You know how NT 4.0 only shuts down, it doesn’t power down? It just sits there saying, “Restart.” Well, Microsoft says that’s “by design.” I’ve discovered a way to make that happen. Here’s the steps to make NT 4.0 Powerdown: You’ll be editing the registry, so the First task is make a BACKUP. Just in case you didn’t hear me I say again, make a BACKUP! Second, get a copy of Service Pack 4 or higher (a final release of service packs for NT 4.0 is available on Microsoft’s web site). Third, rename hal.dll in the %systemroot%\system32 folder (I used hal.dll.sav). Fourth, from the service pack CD (sp4 or higher) copy hal.dll.softex from i386 to the %systemroot%\system32 of the local machine. Do this next step exactly: Once you’ve copied hal.dll.softex to %systemroot%\system32, through Explore (don’t use the command line!!) right click hal.dll.softex, choose rename. Then remove the suffix “.softex” leaving a new file named hal.dll. Fifth, open the registry (regedt32), navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon and find the value “PowerdownAfterShutDown.” Change its value from 0 to 1. Now reboot!
During reboot the new hal.dll file will take over and once reboot is complete, you’ll notice a new option in the dialogue box when pressing ctrl+alt+del.
The purpose for me was to be able to schedule a complete powerdown without having to physically go to each workstation. Now you can force the workstation to powerdown completely at specific times. You may use the AT command (type at /? at the command prompt for more info)or a third party utility. I use “Sleepy” and enjoy it very much. You download a freeware version at http://www.sashazur.
By the way, NT 4.0 will not “powerdown” remotely; or should I say that’s I’ve been told by several engineers. I’ve tried several tricks without success…yet.
Vince
vo’rourke@nwresd.k12.or.us