Solved Computer comes on immediately when plugged in

Haven’t had this problem with a PC in years, and I’ve forgotten how to fix it. I disconnect and work inside too often to have to accept this glitch. I think it must be a registry setting, but I don’t know what to look for.

I think it is a BIOS setting but I am sure you would remember if you had changed things in the BIOS so it seems strange if you haven't done that.

The reason I say a BIOS setting is because that is what I did when setting up 8 computers for our local community centre. I set these so that switching 'On' at the wall socket started the boot up sequence.

@wiganken

It’s a refurb, so there’s no telling what the company techs did in the BIOS. Refurbs can be great value, but they bring with them all of the probs of pre-builts plus some. I knew what I was getting into, and I’m prepared to get it right.

@Wisewiz - The community centre computers were hidden from the public to stop vandalism/theft and the only way to switch them on was at the wall socket. It was a few years ago now and it was a setting in the BIOS that was something like 'Boot up when power supplied' or 'Disable On/Off switch'.

Since we did not want users changing things we password protected the BIOS so I hope the BIOS isn't PW protected on that refurbished PC of yours.

Sorry can't be more specific. Good luck.

There is a similar setting in my ASUS Bios to that effect.



In my case, the possible choices are:
Power Off :The motherboard will remain powered off and will not boot up automatically when power is restored.
Power On :The motherboard will boot up automatically when power is restored.
Last State :The motherboard will restore to the last state when power is restored (depending on the Energy Efficiency Setting-ErP).

@das10 and @wiganken

Got it, with your help. Found the power-after-power-loss thing, and while I was in there, I looked for a switch to explain why this PC suddenly came on in the middle of the night, all by itself. Found it. Previous owner had set it to Wake on LAN, and also had an alarm setting. Both of those have been squelched, and I think I'm through setting up this quite solid little machine for a few years' use now. Glad I found it, and at a very good price. It's clean as a whistle, and has absolutely nothing wrong with it, AFAIK.

Thanks and best wishes for a good and safe holiday.

Dan

JFWIW:

I've been setting up my PC's with that instant Power ON Feature, in the BIOS, for decades.
Because, I always turn my PC ON with a switch on a power strip, usually plugged into a Battery Backup System.
That saves wear and tear on that little Power ON switch in the PC itself. (Desktop PC's, not laptops)
A side effect is that my speakers and printer can come on along with the PC.

In reverse, after I've shut my PC down, using a Quick Shutdown shortcut. I flip just one switch on the power strip to turn off power to the PC as well as my printer and speakers.

With all line power removed from my system, it's protected from power surges, nearby lightning strikes, etc.
And with the flip of just one switch, everything comes back on.

Merry Christmas, Everyone,
TechnoMage