Ups Does It Need Its Software Before Installing Win10 New Ssd ?

Hi,

I am running Powerchute 3.0.2 with an APC Back-UPS RS 900G on an SSD and win 7 pro 64bit. Monday I will be removing that SSD (power off of course) and inserting a new SSD, installing win 10 pro 64 bit. Just occurred to me, and I bet most forget this, that will I receive power until the 3.0.2 is reinstalled onto C drive ? I cant install it until win 10 64 bit is the new OS and is ready to receive programs etc. So during the install of win 10 what is the situation regards Back-UPS RS 900G and power ?

DBenz

 

No UPS needs any software. Period.

HOWEVER - if you want to monitor and set some configurations on your UPS from within Windows, or if you want your UPS to "gracefully" shutdown your computer before the batteries run down completely, and IF the UPS supports such features, you will need to install its associated software. It does not matter if you install it on to a SSD or harddrive. The program just needs to be properly "installed" and running.

Also, the UPS and the computer need to communicate with each other. This is typically done with a USB cable connection between the UPS and the computer.

Power off is NOT good enough because power off is NOT really "off". When you shutdown your computer, you really are only putting it into standby mode.

So before you even think of sticking your mitts inside your computer case, you need to power off and UNPLUG the computer from the wall (or in this case, your UPS). Then, touch bare metal of the case interior to discharge any static in your body. Then and only then can you reach for any device inside your case.

So shutdown, unplug, touch bare metal, replace your drive, inspect case interior to ensure it is clean of heat trapping dust, inspect all your cables to make sure you didn't knock anything loose, close case, reconnect power to UPS, install Windows.

Note at this time, your UPS is doing its job. It is providing the AVR - automatic voltage regulation that makes having a good UPS so important. And it will provide backup power should you lose mains power. The only thing it will not do now, until you install PowerChute, is signal Windows to gracefully shutdown when (if) the UPS batteries fully discharge.

After your have installed Windows, then you can install PowerChute. Make sure the USB cable is attached. But make sure you download the latest version of PowerChute from APC first. Note the most recent is version PowerChute PE 3.1.0.

 

Many less expensive UPS don't even support communications and so can't use the software even if installed.

 

Hi, ok thanks.
it will get pwer without powerchute and avoid nasties anyway.
Glad you said unplug,

should I earth myself on cage then unplug as that way the earth in the mains can do its job, or is a non earthed cage still enough ?

DBenz

 

First, the power cord of any device should never be considered a reliable (or safe) path to Earth ground. Those power cables probably cost 50 cents to make and have never been quality control tested.

Second, unless you have had your wall outlet tested, there is no way of knowing for sure if the wall outlet is even properly tied to Earth ground. Another reason every home owner and computer user should have access to an AC Outlet Tester. These testers can be found for your type and voltage outlet, foreign or domestic, (like this one for the UK, or this one for German outlets) at most home improvement stores, or even the electrical department at Wal-Mart.

And third, no it is not necessary. To prevent a static discharge, all you need to ensure is you and your computer are "at the same potential". So by touching bare metal of the case interior, you achieve that.

Think of a car or flying airplane. The car is sitting on rubber tires and the airplane is up in the air. But you (and the electronics) are all safe from static discharges because there is an established "floating ground" where everything is grounded "together" even though not to "Earth" ground.

Clear as mud, huh?