Want PC to automatically restart when Back-UPS 1500 power is restored

[Anonymous user]

I have the PCPE software installed on the computer and configured so the APC will shutdown the computer when utility power is off. However, even though the utilitiy power is restored to the APC and it reboots itself, the computer does not come back on. I have to press the "Power" button in order for it to come back on. I have spoken with APC support and they have made reference to making sure the BIOS is set to "Always On". I have confirmed this on the PC, as well as disabled any sleep or hibernate power settings on the PC itself. It still does not work.

The PC I am testing this on is a Dell Dimension E520. The unit is about 6 years old and the BIOS does not have an "Always On" selection, although I believe I have enabled the closest setting to this already. APC support has instructed me to contact Dell to confirm the BIOS and PC settings. Well, since the PC is no longer under warranty, I can't get any assistance.

APC is telling me what I want to do is possible with the type of APC unit and software. It is just a matter of getting the correct BIOS setting. Is this true and can what I am trying to accomplish be done? I have over 30 PCs of different model types to configure to the APC units. The main reason for purchasing them was to allow proper shutdown of the computer and the programs, but to also restart the PC once power is restored, as the area we are in experiences power surges and outages, especially in the summer. I don't want to have to come into the office to turn on a computer due to a power failure.

I am hopeful someone on these forums has come across a similar situation and can provide some input.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

This is from a knowledge base doc on our website. Since the UPS (or software) cannot specifically "tell" your computer to turn on, it restarts itself therefore providing power to the outlets. This is where that setting comes in to make sure your computer sees the power returning and then turns on. Since our UPS and/or software cannot directly control your computer turning back on, that is why you were referred to Dell. Searching online, I did see others complaining about the same issue with your model computer, though I'm not sure if they were able to fix it. I would suggest looking online, possibly for a dell forum to get recommendations from others with the same problem who have fixed the issue.

When the UPS runs on battery operation and the battery becomes discharged, the UPS automatically switches off.

When power is restored to the UPS (and is within the operating voltage range of the UPS) it will restart in online operation.

This is independent of PowerChute software being installed or not. An attached computer may also be configured to restart following a complete discharge of the UPS, which has resulted in the UPS turning off. The computer must have the option for powering on when power is available, chosen in the systems BIOS for this work.