The first time AutoShutDown runs, it will prompt you to choose the port to which the ShutDown adapter is attached and
to enable it. Once you have done this, you should minimize AutoShutDown and go on with your work. AutoShutDown
will continue to monitor the shutdown port while you run other applications.
IMPORTANT: AutoShutDown can initiate a Windows 95/98/ME shutdown in one of two ways, either forced or normal.
The forced method causes Windows to immediately close all applications without allowing the applications to prompt the
user to save unsaved data. The normal method is the same as selecting "Shut Down..." from the Start menu, which causes
Windows to first ask each application if it is OK to shutdown, only proceeding to shutdown if all applications agree.
When asked, an application with unsaved data may prompt the user to save. Since this would halt the shutdown process
while waiting for a response, AutoShutDown defaults to using the forced method.
Loopback ShutDown Test
A simple RJ-11 modular loopback test plug, illustrated at left, is included with the Power On/Off +Aux
S
HUTDOWN/REBOOT for Windows 95/98/ME. This loopback test plug can be used to test the
shutdown function directly at the serial or parallel port without the ShutDown signal cable from Power
On/Off attached.
To test using the loopback plug, start with the Windows 95/98/ME system turned off. Remove the red end of the Y-cable
from the ShutDown adapter. Next, insert the loopback into the ShutDown adapter.
Power-on the Windows 95/98/ME system using the Master ON/OFF switch on the Power On/Off +Aux, allowing the PC
to boot normally and load AutoShutDown. If no errors occur, AutoShutDown will end up in the Task Bar (unless the
Auto Hide feature is enabled) to indicate it is monitoring the selected port.
To test AutoShutDown, remove the loopback plug. Upon removal, the AutoShutDown program should initiate a
ShutDown. Note that the "You can now safely turn off your computer" may or may not appear - depending on your
system - shortly thereafter.
Automatic Windows Logon
Please see the information toward the bottom of page 57 in this manual for information regarding Microsoft's Tweak UI
utility. Tweak UI provides a gui-based method for automating a user logon — useful when the remote system is
booted/rebooted while unattended.
Remote Power On/Off Appendix B | Windows 95/98/ME ShutDown • 46