Computer turning itself on at night

[Puravidauk]

Hi all,

For some completely unknown reason my new computer turns itself on every night (around 1.20am but not always at exactly the same time) - I've never had anything like this happen on previous computers, and is especially weird as it turns on from completely off (ie not just sleeping).

Does anyone have any ideas? I'm quite computer illiterate so any advice would need to be step-by-step and simplified!

I'm using a Lenovo ideacenter k430 with window 8

Many thanks

 

[benjii]

It could be you have wake on LAN enabled in bios, this allows a PC to be turned on by data received over the LAN (local network). You need to enter the bios and check. When you start your PC it should say something like "Press F2 (or maybe DEL) to enter bios". Then you need to find the motherboard options and see if it's enabled.

 

[hsyuts]

Read here for more info on auto windows startup:
http://www.maketecheasier.com/make-windows-7-system-startup-and-shutdown-on-a-schedule/2011/10/29

 

[themirror]

If your computer connected to an open wifi network, someone might be using wake on lan. Disable the setting if you don't use the feature. Or else, fortify the wifi network.

 

[Puravidauk]

Thanks for the Feedback.
I don't get the option to enter Bios on startup for some reason. Have just pressed F2 and Del on start up but nothing happens. Any ideas?

Themirror - would I do this through Bios too?

 

[Tom Tancredi]

Actually the issue is your probably hitting SLEEP mode instead of POWER OFF, so the computer 'sleeps' (low power usage) then when Windows/Antivirus/Adobe/name a software... wants to check HEY ANY UPDATES, your computer 'magically' turns itself on in the middle of the night.

Click the Power icon in the tray in the bottom right and select MORE POWER OPTIONS. Then select on the left side, CHOOSE what the power buttons do, and set the settings how you like. If you want to actually POWER OFF when you hit POWER OFF then select that, etc. click Okay. Go over the other settings in the left till it meets your needs then click Okay and close out of the Window.

 

[Puravidauk]

Hi Tom,

No unfortunately that isn't the issue - i've made sure that I do hit POWER OFF.

Just tried BIOS too - everything relating to wake-ups etc is disabled.

Any other ideas?
I think I would still be able to send the computer back as I've only had it for a couple of weeks. Would be highly inconvenient though, so ideally can sort this myself.

 

[Pulefanden]

try call an exorcist..

 

[themirror]

hey go to device manager>>>Right click LAN adapter>>Settings>>>power manager, untick allow this device to wake up the computer. It's better to secure your wifi network than doing this.

 

[Puravidauk]

hmmm, I don't see "LAN adapter" when I go to device manager

 

[Tom Tancredi]

Hi Tom,

No unfortunately that isn't the issue - i've made sure that I do hit POWER OFF.

Just tried BIOS too - everything relating to wake-ups etc is disabled.

Any other ideas?
I think I would still be able to send the computer back as I've only had it for a couple of weeks. Would be highly inconvenient though, so ideally can sort this myself.

Instead of dimissing my answer, did you actually follow those steps and make the changes I suggested? Telling Windows specifically to POWER OFF in the settings as I indicated? If it still 'self powers on', have you called 1800Lenovo support line to ask about this 'feature' and see if they have a special setting / feature otherwise?

 

[Puravidauk]

Far from dismissed your idea Tom, but as I said, hitting SLEEP by mistake definitely isn't this issue.
I did actually do as you suggested though, but windows already had these option enabled.
I certainly appreciated your help.

 

[themirror]

hmmm, I don't see "LAN adapter" when I go to device manager

okay i wasn't precise.lenovo idea center k430 has realtek lan chipset

so rightclick that and carry the above instructions.

 

[Tom Tancredi]

Far from dismissed your idea Tom, but as I said, hitting SLEEP by mistake definitely isn't this issue.
I did actually do as you suggested though, but windows already had these option enabled.
I certainly appreciated your help.

I am sorry your seemingly not FULLY reading what I am saying. I am NOT stating your hitting SLEEP instead of Power off in menu, I am stating that the WINDOWS POWER SETTINGS (see the steps I pointed you through) when the user says POWER OFF, instead does SLEEP. Even if you SELECT Power Off, it would go into SLEEP mode potentially IF the settings are so set. I suggest you FOLLOW the steps to ensure that WINDOWS ISN'T CONFUSED. Don't forget these latest OS is supposed to know BETTER then the user, no matter what the USER says, Windows / Microsoft knows the RIGHT answer.

Otherwise I would HIGHLY suggest a FULL MALWAREBYTES scan, followed by a scan by your Antivirus (two different things). If you have 'no' antivirus paid for and upto date, remove whatever is installed then go to www.filehippo.com and download the latest version of AVAST! or AVG and run a FULL scan on the drive and let us know if you find anything. Potentially you could have a ROOTKIT that (as I mentioned above) is overridding your settings though your clicking SHUT DOWN, and instead is ZOMBIE your computer to use when you are sleeping. Just FYI.