Can I get Sage to Restart my computer?

[Tomahawk51]

I couldn't find this addressed anywhere in previous posts.

Is it possible to have a menu selection (or is available elsewhere) that would allow me to restart my machine?

I use an MVP and every once in a while I find that a restart increases snappy performance. I usually check upcoming recordings, then run up to the loft to restart my PC. I need the exercise, but it would be cool if I didn't *Have* to do that.

[jlabrue]

I created a batch file to do this exaxt thing. I used the "shutdown.exe" resource kit util to perform the shutdown. The batch file looks like this

shutdown.exe -r -t 2

The -r tells it to reboot and the -t is time until reboot. I think the default is 30 or 60 seconds but i don't want to wait that long. If you have apps that cause it to hang on restart you can use the -f option to force apps closed but i have found it can cause problems with Sage. Best to find out what the problem is first.

The next thing I had to do was use the Dynamic Menu import to allow me to create a custom option. for restarting the box. you can do it however you like but I created an "Other Tasks" item and in that screen an "Administrative Tasks" item to bury it down a little so my wife doesn't accidently select it. Nielm said he is going to try an implement the ability to popup a confirmation box but he has had a chance yet.

If you did not want to use a batch file you could copy the shudown.exe utility into a folder somewher and use the Dynamic Menu ability to select and external program and search for the exe and in the additional option put your switches. That would prevent the command prompt from popping up.

[jlabrue]

Nielm also has a STVI to exit the Sage GUI from the menu. It would be a great feature if he could add a popup window that allowed you to exit the GUI or Restart your box. You would just need to copy the shutdown util into a directory that is in your path such as the Windows or System32 directory and he could execute the command and switches. Just a thought if nielm is listening

[Polypro]

I set a Sheduled Task to restart the computer every night. I used SysInternals free psshutdown.exe. http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/PsShutdown.html Extracted it to the C:\Windows\System32 folder. Created a text file in C:\ with the following:

C:\Windows\System32\psshutdown.exe -r -f -c

-r reboots, -f closes all running programs, and -c gives you a cancel button on the 20 second countdown screen.

Renamed SHUTDOWN.TXT to SHUTDOWN.BAT

Windows Task Sheduler will want a password for your currently running account. Since I don't run a password on the HTPC, I made the account SYSTEM and just hit enter in the password box. In the Advanced Options, I enabled the Idle Time settings...in case I'm up and watching TV.

It's a cool tool...a lot of switches available.

P

[Tomahawk51]

Thanks everyone for the input. I think the bat file or the sysinternals route will work fine.

I agree also that having the option available a bit more "elegantly" implemented would be really nice. An STVI import perhaps? I'll keep my eye out, and pursue the great suggestions.