Shutting Down PC with XLobby and HeavyMetalWS ..help pls

[RickRenn]

I need a little help or direction with trying to figure out how to have Xlobby completely shutdown the pc when I click on the *shut down* button with the Heavy Metal widescreen skin Exit page /shutdown button.

I'm using windows 2000 pro for my OS

To try to make it easy on myself I dwnlded a little freeware program called *shutdown PC* which is found here

http://www.budja.com/shutdown/

I installed and made the new shortcut on my desktop and added to the command line so that when I click on the desktop Icon it shutsdown the pc.
...Works great when clicking on the icon from the desktop

I then went into Xlobby brought up the setup menu added a new group/event/OS/execute file and filled it in directing it to the shutdown.exe on my desktop....tested it.
The little dos screen appears for a sec from the shutdown exe. which I think shows me that the shutdown program was activated

Now for some reason it wont shut down Xlobby and then the PC.....

I still have to click on the exit button which brings me to desktop and then shutdown the pc...

Is it possible to shutdown the pc with Xlobby??

Thnks Rick

[art]

I then went into Xlobby brought up the setup menu added a new group/event/OS/execute file and filled it in directing it to the shutdown.exe on my desktop....tested it.

Hi Rick,
I think one of the events in OS group is *shutdown pc* (in XL) you can try this. If for some reason it doesn't work for you or you want to use this program, let us know what your command line looks like and exactly how do you enter it into XL.

[RickRenn]

Hi Art,thnx for the reply

The *shutdown pc* in the OS group is the original command....however for some reason when I try this command with myhtpc ,which is running Win2k, the pc shutsdown into a power sleep mode....The htpc doesnt fully shutdown.
All my power management options in the *Control Panel* are set to *NEVER*. I cant figure out why this happens


my New Group XML with the shutdown program exe. is shown as this:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<events>
<event>
<name>new event</name>
<commands>
<command>
<type>os</type>
<execute>execute file</execute>
<parameter>C:\shutdownpc\shutdown.exe</parameter>
<parameter></parameter>
<parameter>C:\shutdownpc\shutdown.exe</parameter>
<parameter></parameter>
</command>
</commands>
</event>
</events>

OK now heres another question...

I've noticed that when the Xlobby program is running
I minimize the Xlobby program to taskbar
go to my Desktop *start* button
click on *turn off computer*.... windows OS is not able to shutdwn the pc

I then have to go back to taskbar
restore Xlobby to desktop
go to the EXIT page in HeavyMetal
click on exit button to close Xlobby

Now that Xlobby is completely closed I can now completely shutdown the pc with the desktop /start button/turn off computer.

This, I cant figure out... I'm guessing theres some command thats related to the Exit button/event in HM which is interrupting the shutdownpc exe from fully activating...

...looks like I'm grabbing for air....

[art]

my New Group XML with the shutdown program exe. is shown as this:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<events>
<event>
<name>new event</name>
<commands>
<command>
<type>os</type>
<execute>execute file</execute>
<parameter>C:\shutdownpc\shutdown.exe</parameter>
<parameter></parameter>
<parameter>C:\shutdownpc\shutdown.exe</parameter>
<parameter></parameter>
</command>
</commands>
</event>
</events>

Well I'm not sure what you or/and HeavyMetal skin is loading that is preventing *shutdown* command to work, but let's try this - change your group like this:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<events>
<event>
<name>new event</name>
<commands>
<command>
<type>os</type>
<execute>execute file</execute>
<parameter>C:\shutdownpc\shutdown.exe</parameter>
<parameter>-u -f</parameter>
<parameter></parameter>
<parameter></parameter>
</command>
</commands>
</event>
</events>

and see if this will help you...
If this won't work then we'll have to see what your xl setup is loading on startup.
And one more thing - what are your settings in control panel in power options on the Advanced tab?

[RickRenn]

Hey art

and see if this will help you...
If this won't work then we'll have to see what your xl setup is loading on startup.
And one more thing - what are your settings in control panel in power options on the Advanced tab?

Ok ..first off I'm not a pc guy so here goes....please be patient with me art

----The new parameter sort of works...by that I mean

I have the shutoff switch -u in the properties of the exe shortcut added already... *I havent tried removing the switch from the exe shortcut on my desktop yet....just thought of that...not sure if it matters.*

The -f switch is forcing a shutdown...but then when I restart the htpc I run into problems with starting the PowerStrip program at startup .Powerstrip thinks there was a previous problem shutting down the pc...so it wont execute the exe. fully at startup.

------ My power option under the advanced tab is set for

when I press my power button on my computer it will *power off*

Frustrating..... I'll see if I can find the xl setup and post it

Rick

[art]

Hey art

I have the shutoff switch -u in the properties of the exe shortcut added already... *I havent tried removing the switch from the exe shortcut on my desktop yet....just thought of that...not sure if it matters.*

The -f switch is forcing a shutdown...but then when I restart the htpc I run into problems with starting the PowerStrip program at startup .Powerstrip thinks there was a previous problem shutting down the pc...so it wont execute the exe. fully at startup.
......
Frustrating..... I'll see if I can find the xl setup and post it

Rick

Hi Rick,
I don't know how I missed that the first time, but from what I see your problem is that:
1. in xl you're not using your desktop shortcut only the actual location of the *shutdown.exe* program *C:\shutdownpc\shutdown.exe* - this your first parameter. Desktop location should look somewhat like this C:\Documents and Settings\RickRenn\Desktop
2. Your next parameter is also C:\shutdownpc\shutdown.exe (this should be switch like "-u") which is the reason why in xl nothing works - note that if you start shutdown.exe without any switches nothing will happend (in xl or outside of it)
So, to fix all that, change your parameters like I showed you above, take out this -f switch if it causing you problems and let us know ...

[RickRenn]

Hi art..

I spent a couple of hours tonight trying to get it to work..

I switched locations of the shutdown exe to where it was in the folder on c: adjusted the parameters / switches and still wont shut down properly.

I'm at a total loss on whats happening


*Off Topic*

Heres a couple radio link gems I was given.... Since you gave me all the winamp help

http://www.tokyo-ninja.com/radio/

also

this music radio show from Cleveland Ohio is a riot...
http://www.digbabydig.com/

you can download the last Friday show here:
http://home.att.net/~zingbing/wsb/html/ ... re!!!.html



Rick

[art]

Hi art..

I spent a couple of hours tonight trying to get it to work..

I switched locations of the shutdown exe to where it was in the folder on c: adjusted the parameters / switches and still wont shut down properly.

I'm at a total loss on whats happening
......
Rick

This is not good . Can you post your event group? how it looks like right now? and also can you explain a little bit more about what is happening when you trying to execute this command - do you still see command prompt and nothing happends?

Thanks for the stations, I'll try them tonight

[lar282]

So if I get this right.
If u use shutdown.exe -u inside Xlobby The computer hibernates?
If u use shutdown.exe -u outside Xlobby The computer shutsdown?


the prob with minimize Xlobby and shutdown doesn't work here either so dont worry about that one

I use hibernate ALL the time. I never shutdown the PC. Loads faster and everything is started. Maybe thats what u want

Check the event logg (right click my computer-->manage) and post here if errors

Take your eventgroup and upload it somewhere and we'll try it for u.

This is what mine looks like. NOT shutdown, hibernate.
http://hem1.passagen.se/lar282/temp shutdown.jpg

//Lasse

[RickRenn]

hi art

OK I actually did get it working with this parameter and switches for the shutdown button on the exit page. Getting a little dizzy ..LOL...
*note*...How can some of you guys work all day with this programming stuff... its pure eevviilllll...

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<events>
<event>
<name>new event</name>
<commands>
<command>
<type>os</type>
<execute>execute file</execute>
<parameter>C:\shutdownpc\shutdown.exe</parameter>
<parameter>-u -f</parameter>
<parameter></parameter>
<parameter></parameter>
</command>
</commands>
</event>
</events>

Now heres something I'm confused about ..after the initial startup... I have Xlobby running for approx 5 min....then go to the exit page
click on the shutdown button
The pc will shutdown...SLOWLY....it takes aprox. 1min30secs to 2 mins for a full shutdown.

now...

If I was to leave Xlobby running for 10 mins after the Initial startup..
then go to the exit page
click on the shutdown button

the pc will fully shutdown Immediatly..

*ps*The only program running with Xlobby is winamp



****lar282****
I need my htpc to shutdown fully when we're finished with it..not hibernate....I need it to work easily so my Wife can use it ...* shes not exactly pc saavy...LOL*
I cant leave it in Hibernate because I also have 2 young children in my house who are getting into everything and it is better off to be safe then sorry =0)
As for minimize ..I'm not exactly sure what your asking...The *minimize* button you're referring to is the minimize Xlobby to taskbar????
If it is....the minimize button in HeavyMetal does work to taskbar.



Rick

[art]

Now heres something I'm confused about ..after the initial startup... I have Xlobby running for approx 5 min....then go to the exit page
click on the shutdown button
The pc will shutdown...SLOWLY....it takes aprox. 1min30secs to 2 mins for a full shutdown.

now...

If I was to leave Xlobby running for 10 mins after the Initial startup..
then go to the exit page
click on the shutdown button

the pc will fully shutdown Immediatly..

*ps*The only program running with Xlobby is winamp

Hi Rick,
This sounds to me like it's your PC not XL. What I mean is that your PC may be loading a lot of programs/services on startup (by the way what are your specs?? memory processor etc) to check what programs are loading on startup go to start > run type in *msconfig* click on *starup* tab and check if everything there should be loading when you start your PC. Other thing is defragment your hard drive, if you have some program like system mechanic defragment your registry etc. and let see if this will help.

[RickRenn]

Hi Rick,
This sounds to me like it's your PC not XL. What I mean is that your PC may be loading a lot of programs/services on startup (by the way what are your specs?? memory processor etc) to check what programs are loading on startup go to start > run type in *msconfig* click on *starup* tab and check if everything there should be loading when you start your PC. Other thing is defragment your hard drive, if you have some program like system mechanic defragment your registry etc. and let see if this will help.

I knew you were going to say that...
And the way it sounds here in text I would agree...but i'm almost 100% certain its not my pc


Specs are abitnf7-sver2
xp2500 mobile... running at stock spd..
1 gig OCZ ddr pc3500
ati 9600xt
audigy2 zs
maxtor 120G hd
Windows 2000pro OS

I've been building my own OC'd gaming rigs for a few years now.. I'm a big Flight Sim fan..

Its the programming part I lack knowledge this htpc is what I've built with leftover parts from game systems.

A normal shutdown of windows on this pc is almost instantaneous everytime when I'm not *IN* the Xlobby program.

As soon as I'm shutting down the PC with the Xlobby/ Exit Page/Shutdown Button ...with the closepc parameter.... I have problems.

Trying to Shutdown within the Xlobby program is definately the only time there is a hesitation and delay with the pc shutting down.

I also thought there was a conflict with other startup programs such as Zonealarm/Powerstrip... it turned out there wasnt any.

I keep my systems as clean and simple as possible.... startup progies/services to a minimum...weekly defrags...etc...I have to with the pc's here @ home on my network...or I'd go a little squirrley.

I think I'm going to leave this shutdown setup as is.I've spent way too time trying to figure this out and its beyond my knowledge. Hopefully someone else will run into the same problem as mine with more programming experience to fix it.

I do appreciate your time and help art.....


Rick

[art]

I knew you were going to say that...
And the way it sounds here in text I would agree...but i'm almost 100% certain its not my pc

.....

I've been building my own OC'd gaming rigs for a few years now.. I'm a big Flight Sim fan..

Its the programming part I lack knowledge this htpc is what I've built with leftover parts from game systems.

A normal shutdown of windows on this pc is almost instantaneous everytime when I'm not *IN* the Xlobby program.

As soon as I'm shutting down the PC with the Xlobby/ Exit Page/Shutdown Button ...with the closepc parameter.... I have problems.

Trying to Shutdown within the Xlobby program is definately the only time there is a hesitation and delay with the pc shutting down.

I also thought there was a conflict with other startup programs such as Zonealarm/Powerstrip... it turned out there wasnt any.

I keep my systems as clean and simple as possible.... startup progies/services to a minimum...weekly defrags...etc...I have to with the pc's here @ home on my network...or I'd go a little squirrley.

I think I'm going to leave this shutdown setup as is.I've spent way too time trying to figure this out and its beyond my knowledge. Hopefully someone else will run into the same problem as mine with more programming experience to fix it.

I do appreciate your time and help art.....


Rick

It looks like you know what you're doing ... the only other thing I would sugest is to try other shutdown program like the one that comes with windows (it should be in C:\winnt\system32\shutdown.exe I think the parameter to shutdown is *-s*) or this one http://www.winutility.com/qsd/ ....

Anyway, thanx for those radio stations

[RickRenn]

Hi art...thanks for the extra shutoff prog. info

I'll play around with them...If I can get the shutdown to work ...I'll be sure to let you know...

*This probem has really hit a nerve with me* I'm a Journeyman Electrician with a background in Electronics and PLC's... At work I can program a machine to make a toothpick out of a 10ft log with a 6' radius .... At home I cant get my computer to shut down when I push a program button....

Lifes a kick sometimes

Rick