Synopsis

Control Panel → [Performance and Maintenance] → Power Options

Advanced Power Management, primarily used to reduce power consumption or extend the life of your computer's battery, relies on cooperation between your computer's BIOS and operating system. Settings in this window allow you to choose how long Windows waits before your monitor, hard disk, and other devices are shut down, as well as when your computer hibernates or goes into "standby" mode. All power settings are listed in Chapter 4.

TIP

Before you mess with any settings here, make sure that APM support is enabled in your system BIOS, but all subordinate APM options are disabled or set to their minimum values. Refer to the documentation that came with your computer or motherboard, or see Appendix B of Windows Annoyances (O'Reilly).