Broni & Patio:
My comment refers to information in Vista Help and Support, under the topics “Turn off a computer: frequently asked questions” and “Turning off your computer properly”. [Ref: Saviour, reply #6]
Perhaps I should have said that Vista ‘suggests’ rather than ‘recommends’ the use of sleep mode. In any case, These Help topics and others contain useful information about the different power states available.
The quotes below are from the FAQs.
“If I'm not planning to use my computer for several hours, should I turn it off?
No. You should put your computer to sleep, either by clicking the Power button on the Start menu or by pressing the sleep button on your keyboard or mobile PC. If you have a mobile PC, closing the lid can also put the computer to sleep. When you're ready to use your computer again, it will wake quickly so that you can resume working where you left off.”
“Won't sleep eventually drain my mobile PC battery?
No. When your mobile PC is running on battery power, the battery drains slightly as the computer sleeps, but it uses an extremely small amount of power. After your computer sleeps for an extended period of time, Windows saves any open documents and programs to your hard disk, including information about the programs that you were using, and then shuts down your computer.”
“When should I shut down my computer?
Shut down your computer only when you need to install or repair hardware, such as installing a new hard disk or video card, or adding memory (RAM).
• Shut down your computer when you need to do one of the following:
• Repair the hardware.
• Install a new hard disk or video card.
• Add memory.
• When installing hardware or adding memory, always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
You should also shut down your computer if you don't want it to wake to run a scheduled task or when you don’t plan to use the computer for several days.”
Frogfeld:
I don’t know how to fix Vista’s power settings controls if they don’t function correctly. As I understand Shutdown after Sleep, it only happens when your battery get too low, rather than after a set time. Is this how you tested it?
Will your computer hibernate? Hibernate is a completely ‘power-off’ condition, so you can use it indefinitely. A lot of people consider hibernation unreliable, but I’ve never had trouble using it. But that still doesn’t solve your basic problem.
You say your machine is new. Can you call the manufacturer for warranty help?
