Computer automatic shutoff. How?

Question

My kids have a pentium 2 that used to shut off automatically, now it doesn't and the button wont work for off, only on. I am pretty cluey about computers but this is something that I don't see how to do. Blowed if I know how they made it stop doing it. Any help would be appreciated.

Anyone who answers with a letter or sorry I don't know will be reported for points stealing. Don't ya hate when that happens?

Sorry am running XP pro

Just a little background here, this is a computer for kids. Also cannot be spyware as this computer is not connected to the net as it is just a computer for kids. I am well versed in antispyware and antivirus and so much more, this is just something that has happened automatically with all 5 of my computers that I have never had to deal with it. Just looking for a little help. Thank you to all the serious answers.

The little monkeys have been into the bios. All fixed now, thank you so much.

Answer 1

Try this first...
Run the power management
control panel app, and click on the Advanced tab at the top. At the bottom of the screen there's an option to choose what the OS does when you press the power button.

Then if it's still not shutting down properly check your bios settings...

If you can get into your bios screen, usually by pressing Del or F2 key before windows starts, look for an option to turn on APM.

Answer 2

It could be spyware or you could have a corrupted file that is preventing it from shutting down.

Make sure you have all your updates. I highly recommend getting Norton Systemworks for your computer and some kind of spyware removal, I prefer Spyware Doctor myself.

Also, clean out your internet files and cache if your kids or you are online a lot. Go to tools on the browser bar, internet options, and then click delete cookies and delete files. This will clear out the junk that may be slowing your system down.
The other thing to do is to try to optimize your system. If you had Norton, it would make it easy and quite fast, but if not go to your start button, and click -All Programs then Accessories-system tools. Click Disk Clean-up, run it, and then run Disk Defragmenter. This will take a while. After it runs, Restart your computer by clicking the start button-then turn off your computer-and the final screen shows restart computer. click that. See if that doesn't help, it's a lot but hopefully it may help.
Good luck!

Answer 3

The switch is actually an electronic device inside the computer. Wiindows software acts on some device to cut off the power to the switch. The software may have developed a glitch, or more likely something is wrong with the switch. The mechanical part under the on switch may be stuck.

Answer 4

I still have an older P2 computer and I have to push the power button in and hold it for four seconds. Count one-one thousand, two-two thousand, three-three thousand, four-four thousand. It then shuts off.

Yes, It seems like a waste of time to read answers that really are not answers.

Answer 5

Try holding the power button in for a few seconds and it may shut off

Answer 6

What operating system? I don't know which one so I'll say to go into control panel and choose 'power management'. From there, look for something called APM or 'automatic shutoff' or something like that.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

I think you should take it to the local repair shop. It may need replacement of some parts.

Answer 9

pentium 2....sounds pretty old....after a while things just stop working (just like cars) maybe time to invest in a new one.