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Version: 1.7.14
(If your version is lower than that you can download an update here...)

 

We've been asked many times if it's possible to wake up Windows-based system from a Stand-by mode (or Hibernation) using a resident program. The answer is yes, it is possible. This simple utility will let you do it. It is based on a single Windows API that allows to signal a waiting event and resume a thread at a predefined time. This utility can also send your system back into Stand-by mode (hibernate it, power it off, or log-off a user), provided your hardware supports it. Moreover you can also use it as a scheduler to run programs on timer without involving Stand-by mode. Our latest feedback shows that this utility could be used for an in-car PC to optimize booting time and to save battery life.

 

Here is how it works:
  • Run the WOSB.EXE file. You will see this window:

            WakeupOnStandby in the set-up mode (Windows XP screenshot).

          WakeupOnStandby in the set-up mode (Windows Vista screenshot).

  • First set up date and time to wake up computer from either Stand-by mode or Hibernation (or the time to run file in item (2) during normal operation). You may uncheck the date control if only time is relevant. In this case the current date will be used. If specified time is earlier than now, then the next day will be used instead;
     
  • If you want to perform tasks below even if computer wakes up earlier than the time specified above, check the appropriate box underneath the date & time control. If checked, this option will run the file in item (2) and trigger additional event in item (3) in either of two cases: At scheduled time, or when computer wakes up from a suspended mode;
     
  • If upon waking up you'd like to turn your monitor on and clear the screen saver, check "Turn on monitor and resume from screen saver" box.
    IMPORTANT: This option works seamlessly under Windows 98/ME machines, but has some limitations under Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista due to security features of the latter. In case you have more than one user account set up or if screen saver is protected by a password WakeupOnStandby won't be able to log you on to display user desktop;
     
  • If you'd like to keep a monitor on and hold off screen-saver during the waiting period specified in item (3) check "Keep screen on afterwards" box. (For prevention of suspended power state, use "Prevent standby/hibernat." option described below.)
    INFORMATION: This option applies only in the situation when WakeupOnStandby is in the waiting mode specified in item (3). In case Stand-by Mode/Hibernation/Shut-down/Log-off is not required check "Simply wait" box and provide the time period to keep screen on.
    IMPORTANT: When using this option make sure that no other software or user attempts to change screen-saver and power management parameters while WakeupOnStandby is in the waiting mode specified in item (3), since this may cause conflict in power management and screen-saver settings!
    INFORMATION: This option does not prevent system from entering a suspended power state (such as Stand-by/Sleep mode or hibernation). Note that this behavior is different from previous versions of WakeupOnStandBy.
    WARNING: Use this option for short waiting periods only. If left on for a long time it will keep your monitor on and thus void all attempts to save energy!
     
  • In some cases you may want to repair your local network and/or high-speed Internet connection(s) upon waking up from suspended power state, or at a scheduled time. Check "Repair network" box for that;
    Windows 95/98/ME: This option is not supported.
    INFORMATION: This option can be set up to make WakeupOnStandBy wait before connection(s) are fully repaired, or to repair only specific connection(s). Refer to Settings below for more info.

     
  • If you'd like to open a file (run a program, or display a web page) when computer wakes up, specify its path in the item 2 (you can either type it, or click the button on the right-hand side of it to select path from a dialog box). Fore more information see "Supported File Types" below;
    INFORMATION: You can also drag a file icon into this window from another window.
    INFORMATION: By default WakeupOnStandBy will wait for this file/program to initialize before continuing. To change that check the Settings window referred to below.
    INFORMATION: If not set otherwise, WakeupOnStandBy will run a program even if another instance of the same program is already running. To see how to change that refer to the "Supported File Types" below.

     
  • In some cases a program run after system wakes up may require command line parameters. Type them in the Params field (in case this is a file path you may click button on the right-hand side of it to select path from a dialog box). Fore more information see "Supported File Types" below;
    INFORMATION: In case command line parameters contain spaces we recommend that you include them into double quotations marks.
    INFORMATION: You can also drag a file icon into this window from another window.
     
  • If you want the system to go into Stand-by mode (Hibernate it, shut it down, log-off or simply wait) after it's woken up, check appropriate box in item (3) and specify how much time should pass before it happens. You may click "Pick..." button to select waiting period as an absolute date & time;
    INFORMATION: WakeupOnStandby can keep computer running during this waiting period. See description of "Prevent standby/hibernat." below.
     
  • In case you selected "Stand-by Mode", "Hibernate", "Log-off" or "Shut-down" option above, you can also specify whether WakeupOnStandby should "force" selected power operation. If this box is not checked, all running programs will be polled for permission. If checked, the system will perform power operation without notifying running programs about it.
    WARNING: Shut-down or logging-off in the forced state may result in a loss of unsaved data!
    Windows Vista: This option applies only in case if Shut-down or Log-off is checked.
     
  • In case you want to prevent automatic attempts by the system to enter a suspended power state during the waiting period specified in item (3), check "Prevent standby/hibernat." box;
    Windows NT/2000/XP: If enabled will also prevent any other programs from attempting to send system into a Stand-by mode or hibernation.
    Windows Vista: If enabled will not stop other programs from sending system into a Sleep mode or hibernation.

     
  • To open a file (run a program, or display a web page) right before computer enters a power state specified in item (3), check "Run the following file/program/web page before performing operation above" box and provide its path below (you can either type it, or click button on the right-hand side of it to select path from a dialog box). Fore more information see "Supported File Types" below;
    INFORMATION: You can also drag a file icon into this window from another window.
    INFORMATION: By default WakeupOnStandBy will wait for this file/program to initialize before continuing. To change that check the Settings window referred to below.
    INFORMATION: If not set otherwise, WakeupOnStandBy will run a program even if another instance of the same program is already running. To see how to change that refer to the "Supported File Types" below.

     
  • In some cases a program run before performing power operation in item (3) may require command line parameters. Type them in the Params field (in case this is a file path you may click button on the right-hand side of it to select path from a dialog box). Fore more information see "Supported File Types" below;
    INFORMATION: In case command line parameters contain spaces we recommend that you include them into double quotations marks.
    INFORMATION: You can also drag a file icon into this window from another window.
     
  • To repeat the tasks above on some other day check appropriate weekday boxes in item (4), or click All button to select/de-select all days of the week. This will make WakeupOnStandby to run in Repetitive Mode, i.e. reside in memory after successful completion of the current task and reschedule itself for another day. In case you want to broaden the scope of days, you can run it every 2nd, 3rd, or 4th week of the month by selecting appropriate boxes.
    INFORMATION: Automatic rescheduling happens right after full completion of all tasks. WakeupOnStandby uses the time specified for previous wake-up event to reschedule itself for another day according to weekdays and weeks selection.
    INFORMATION: While in Repetitive Mode WakeupOnStandby will reside in memory and if user reboots computer WakeupOnStandby will load up and resume automatically. To cancel this mode simply exit WakeupOnStandby and select Yes when asked, "WakeupOnStandby is set up to run in Repetitive Mode (and load automatically when current user logs on). Do you want to cancel it before exiting?"
    INFORMATION: Scheduled event in the Repetitive Mode could be skipped in case user opted for a power state other than Stand-by/Sleep or hibernation. In this case when powered on, WakeupOnStandby will skip to the next scheduled day.
    IMPORTANT: WakeupOnStandby should be scheduled for repetitive tasks from a permanent location ONLY where it cannot be moved to another location later!
    Windows NT/2000/XP: In case "Windows auto-logon" is enabled in the Settings, WakeupOnStandBy will write itself in the Windows System Registry when set in the Repetitive Mode to attempt to automatically log on the current user in a multi-user environment.
    WARNING:
    The "Windows auto-logon" option coupled with the Repetitive Mode should be used sparingly since it bypasses the user logon and potentially exposes the user password that is stored unprotected in the System Registry! Use the "Windows auto-logon" option only on systems not containing any sensitive user information.
     
  • If you want WakeupOnStandby minimized off the screen down to the Windows System Tray area, check "Switch to tray" box;
     
  • When fully set, click "Start" button to activate.
    IMPORTANT: Only after you click Start button your settings will take effect.

     
  • Now (if not minimized to the system tray) the top part of the window will become inactive and the bottom controls will be visible. The "Schedule Info" section will contain the time at which system will attempt to wake up, or perform the next power event. The bottom part of this section will display other important information about the scheduled events.
    IMPORTANT: In case of error you will hear a sound beep and error message will be displayed in the "Schedule Info" section.
     
  • When activated you may close the main WakeupOnStandby window to send it to the system tray (the area next to the Windows system clock). WakeupOnStandby utility will now disappear from the screen and a small tray icon will be shown next to the system clock. It may look like this:

            WakeupOnStandby as an icon on the system tray (Windows Vista screenshot)

  • Now it's activated and you can switch your system into Stand-by mode (or hibernate it) to be woken up later;
    INFORMATION: It doesn't make any difference whether WakeupOnStandby runs in a window or from a system tray.
     
  • To exit WakeupOnStandby (i.e. cancel the wake-up event) click "Exit" button in the main WakeupOnStandby window if visible, or right-click the WakeupOnStandby icon in the system tray and click "Exit".
    INFORMATION: In case WakeupOnStandby was running in Repetitive Mode (i.e. when it would reschedule itself for another day when a task is completed) exiting it may cancel the Repetitive Mode. In this case WakeupOnStandby will prompt you, "WakeupOnStandby is set up to run in Repetitive Mode (and load automatically when current user logs on). Do you want to cancel it before exiting?", click Yes to cancel Repetitive Mode. If you select No, WakeupOnStandBy will close but its link will remain in the Windows Autostart that will lead to it being activated again when current user logs in again.
     
  • To reprogram the wake-up event exit and restart WakeupOnStandby.

     

Supported File Types

As described above WakeupOnStandby can run a program, open a file or a web page when the system is woken up. There are following types of files supported:

  • Executable programs - although you can simply specify the name of the executable file, we strongly suggest that you use the search button on the right side of the file box to locate the program on the hard drive;
    INFORMATION: In case the following option "If it is an executable program, do not run if it is already running" is not enabled in the Settings, WakeupOnStandBy will run a new instance of a program even if a program is already running. (Multiple instances of a program might be prevented though by a program itself.) To make sure that WakeupOnStandBy doesn't run a program if it is already running, precede its name with an asterisk (*) symbol:
      Example 1: *calc.exe
      Example 2: *c:/Program Files/My Program/MyName.exe
    INFORMATION: The effects of the asterisk (*) symbol is overridden by the global "If it is an executable program, do not run if it is already running" option in the Settings.
    INFORMATION: The effects of the asterisk (*) symbol does not affect files other than executable programs, such as documents, web pages, etc.
     
  • Documents, Pictures, Music Clips, Video Clips and other files - use the search button on the right side of the file box to locate it;
     
  • Web pages - type the URL for the web page starting it with "http://" to allow WakeupOnStandby to differ it from a file name.
    INFORMATION: Internet connection is required to display a web page. In case web page is saved on the hard drive for offline viewing, you can locate it using search button on the right side of the file box.
     
  • Links - you can open any local or URL link with WakeupOnStandBy as well. The best way to specify a link is to drag it off your desktop/Windows Explorer/web browser into the WakeupOnStandBy file path field.
    INFORMATION: Internet connection is required to open a URL link.
    INFORMATION: Some local control panel links may not be supported due to Operating System security restrictions.
In case the name of the file/program/web page contains spaces it is strongly recommended that you include it in the double quotation marks. To run more than one file you can use MS DOS batch files. Read FAQ section for more information.

Some executable programs may require command line parameters. You should supply them in the "Params" box. Make sure to include them into double quotation marks if they contain spaces. There are several meta symbols that can be used in the command line parameters to enable synchronization:

  • %DATE% - will be replaced with the current date at the time of execution of the program in the following format: MM.DD.YYYY, where MM=Two digit month number; DD=Two digit day number; YYYY=Four digit year number;
  • %TIME% - will be replaced with the current time at the moment of execution of the program in the following format: HH.MM.SS, where HH=Two digit hour number in military format; MM=Two digit minute number; SS=Two digit second number;
  • %DATETIMESTAMP% - will be replaced with the current date & time stamp at the moment of execution of the program in the following format: MMDDYYYYHHmmSS, where MM=Two digit month number; DD=Two digit day number; YYYY=Four digit year number; HH=Two digit hour number in military format; mm=Two digit minute number; SS=Two digit second number;
  • %FILETIMESTAMP% - will be replaced with the current date & time stamp at the moment of execution of the program that will be presented as the number of 100-nanosecond intervals since January 1, 1601 in hexadecimal format.
Example: If you specify "cur_tim=%TIME% cur_date=%DATE%" in the Params box for a program, when run, say at 1:00 pm on Jan 10, 2007, a program will receive the following command line: "cur_tim=13.00.00 cur_date=01.10.2007".


Additional Menu Options

WakeupOnStandby provides additional options via a pop-up menu. To activate this menu click the "..." button located to the right off of the Start/Exit button. You should see a menu of additional options that may look like this:

  

  • "Save As .BAT File" - Opens up a window that lets you pick location on your hard drive to save the current selection of controls in the WakeupOnStandBy main window into a batch (BAT) file. This could be useful in case you need to run WakeupOnStandBy with the same settings again. To do so, one needs to simply run the resulting BAT file from the Windows Explorer, or any other program.
    INFORMATION: When clicked, this option opens up the "Save As" dialog window. Use "Discard fixed date when saving" checkbox in that window to make resulting batch file fixed (i.e. when date is specified), or relative to the time only. (See description of the date and time command line parameters below for more info.)
    INFORMATION: Running a batch file while another instance of WakeupOnStandBy is on will have no effect, unless the resulting batch file was created from an instance of WakeupOnStandBy started in the Multi-Session mode, or the /ami command line parameter was specified in the batch file (see description of Multi-Session Link below for more info).
    INFORMATION: When saved each BAT file contains additional non-executable Command Line Helper information attached to the bottom to facilitate editing of the command line at the top. Each line of the BAT file that starts with REM is a non-executable line that can be omitted.
     
  • "Save & Open As .BAT File" - Opens up a window that lets you pick location on your hard drive to save the current selection of controls in the WakeupOnStandBy main window into a batch (BAT) file, and later open this file in a Notepad to allow user editing. This could be useful in case you need to run WakeupOnStandBy with the same settings again. To do so, one needs to simply run the resulting BAT file from the Windows Explorer, or any other program.
    INFORMATION: When clicked, this option opens up the "Save As" dialog window. Use "Discard fixed date when saving" checkbox in that window to make resulting batch file fixed (i.e. when date is specified), or relative to the time only. (See description of the date and time command line parameters below for more info.)
    INFORMATION: Running a batch file while another instance of WakeupOnStandBy is on will have no effect, unless the resulting batch file was created from an instance of WakeupOnStandBy started in the Multi-Session mode, or the /ami command line parameter was specified in the batch file (see description of Multi-Session Link below for more info).
    INFORMATION: When saved each BAT file contains additional non-executable Command Line Helper information attached to the bottom to facilitate editing of the command line at the top. Each line of the BAT file that starts with REM is a non-executable line that can be omitted.
     
  • "Create Multi-Session Link" - Opens up a window that lets you pick location on your hard drive to create a multi-session link to the current instance of WakeupOnStandBy. By default WakeupOnStandBy was designed to run as a single instance. This is necessary to prevent confusion among several simultaneously running schedules. The multi-session link will allow you to run more than one instance of WakeupOnStandBy at the same time.
    INFORMATION: When using this option, make sure to run WakeupOnStandBy from a permanent location. If you move the WakeupOnStandBy executable file, this link will not be valid.
    INFORMATION: The maximum number of simultaneously running instances of WakeupOnStandBy in the Multi-Session Mode is 15.
    WARNING: Overlapping schedules may adversely affect and in some circumstances even deadlock your computer! Use caution when running WakeupOnStandBy in the Multi-Session Mode!
     
  • "Copy As Command Line Arguments" - Copies the current window settings as command line arguments onto the Windows clipboard (that can be Pasted into any text editor later);
    INFORMATION: This option could be useful for "visual" creation of command line arguments (See Command Line description below.)
     
  • "Run file/program/web page in (2)" - Will attempt to run a program, open a file, or a web page specified in the item (2) of the main window;
    INFORMATION: This option may be useful to test scheduled event before it is triggered.
     
  • "Run file/program/web page in (3)" - Will attempt to run a program, open a file, or a web page specified in the item (3) of the main window;
    INFORMATION: This option may be useful to test scheduled event before it is triggered.
     
  • "Perform Now" - pop-up menu allows to perform the following power operations:
    • "Send into Stand-by Mode" or "Sleep" - will send system into the Stand-by mode (or Sleep mode in case of Windows Vista) immediately;
      INFORMATION: Before using this option, make sure to select desired parameters for the power operation listed below: "Forced", "Disable all wake-up events", and "Lowest wake-up latency".
      INFORMATION: If WakeupOnStandBy is not activated, this option will issue a user warning before performing a power operation. Otherwise, no warning is shown.

       
    • "Sleep (Away Mode)" - will send system into the Away Mode immediately;
      Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003: This option is not supported.
      INFORMATION: In the Away Mode the computer appears to be sleeping while the system continues to perform tasks that do not require user input.
      INFORMATION: If WakeupOnStandBy is not activated, this option will issue a user warning before performing a power operation. Otherwise, no warning is shown.

       
    • "Hibernate" - will hibernate system immediately;
      INFORMATION: Before using this option, make sure to select desired parameters for the power operation listed below: "Forced", "Disable all wake-up events", and "Lowest wake-up latency".
      INFORMATION: If WakeupOnStandBy is not activated, this option will issue a user warning before performing a power operation. Otherwise, no warning is shown.

       
    • "Forced" - when checked will force going into Stand-by (Sleep) mode or hibernation. In this case the system won't poll other running programs for permission to perform this operation;
      WARNING: Exercise caution when using this option, since forced power operation may adversely effect other running programs!
      Windows Vista: This option may have no effect due to altered system architecture.

       
    • "Disable all wake-up events" - when checked will disable all wake-up events when you send system into Stand-by (Sleep) mode or Hibernate it using the options described above;
      IMPORTANT: Checking this option will prevent WakeupOnStandBy from waking up your system later! Only manual wake-up event will be recognized.
       
    • "Lowest wake-up latency" - when checked will request the lowest wake-up latency from the hardware when you send system into Stand-by mode or Hibernate it using the options described above;
      Windows XP: This option sends request for the hardware to wake system up as fast as possible. [more info]
      Windows Vista: This option is not supported.
     
  • "Settings..." - opens up the Settings window that allows to view or change the WakeupOnStandBy additional functions:
    • General Tab
      • "Close button works as "Minimize" when WakeupOnStandBy is Started" - when checked will make the close button on the WakeupOnStandBy window to work as minimize button, if the program is activated (i.e. Start button was clicked);
         
      • "File/Program/Web page item (2)" section affects controls for the item (2) of the main window of the WakeupOnStandby:
        • "Wait for it to initialize after it's run" - when checked will make WakeupOnStandBy wait for the file (or program) to initialize before continuing;
          INFORMATION: Use this option to run console programs synchronously. (Example of a console program could a batch file that does not have its commands preceded with the start parameter.)
          INFORMATION: When used on a non-console (i.e. window-ed) program or file, this option will make WakeupOnStandBy wait until the program begins processing user input. In some cases, the conclusion of DDE initialization is used instead.
           
        • "If it is an executable program, do not run if it is already running" - when checked will make WakeupOnStandBy not to run a duplicate instance of a program.
          INFORMATION: This is a global setting overriding the effects of the asterisk (*) symbol when used at the beginning of the program's path. (See "Supported File Types" for more info.)
          INFORMATION: This option does not affect files other than executable programs, such as documents, web pages, etc.
           
      • "File/Program/Web page item (3)" section affects controls for the item (3) of the main window of the WakeupOnStandby:
        • "Wait for it to initialize after it's run" - when checked will make WakeupOnStandBy wait for the file (or program) to initialize before continuing;
          INFORMATION: Use this option to run console programs synchronously. (Example of a console program could a batch file that does not have its commands preceded with the start parameter.)
          INFORMATION: When used on a non-console (i.e. window-ed) program or file, this option will make WakeupOnStandBy wait until the program begins processing user input. In some cases, the conclusion of DDE initialization is used instead.
           
        • "If it is an executable program, do not run if it is already running" - when checked will make WakeupOnStandBy not to run a duplicate instance of a program.
          INFORMATION: This is a global setting overriding the effects of the asterisk (*) symbol when used at the beginning of the program's path. (See "Supported File Types" for more info.)
          INFORMATION: This option does not affect files other than executable programs, such as documents, web pages, etc.
           
      • "Enable Windows auto-logon if WakeupOnStandBy is in Repetitive Mode" - when checked will attempt to automatically log in current user when the system reboots, if WakeupOnStandBy was activated in the Repetitive Mode. This option will be handy to bypass the user logon screen.
        INFORMATION: This options is specific for Windows NT/2000/XP.
        WARNING: This option coupled with the Repetitive Mode should be used sparingly since it bypasses the user logon and potentially exposes the user password that is stored unprotected in the System Registry! (This limitation is beyond our control and is specific to the Windows NT-based system architecture.) Use this option only on systems that do not contain any sensitive user information.
        INFORMATION: While activated in the Repetitive Mode with this option on, WakeupOnStandBy will attempt to write itself in the protected System Registry key, which may potentially cause an anti-virus program warning. The System Registry key will be cleared as soon as the Repetitive Mode is deactivated in WakeupOnStandBy.
         
        • "Windows password for the current user" - Password for the current Windows user to be used for the auto-logon.
          INFORMATION: Leave this field blank if the current Windows user doesn't have a password.
          WARNING: This password is stored in a protected way while in the WakeupOnStandBy data stack, but it may be exposed when the Windows auto-logon option is activated! This limitation is beyond our control and is specific to the Windows NT-based system architecture. The use of this option may potentially reveal your Windows user password!
           
    • Repair Network Tab
      • "Commands to repair network connection(s)" - box allows you to specify the Windows Command Prompt commands to be used to repair network connection(s). The structure of commands in this box is the same as you would use in a batch file;
        WARNING: Do not use any commands that require user input or display windows. Using of such commands will deadlock repairing of network in the WakeupOnStandBy until the corresponding window closes or a user input is released.
        INFORMATION: All commands are run synchronously (i.e., when the next command is not executed until the previous one is done). To execute commands asynchronously, or to allow running of a non-console applications, precede them with the start parameter.
        INFORMATION: The Command Prompt window is not displayed during execution of these commands.
         
      • "Repair only if woken up from suspended power state" - when checked and the "Repair Network" is specified in the main window or through the command line parameters, will repair network connection(s) only if computer was woken up from a suspended power state, such as Stand-by/Sleep mode, or hibernation;
         
      • "Defaults 1" button - when clicked will prompt to overwrite commands to repair network connection with the first default ones;
        INFORMATION: These commands perform a more thorough repairing of the network connection(s).
         
      • "Defaults 2" button - when clicked will prompt to overwrite commands to repair network connection with the second default ones;
        INFORMATION: These commands perform a quicker repairing of the network connection(s).
         
      • "Wait until connection(s) are repaired" - when checked and the "Repair Network" is specified in the main window or through the command line parameters, will wait for network connections to be repaired and functional before continuing;
        INFORMATION: This option could be useful in case you plan on using an Internet/network connection after computer comes out of a suspended power state.
        INFORMATION: When checked this option will make WakeupOnStandBy wait before running the file/program/web page specified in the item (2) of the main window.
        INFORMATION: To determine if a network connection is functional WakeupOnStandBy does not "ping" it, or check its IP address. Default gateway address is used instead.
         
      • "Max waiting time" - box specifies the maximum time to wait for network connection(s) to be functional after repairing. To make WakeupOnStandBy wait for as long as needed specify -1 in this field;
        INFORMATION: The waiting time period specified here does not include the time necessary to execute commands in the "Commands to repair network connection(s)" box.
        INFORMATION: In case specified time period elapses, WakeupOnStandBy will continue with the next task even if network connection(s) are not repaired.
         
      • "Network adapter(s) to wait for connection to be repaired on" - section specifies which network adapters to wait for connection.
        • "Determine automatically" - when checked will make WakeupOnStandBy wait for connection on the network adapters that were previously functional. Uncheck this option if you want to specify network adapters manually;
           
        • "Wait for connection" - field allows to specify names of network connections (as they appear in Windows) and adapters to wait for connection;
          INFORMATION: In case network connection is disabled in Windows, it's name will be presented as "<Disabled Network Connection N>", where N stands for connection order from A to Z.
          INFORMATION: To add a new connection to the list of connections to wait on select it from the "All available" list first and then use the "<" button.
          INFORMATION: To remove a connection from this list select it first and then use the ">" button.
           
        • "All available" - field provides names of network connections (as they appear in Windows) and adapters of all available network resources in the system.
          INFORMATION: In case you need to refresh this list, close the Settings window and reopen it again.
           
  • "Check For Updates" - opens up our web site that will let you see if an update is available for your version of WakeupOnStandBy;
    INFORMATION: Internet connection and a web browser are required for this option to work properly.
     
  • "Command Line Help" - opens up a window with a brief description of command line parameters. A more complete manual of command line parameters is provided below.
     
  • "Online Manual" - opens up the latest version of this manual in your web browser.
    INFORMATION: Internet connection is required for this option to work properly.
     
  • "About..." - opens up the window with information about WakeupOnStandBy.
    INFORMATION: Use the About window to retrieve the current version of the program, or to make a donation to research for this product.
     

 

Run WakeupOnStandby from Command Line

WakeupOnStandby can be run from a Windows command prompt, or any other program that supports command line arguments using the following syntax:
INFORMATION: To facilitate programming of command line arguments you can use "Copy As Command Line Arguments" option available from the WakeupOnStandBy additional menu (see above).
 
wosb /run [/systray] [dt=[%f]|[+%d]] [tm=[%t]|[+[%h:[%m:[%s]]]]] [/ptowu] [file=%f] [params=%p] [/nofilecheck] [/fdrir] [awfile=%f] [awparams=%p] [/awfdrir] [standbywait=[%h:[%m:[%s]]]] [hibernatewait=[%h:[%m:[%s]]]] [shutdownwait=[%h:[%m:[%s]]]] [logoffwait=[%h:[%m:[%s]]]] [/force] [wait=[%h:[%m:[%s]]]] [/psbh] [/screenon] [/keepscreenon] [/repair] [/shutdown] [/standby] [/hibernate] [/dwe] [/lwl] [weekdays=[%d]] [weeks=[%d]] [repeat[=%d:[%h:[%m:[%s]]]]] [/noeveryday] [/norepeat] [/ami] [/closeall]

 
where the following parameters are accepted:

  • /run - should be specified to run WakeupOnStandby from command line;
     
  • /systray - instructs to minimize WakeupOnStandby window to the system tray (i.e. a bar located next to the Windows system clock);
     
  • dt - sets the date to wake up from stand-by mode or hibernation. In "%f" format it sets static date, where %f = date in local format (Example: "12/25/2008" for US format). In "+%d" format sets date relative to today's date. (Example: "+1" will set the date of tomorrow.) If this parameter is not specified today's date is used instead;
     
  • tm - sets the time to wake-up from stand-by mode or hibernation. In "%t" format it sets static time, where %t = time in local format (Example: "12:00 pm" for US format). In "+%h:%m:%s" format it sets time relative to the current time. If only two values are used, first one is interpreted as minutes and second one as seconds. In case of only one value it is interpreted as relative number of seconds. (Example: "tm=+1:30", will set wake-up time 1 minute and 30 seconds ahead of current time.) If this parameter is not specified the current time plus 10 minutes is used instead;
     
  • /ptowu - specifies that the tasks below should be performed even if computer wakes up from suspended power state (i.e., Stand-by/Sleep mode or Hibernation) earlier than the scheduled time;
     
  • file - specifies file to run after computer wakes up from the Stand-by mode or hibernation, where %f = Full path to the file. To run several files put them into MS DOS batch command file [Read more here]. If file is not specified WakeupOnStandby does not perform any actions after wake-up event. This parameter could be overridden by "/testmsgbox";
    (INFORMATION: If you specify an executable file WakeupOnStandBy may prevent running more than one instance of it, if the "If it is an executable program, do not run if it is already running" global option is enabled in the Settings. You can also prevent a program from running more than a single instance by preceding it with the asterisk (*). Read the "Supported File Types" above for more info.)
     
  • params - command line parameters for the file specified by the "file" parameter. (The following special words are accepted: %DATE% = Current date in format MM.DD.YYYY; %TIME% = Current time in format HH.MM.SS; %DATETIMESTAMP% = Current date and time in format MMDDYYYYHHmmSS; %FILETIMESTAMP% = Number of 100-nanosecond intervals since January 1, 1601 in hexadecimal format. For more info on these special words, read here.);
     
  • /nofilecheck - prevents WakeupOnStandby from checking validity of file specified in the 'file' and/or 'awfile' parameters;
     
  • /fdrir - if "file" parameter specifies an executable file, this option will not run it if it's already running;
     
  • standbywait - sets time interval to wait after computer wakes up from Stand-by/Sleep mode or hibernation before sending it back into Stand-by/Sleep mode, where %h = Number of hours; %m = Number of minutes; %s = Number of seconds. If this parameter, hibernatewait, shutdownwait, logoffwait or wait are not specified WakeupOnStandby simply closes. If only two values are specified (i.e., "%m:%s"), first one is interpreted as minutes and second one as seconds. In case of one value (i.e., "%s"), it is interpreted as seconds. Set this value to 0 to send computer into Stand-by/Sleep mode right after it's woken up, and the specified file is run. (This parameter is mutually exclusive with hibernatewait, shutdownwait, logoffwait and wait parameters.)
    IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended to allow at least 2 seconds of waiting time before sending system into Stand-by mode if you specified the 'file' parameter;
     
  • hibernatewait - sets time interval to wait after computer wakes up from Stand-by/Sleep mode or hibernation before hibernating it, where %h = Number of hours; %m = Number of minutes; %s = Number of seconds. If this parameter, standbywait, shutdownwait, logoffwait or wait are not specified WakeupOnStandby simply closes. If only two values are specified (i.e., "%m:%s"), first one is interpreted as minutes and second one as seconds. In case of one value (i.e., "%s"), it is interpreted as seconds. Set this value to 0 to hibernate system right after it's woken up, and the specified file is run. (This parameter is mutually exclusive with standbywait, shutdownwait, logoffwait and wait parameters.)
    IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended to allow at least 2 seconds of waiting time before hibernating system if you specified the 'file' parameter;
     
  • shutdownwait - sets time interval to wait after computer wakes up from Stand-by/Sleep mode or hibernation before shutting the system down, where %h = Number of hours; %m = Number of minutes; %s = Number of seconds. If this parameter, standbywait, hibernatewait, logoffwait or wait are not specified WakeupOnStandby simply closes. If only two values are specified (i.e., "%m:%s"), first one is interpreted as minutes and second one as seconds. In case of one value (i.e., "%s"), it is interpreted as seconds. Set this value to 0 to shut system down right after it's woken up, and the specified file is run. (This parameter is mutually exclusive with standbywait, hibernatewait, logoffwait and wait parameters.)
    IMPORTANT:
    It is strongly recommended to allow at least 2 seconds of waiting time before shutting system down if you specified the 'file' parameter
    ;
     
  • logoffwait - sets time interval to wait after computer wakes up before logging off a user, where %h = Number of hours; %m = Number of minutes; %s = Number of seconds. If this parameter, standbywait, hibernatewait, wait or shutdownwait are not specified WakeupOnStandby simply closes. If only two values are specified (i.e., "%m:%s"), first one is interpreted as minutes and second one as seconds. In case of one value (i.e., "%s"), it is interpreted as seconds. Set this value to 0 to log off right after it's woken up, and the specified file is run. (This parameter is mutually exclusive with standbywait, hibernatewait, wait and shutdownwait parameters.);
    IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended to allow at least 2 seconds of waiting time before logging off user if you specified the 'file' parameter;
     
  • /force - used with 'standbywait', 'hibernatewait', 'shutdownwait', 'logoffwait', '/standby', '/hibernate' or '/shutdown' parameters. If specified makes WakeupOnStandBy to not ask running programs for permission to perform power operation.
    IMPORTANT: If used for shut-down or log-off, may cause loss of unsaved data in other programs!
    Windows Vista: This option may have no effect in case of Sleep mode or hibernation due to altered system architecture.

     
  • wait - sets time interval to wait after computer wakes up from Stand-by/Sleep mode or hibernation, where %h = Number of hours; %m = Number of minutes; %s = Number of seconds. If this parameter, standbywait, hibernatewait, logoffwait or shutdownwait are not specified WakeupOnStandby simply closes. If only two values are specified (i.e., "%m:%s"), first one is interpreted as minutes and second one as seconds. In case of one value (i.e., "%s"), it is interpreted as seconds. (This parameter is mutually exclusive with standbywait, hibernatewait, logoffwait and shutdownwait parameters.)
     
  • /psbh - used with 'standbywait', 'hibernatewait', 'logoffwait', or 'wait' parameters. When specified will prevent system from going into Stand-by/Sleep mode or hibernation while waiting;
    Windows NT/2000/XP: If specified this option will also prevent any other programs from attempting to send system into a Stand-by mode or hibernation.
    Windows Vista: If specified this option will not stop other programs from sending system into a Sleep mode or hibernation.

     
  • awfile - specifies file to run after the waiting time but before performing power operation specified by either of: 'standbywait', 'hibernatewait', 'shutdownwait', 'logoffwait', 'wait' parameters, where %f = Full path to the file. To run several files put them into MS DOS batch command file [Read more here];
    (INFORMATION: If you specify an executable file WakeupOnStandBy may prevent running more than one instance of it, if the "If it is an executable program, do not run if it is already running" global option is enabled in the Settings. You can also prevent a program from running more than a single instance by preceding it with the asterisk (*). Read the "Supported File Types" above for more info.)
     
  • awparams - command line parameters for the file specified by the 'awfile' parameter. (The following special words are accepted: %DATE% = Current date in format MM.DD.YYYY; %TIME% = Current time in format HH.MM.SS; %DATETIMESTAMP% = Current date and time in format MMDDYYYYHHmmSS; %FILETIMESTAMP% = Number of 100-nanosecond intervals since January 1, 1601 in hexadecimal format. For more info on these special words, read here.);
     
  • /awfdrir - if "awfile" parameter specifies an executable file, this option will not run it if it's already running;
     
  • /screenon - turns monitor on when system wakes up and attempts to resume from screen saver (does nothing if there's no screen-saver and monitor is on).
    IMPORTANT: This option works seamlessly under Windows 98/ME machine, but has some limitations under Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista due to security features of the latter. In case you have more than one user account set up or if screen saver is protected by a password WakeupOnStandby won't be able to log you in to display a user's desktop.
     
  • /keepscreenon - Keep monitor on during the waiting period specified by 'standbywait', 'hibernatewait', 'shutdownwait', 'logoffwait' or 'wait', if '/screenon' is set as well.
    INFORMATION: Use 'wait' option if hibernation/stand-by/shut-down/log-off is not required.
     
  • /repair - repairs local area network or high-speed internet connection(s) right after the system wakes up from a Stand-by/Sleep mode or hibernation, or at the scheduled time;
    Windows 95/98/ME: This option is not supported.
    INFORMATION: This option has additional functions that can be accesses via the Settings window when WakeupOnStandBy is run in a "normal" (GUI) mode.

     
  • /standby - sends system into Stand-by/Sleep mode immediately. None of other parameters are used except /dwe and /lwl.
    INFORMATION: /ami option is not required for this parameter.
     
  • /hibernate - hibernates system immediately. None of other parameters are used except /dwe and /lwl.
    INFORMATION: /ami option is not required for this parameter.
     
  • /shutdown - shuts down system immediately. None of other parameters are used except /force.
    INFORMATION: /ami option is not required for this parameter.
     
  • /dwe - Disable all programmatic wake-up events. Used with /standby or /hibernate parameters to send system into Stand-by/Sleep mode or hibernate it without possibility of waking it up programmatically;
     
  • /lwl - Lowest Wake-up Latency. Used with /standby or /hibernate parameters to send system into Stand-by/Sleep mode or hibernate it with the lowest wake-up latency (this option sends request for the hardware to wake system up as fast as possible) [more info];
    Windows Vista: This option is not supported.
     
  • weekdays - makes WakeupOnStandBy to operate in absolute Repetitive Mode, i.e. repeat specified tasks on certain days of the week. %d can be enumeration of weekdays separated by space or + sign (example: Sunday+Monday), or use All for every day. %d could also be a bitmask for required days (1=Sunday; 2=Monday; 4=Tuesday; 8=Wednesday; 16=Thursday; 32=Friday; 64=Saturday). Use simple addition to combine weekday bitmask values. Example: 34 = Will mean Monday & Friday. This parameter cannot be used together with 'repeat';
    IMPORTANT
    Do not move or rename the WakeupOnStandBy executable file after it was scheduled for Repetitive Mode!
    WARNING: Exercise caution when setting WakeupOnStandBy into Repetitive Mode when it was started from a Multi-Session Link, or with the /ami parameter.
     
  • weeks - if 'weekdays' is set and is not zero, specifies repetition frequency in weeks: %d = 0 (or omitted) every week; %d = 1, every second week (i.e. skip 1 week); %d = 2, every third week (i.e. skip 2 weeks); %d = 3, every fourth week (i.e. skip 3 weeks). This parameter cannot be used together with 'repeat';
    INFORMATION: This option is useless by itself and has to be used along with the weekdays parameter. If omitted or any if other %d value is specified, the default 0 value will be used instead.
     
  • everyweek - if 'weekdays' is set and is not zero, will set absolute Repetitive Mode for every week. Equal to weeks=0;
     
  • repeat - makes WakeupOnStandBy to operate in relative Repetitive Mode, i.e. repeat specified tasks after a certain time period, where %d = Number of days; %h = Number of hours; %m = Number of minutes; %s = Number of seconds to wait before repeating. This parameter cannot be used together with 'weekdays' and/or 'weeks';
    IMPORTANT Do not move or rename the WakeupOnStandBy executable file after it was scheduled for Repetitive Mode!
    WARNING: Exercise caution when setting WakeupOnStandBy into Repetitive Mode when it was started from a Multi-Session Link, or with the /ami parameter.
     
  • /noeveryday - removes settings to run WakeupOnStandBy in Repetitive Mode (when it was set by 'weekdays', or 'repeat' parameters before);
    INFORMATION: None of the other parameters are used.
     
  • /norepeat - same as '/noeveryday';
     
  • /ami - normally WakeupOnStandby does not allow more than one instance of itself to run at the same time. If specified this option will allow multiple instances of WakeupOnStandby to run at the same time, i.e. will make it run in a Multi-Session Mode (see above for more info). Maximum allowed number of simultaneously running instances is 15. (Use this option to link one job in WakeupOnStandby to another, or to apply multiple scheduling);
     
  • /closeall - closes all running instances of WakeupOnStandby & terminates as well. This parameter also cancels Repetitive Mode for each running instance. No other parameters are used with this one;
    IMPORTANT: Read notes below for a sample of usage.
     
  • /? - Displays help window.
     

The following commands are deprecated and should be used for backward compatibility only:
INFORMATION: All of the deprecated commands have a better alternative among the active commands above.
INFORMATION: We will continue support for these commands indefinitely and you can still use them in this and future releases of WakeupOnStandBy.

  • /testmsgbox - [Deprecated] Overwrites "file" parameter and displays test message box instead of running a file at wake-up event;
     
  • date - [Deprecated] Sets the date to wake up from stand-by mode or hibernation. In "%m/%d/%y" format it sets static date, where %m = Month number (January=1, February=2, ... December=12); %d = Day number; %y = Four-digit year number. In "+%d" format sets date relative to today's date. (Example: "+1" will set the date of tomorrow.) If this parameter is not specified today's date is used instead;
    (IMPORTANT: For backward compatibility the only accepted format for this parameter is the American date format described above!)
     
  • time - [Deprecated] Sets the time to wake-up from stand-by mode or hibernation. In "%h:%m:%s" format it sets static time, where %h = Hour number in military format; %m = Minute; %s = Second. In "+%h:%m:%s" format it sets time relative to the current time. If only two values are used, first one is interpreted as minutes and second one as seconds. In case of only one value it is interpreted as relative number of seconds. (Example: "time=+1:30", will set wake-up time 1 minute and 30 seconds ahead of current time.) If this parameter is not specified the current time plus 10 minutes will be used instead;
    (IMPORTANT: For backward compatibility the only accepted format for this parameter is the American date format described above!)
     


IMPORTANT:
No spaces are allowed inside values of parameters. In case you need to use spaces inside values, put them into double quotation marks (example: tm="5:30:00 am", or file="C:\Documents and Settings\User\Desktop\MyFile.exe").
 
INFORMATION: In case you need to use double quotation marks inside quotes, precede them with a backward-slash (example: runfile="run v=\"Hello World!\"").

IMPORTANT: If used from a batch file (.BAT) it is recommended that you include START command before calling wosb.EXE, except the time when you specify /closeall parameter. INFORMATION: If START command is specified the WakeupOnStandby is executed asynchronously, which makes a more "clean" visual effect by closing a Shell Command Prompt window. If you do not specify START command the next line in the batch script is not executed until that line is processed, which is important when WakeupOnStandby is run with /closeall parameter!

Examples:

 #Only if run from a MSDOS Batch (.BAT) file!
 START wosb /run /systray /ami time="3:00 am" standbywait=30:00
 START wosb /run /systray /ami time="6:00 am"

 #Next line will terminate two previous settings and close all running instances of WakeupOnStandby -- do NOT use START command here!
 wosb /closeall

 

SAMPLE 1: Next is an example of how to wake up your computer at 3 a.m. of the current day, then run Notepad and send your computer back into stand-by mode after a minute and 30 seconds:
INFORMATION: Assuming the North American date & time format is used by default in the system.
 
 wosb /run /systray tm="3:00 am" file="Notepad" standbywait=1:30

SAMPLE 2: This sample will wake up your computer at 7:30 a.m. of the next day, run command batch file and hibernate immediately.
INFORMATION: Note that "/ami" option is used in command line in case WakeupOnStandby will be called again inside "Wakeupcmds.bat" file. If this option is not specified WakeupOnStandby will not allow another copy of itself to run at the same time. Be careful when using this parameter as you may incur several instances of WakeupOnStandBy running at the same time, which may confuse you!)
INFORMATION: Assuming the North American date & time format is used by default in the system.

 
 wosb /run /systray /ami dt=+1 tm="7:30 am" file="C:\Documents and Settings\User\My Documents\Wakeupcmds.bat" hibernatewait=0

SAMPLE 3: The following sample will wake up system from stand-by mode or hibernation after 5 hours since the time WakeupOnStandby was run, then it will attempt to play "WakeUp.wma" file from My Music folder via Windows Media Player.
NOTE: This example is given only to show how to use WakeupOnStandby with the "params" values. In this particular situation it will be simpler to specify "WakeUp.wma" file in a "file" parameter and leave "params" blank;
 
 wosb /run /systray tm="+5:00:00" file="wmplayer.exe" /nofilecheck params="C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\My Music\WakeUp.wma"

SAMPLE 4: The following sample will hibernate your system immediately upon execution, requesting lowest wake-up latency from the hardware:
 
 wosb /hibernate /lwl

SAMPLE 5: The next sample shows how to close all running instances of WakeupOnStandby. This might be necessary to re-program WakeupOnStandby while some of its instances are still running.
IMPORTANT: Do not use any external programs or "taskkill" to terminate WakeupOnStandby since this may result in memory leaks and jeopardize your system stability!
IMPORTANT: To ensure a proper execution you have to make sure that the following command is run synchronously and that no other calls to run WakeupOnStandby come before this command exits.

 
 wosb /closeall

SAMPLE 6: The following example will make WOSB to wake-up computer each day at 4 am, run "My File.exe", wait for an hour and a half, and send it into stand-by mode. It will repeat these tasks every day except Sundays:
INFORMATION: Assuming the North American date & time format is used by default in the system.
 
 wosb /run /systray tm="4:00 am" standbywait="1:30:00" file="C:\Program Files\My Company\My Product\My File.exe" weekdays="Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat" /nofilecheck

SAMPLE 7: Set system to play music file "Bob Marley.mp3" every 20 minutes. Also keep screen on and prevent automatic hibernation/stand-by:
 
 wosb /run /systray tm="+0" file="Bob Marley.mp3" repeat="20:00" /psbh /screenon /keepscreenon

SAMPLE 8: Wake up at 3 am and go the Google website, then wait for 30 minutes, play "Clock.avi" file and go to Stand-by mode. Repeat these tasks every 5 hours:
INFORMATION: Assuming the North American date & time format is used by default in the system.
 
 wosb /run /systray tm="3:00 am" /repair file="http://www.google.com" standbywait="30:00" awfile="clock.avi" repeat="5:00:00"

SAMPLE 9: Play "Wake up.mp3" music file every time the system wakes up from a stand-by/sleep mode or hibernation:
INFORMATION: Assuming the North American date & time format is used by default in the system.
 
 wosb /run /systray dt="01/01/2100" file="C:\Documents and Settings\User\My Documents\My Music\Wake up.mp3" /ptowu weekdays=all

SAMPLE 10
: Remove WakeupOnStandBy from everyday schedule (i.e. from Repetitive Mode):
 
 wosb /noeveryday


More examples and a downloadable sample of how to use batch files are given in the FAQ section.

 

SUGGESTION: We'd strongly recommend to test WakeupOnStandby before leaving it on its own since due to different settings and hardware configuration some operations may not be executed correctly on your particular system!

INFORMATION: This utility is hardware dependent! Older systems may not support it. If you see any warning messages when this utility starts this means that some of the features it employs are not supported by your system. We didn't make an extensive research, but it looks like here is what you need to run WakeupOnStandby properly:

  • At least Windows 98 Operating System;
  • ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) hardware support. To check go to computer's BIOS during initial booting.

There may be some other limitations that we're not aware of yet. If you learn them please let us know through feedback.
 

Please let us know about any glitches that you may find in WakeupOnStandBy. Also feel free to post your comments and suggestions.


Thank you for choosing WakeupOnStandBy!


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Last updated: April 10, 2009