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I have an old compaq pressario CQ61 that's getting a bit old and I'm trying to convert to a media server. I want to put it by the TV and leave it mostly alone, and manage remotely (via RealVNC).

Now my main challenge is getting it to wakeup. I've tried Wake on LAN and USB devices, and primarily it seems the BIOS doesn't allow it.

I tried 'pressing any key' with the lid closed using a long stick, and this doesn't work either! it appears the laptop detects the lid is closed somehow, and prevents the keyboard from waking it. If the lid is closed, and I open it, the laptop comes out of standby.

Does anyone know how I can wake the laptop with the keyboard, even if the lid is closed?

Edit: Just to restate. The problem is not relating to the laptop going to sleep when the lid is closed. The problem is that I cannot WAKE it when it is closed. My power settings are already set to Do Nothing on lid close.

fixer1234
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MattH
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2 Answers2

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First thing to deal with would be the lid closing. On Windows 7 you can go into:

Control Panel > All Control Panel Items > Power Options > System Settings

Simply set it to do nothing when you close the lid.

You need to bear in mind a couple things. Wake on LAN is disabled by default on laptops, some systems can't accept the package type and it does not work through wireless. Since I don't know what BIOS you are using I suggest you have a look around your BIOS and see if you can accept the right packages.

If you need more help you can post your BIOS spec or check out Microsoft guide here

UPDATE: Give this a try for accepting Wake on LAN

If you can't find the settings in your BIOS try going into:

Device Manager > Network Adapter > Right Click Properties > Advanced

Look for Wake from Shutdown or Wake on Magic Packet. Ensure this is enabled.

Then under the Power Management tab ensure "Allow this device to wake the computer" is enabled.

Matthew Williams
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Assuming that having the machine always on is an option (and therefore not needing to wake it from sleep), then don't allow the machine to turn off or sleep when the lid is shut -there is often a setting what power option to choose when the lid is down (you may even find an option which does suffice).

Open Power Options by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Security, and then clicking Power Options.

On the Select a power plan page, click Choose what closing the lid does.

On the Define power buttons and turn on password protection page, next to When I close the lid, choose what you want your laptop to do, both for when it's running on battery and when it's plugged in.

Source

Dave
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