Windows 7 problem

[Anonymous user]

Hi guys, I've been having some problems with my PowerChute and new Windows 7 (64 bit) system since I got the computer in June.

Anyways, every time the power goes out, or I run a self test, my computer just shuts itself off right away and restarts. It starts really slow and always asks me if I want to start in safe mode. I've also noticed that the tray icon will change to the powerchute with the notification exclamation point. Then I'll click it and it will run that "running an update" thing where your whole computer pauses and then it prompts me if I want to allow PowerChute to make a change. I click yes and nothing happens.

Any ideas what the problem is?

[Anonymous user]

Sorry about the delay... The model is a Back UPS XS 1300. This is really starting to bug me as I haven't been able to figure out the problem yet. I just downloading the latest edition of power chute and still get the same message.

This UPS has worked flawlessly for the past 4 years with my previous computer that ran XP. I only have a problem with this new computer! Everytime it runs a self test my computer shuts off and then a few seconds later the computer "revs" itself. It turns the fans on and off really quick about 5 times and the light on the front cycles through at the same interval.

[BillP]

You don't answered to the question that asked you what power supply you are using.

Since your UPS is "quite big" I don't think that isn't enough powerful to feed your PSU,
the problem surely lie in the simulated sinewave of your UPS with the active PFC of your PSU.

It is not possible to sell such expensive UPS in 2010 where every computers use an active pfc
and suggest them for PC use.
BackUPS RS can't be suggested anymore as good for PC, this is the reason, today every computer use
an active pfc power supply.

Shame on APC for this that neither mentioned that simulated sinewave isn't compatible with newer power supply.

Message was edited by: sblantipodi

[Anonymous user]

In english please?

[BillP]

ok to begin, I think what was mentioned is that we need to know the specs on the power supply on your computer - as this may be where the issue is. the UPS goes to battery and outputs a step approximated sinewave. When it goes to battery, a relay transfers which takes 4-6 milliseconds. some power supplies do not like this transfer time. in addition, some power supplies do not like the step approximated sinewave.

to sblantipodi - APC cannot possibly test every single power supply manufacturer. we would never be able to release a product if we actually spent time doing that. i do agree that we need to handle active power factor correction better. the BR1300LCD is an older UPS by the way..

to the original poster though, can you find out the size/model of your power supply so we can look at the specifications.

[article on power factor correction|http://nam-en.apc.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/8883/]

[Anonymous user]

Thanks for explaining that a bit more indepth.

I have a Back Ups XS 1300. BX1300LCD-CN... 1300V 780W.

I hope this clarifies it...

[Anonymous user]

I find it odd that since July of 2007 see quote "Energy Star 4.0 compliance as of July 2007, requires the use of PFC in desktop PC’s" the PFC power supply has been in use for all new desktop PC's since 7/2007 yet APC has just now started to recognize their presence in desktop pc's? I just recently returned a APC unit 1500VA which means nothing to me if it won't keep my PC running long enough to do a controlled shutdown. Yes APC cannot predict the future of every power supply built,but for crying out loud people they can at the very least put some kind of notice on the box indicating such a problem is possible. This so called little oversight on APC's part cost me some valuable data losses while using one of these back-up UPS systems. As it stands the next price jump to get some kind of protection is hundreds more up front. Bigger better faster with the exception of the UPS that cannot make the switch from AC to battery backup under 3-4ms.

[Anonymous user]

Sorry, but does this mean I'm SOL with my current UPS?

What do I need to look for in a new UPS so I don't have this problem???

[Anonymous user]

Does APC make such an UPS?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Can you tell us which model of UPS this is off the little white sticker on the back or bottom of the unit is? Also, can you tell us the size of the power supply in the computer? It sounds like anytime the UPS goes to batter that your computer doesn't like the transfer time to batter or doesn't like the step approximated sinewave output (if its a Back UPS model). Also, it could be a power factor corrected power supply and maybe the unit is undersized.

I don't want to assume at this point but those are some items that come to mind without knowing anything else. The powerchute icon part part sounds normal - you will get an exclamation mark when it can't talk to the UPS at any point - which if the computer is rebooting, would explain it.