Remote computer startup

nonguru

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Nov 11, 2012
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I have my desktop hidden from view and use a Logitech wireless keyboard and trackball on a unifying receiver. I'm trying to get the keyboard to startup the computer. I've set the keyboard power-up and the Legacy USB on in the BIOS. The keyboard keys are not starting the computer and I'm guessing that the Logitech unifying receiver isn't really powered on until the motherboard fires up the USB slots, right?
If this is the case is there another way to remotely start the computer without actually pushing the case 'ON' button?
 
Solution
Usually they will wake up a sleeping computer but not actually start it from a cold boot via USB.

Some keyboards use an actual power button on them and that seems to work better.

Some motherboards only certain USB ports can be used to wake up or turn on.
Usually they will wake up a sleeping computer but not actually start it from a cold boot via USB.

Some keyboards use an actual power button on them and that seems to work better.

Some motherboards only certain USB ports can be used to wake up or turn on.
 
Solution
Its funny you mention Logitech because my K400r that I use in a similar way when I want to lay in bed and watch shows. It works just fine powering up the computer when I press the power button on the keypad. I did not need to setup anything...so I don't really know why you are having issues.

Sorry I am not really being helpful...but it just does not jump at me what the issue is.

If you have already tried reinstalling any software you got with it and updating all the drivers, then I would suggest trying the power button on the keyboard when the system is already on to see if it puts it to sleep or anything. Does it?
 


Yes, mine has an actual power button on the keyboard. The wifi/blutoothy adapter thingy for the keyboard is plugged into the normal USB 3.0 port also.
 
OK lets not confuse START with WAKEUP. START to most of us means BOOT. If the K400 does indeed boot, then I will say the USB port which the receiver it's attached to MUST be powered even when PC is off.

If K400 does not actually boots, one way is to purchase an IR receiver with boot capability from HD-plex.com, doubles as your IR control for Media Center for one. Another option maybe, is WOL.

All that is actually too much for me, just put it to sleep and be done with. Did you know S3 sleep sips the same amount of power as S5 shutdown?
 


 
I agree, jsmithepa, I can just put it to sleep, but my problem is waking it up. In the BIOS the Legacy USB is enabled and the wake on LAN is enabled, but I don't want to have to go to the remote (hidden) location to push the 'on' button on the computer case. I'm not sure how to test to see which USB slots are powered while it's sleeping. The unifying receiver must be running for my wireless keyboard to work. If it were powered then I could use the " right arrow (x2), up arrow, enter" and it would be fine.
I will check out the HD-plex.com and see if that will work. Thanks.