Dell Dimension 8400 - Manual (Page 30)

30
Setting Up and Using Your Computer
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Hibernate Mode
Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and
then completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits from hibernate mode, the
desktop is restored to the state it was in
before it entered hibernate mode.
To activate hibernate mode:
1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2 Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance.
3 Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.
4 Define your hibernate settings on the Power Schemes tab, Advanced tab, and Hibernate tab.
To exit from hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit
from hibernate mode. Pressing a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse does not bring the
computer out of hibernation, because the keyboard and the mouse do not function when the
computer is in hibernate mode.
Because hibernate mode requires a special file on your hard drive with enough disk space to store
the contents of the computer memory, Dell creates an appropriately sized hibernate mode file
before shipping the computer to you. If the computer’s hard drive becomes corrupted,
Windows XP recreates the hibernate file automatically.
Power Options Properties
Define your standby mode settings, hibernate mode settings, and other power settings in the Power
Options Properties window.
To access the Power Options Properties window:
1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2 Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance.
3 Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.
4 Define your power settings on the Power Schemes tab, Advanced tab, and Hibernate tab.
Power Schemes Tab
Each standard power setting is called a scheme. If you want to select one of the standard Windows
schemes installed on your computer, choose a scheme from the Power schemes drop-down menu.
The settings for each scheme appear in the fields below the scheme name. Each scheme has
different settings for starting standby mode or hibernate mode, turning off the monitor, and
turning off the hard drive.
The Power schemes drop-down menu displays the following schemes:
• Always On (default) — If you want to use your computer with no power conservation.
• Home/Office Desk — If you use your computer as a home or office computer and you require
minimal power conservation.
• Portable/Laptop — If your computer is a portable computer that you use for traveling.