could swap the
connectors for the power button and the reset button.

Jack

 

[IntellectArsenal]

Mark:

You might also check the power management settings for your machine. Try
Control Panel \ Power Options \ Advanced Tab where you may have the option
"When I press the power button on my computer:" that you can set to "Ask me
what to do" or "Do nothing."

Alternatively, you may be able to change this behavior from the computer
BIOS. To access the BIOS setup, consult you owner's manual or manufacturer
website.

Hope that helps!

- Mike