UPS Question

I have an APC Uninteruptable Power Supply that connects to the comp with a serial port.

In Windows, in power options where you set up the UPS, it has a box "Minutes before critical alarm". I have this set to 2 minutes.

Then there is a box that was "Run this program when the critical alarm occurs".. I do NOT have this checked..

Then, it says "Next, shut down computer".. I DO have this checked..

Will my comp automatically shut down if the power goes out for more than 2 minutes?

 

If the UPS is supported by the software in windows, sure.

 

Did you install the PowerChute software that came with the unit?

 

nope I never installed the PowerChute...I'm hoping windows XP will take care of shutting down the comp when the power oges off

 

Yes, abso****lutely!!!
And the PowerChute has other neat-o stuff on it that you will see (like a log of back up times, etc..)
I first used my APC without the accompanying software. Then, I hooked up Mom's for her, did her's "by the book". That's how I learned the difference. Its worth the install, I'd say.

 

Theres only one real way to find out.
Try turning the power point off
either that or wait for a blackout.
But it would be the quickest way to answer your question.

 

I have tried cutting the power for 20 seconds and the UPS works great.. it starts beeping loud and the comp stays but..
but I have not kept the power off for 2 minutes to see if Windows will shut down.

 

I'd say install the powerchute software, not only will it shut down the PC, but it gives all kinds of info on the incoming voltage, so you can spot lie voltage problems before they become a big issue, it will also tell you the current status of the charge and whether or not the batteries need replaced.

 

well for some reason Windows XP won't let me put the shut down time under 2 minutes. How many minutes does a battery last in a UPS? Does the battery recharge itself when the power comes back on? Mine is an APC Back-UPS 650.

 

See...
That's just the thing... Once you install the PowerChute, THEN you can configure things like runtime (down to one minute on mine-the BackUPS ES 350), the SENSITIVITY ( set that baby on HIGH!), the voltages (tighten it down as much as possible), and so on. I'm telling ya, its better than the native Control Panel>Power choices! Good Luck!
Oh, and one more thing--Like the Robo said, its not the long drawn out outages that get ya usually. Its the brownouts, the instantaneous laspes in power and what not. Besides, if you tighten the voltages down on the accompanying software, your PSU (and your mobo) will thank you for the more steady voltages that it feels!

 

good info Robo..

I'm concerned about my UPS all of a suden because after years of turning my comp off and on everytime I use it, I have decided to leave it on 24/7 and see how it goes. Only problem is my MB is Dell and when I tried to install a program to test the heat inside the case it didn't work.