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***elootos*** · 01-15-2010, 12:11 AM

My favourite and most useful Add In is ASoft's AutoExit which gives the ability to control individual PCs power state via the network, so you can boot, shutdown or reboot any PC.

The download from them is comprised of two parts; the Add In installer for the server and a second installer for the client PCs.

NOTE: The software needs the Wake On LAN (WOL) function on all PCs that you intend to control with it (including the server's). This can be found in each computer's BIOS ('F2' or 'DEL' during boot) and in some it can as easy as finding the WOL function and enabling it, on others it may not be labelled as such, in which case look for a Wake On PCI function and enable that. N.B. If in doubt, it won't be a Wake On Modem/Ring option neither will it be an 'OnChip LAN Boot ROM' option often found next to the enable OnBoard LAN option - look in the Power section instead.

Installation of the software as with all Add Ins is straightforward enough, drag the .MSI file into the 'Add In' subfolder in the server's Software share folder and it appears in the settings section of the Home Server console from where a simple 'install' button does its thing and gives you an AutoExit section in the console.

[Image: autoexit_settings.jpg]

The second installer in the package (.EXE) needs running on each of the client PCs on the network to install a required background service that talks to the server. When done you get some asoft 'knuckles' in the system tray, and from these a right-click brings up some options to bring the server on, most handy being 'Wake up server now'.

[Image: autoexit_system_tray.jpg]

Double click the knuckles icon and a screen pops up giving PC information and an option to enter the servers MAC address - vital if you want to be able to use the 'wake up server now' function.

[Image: autoexit_options.jpg]

Within the Home Server console under the AutoExit section you get to see the PCs linked to the server and some information about their IP/MAC address and power state. A right click on any on the PCs in the list gives you the options shown below, of which the 'Shut Down' and 'Wake On LAN' are going to be the most useful of all.

[Image: autoexit_console_options.jpg]

Currently a free package, but of course if you find it really useful then remember to donate to the author!

northan · 01-15-2010, 03:48 PM

(01-15-2010 12:11 AM)elootos Wrote: .

I would love to know what you have on your shopping list Wink

***elootos*** · 01-15-2010, 03:53 PM

(01-15-2010 03:48 PM)northan Wrote: I would love to know what you have on your shopping list

Ha ha ha! 4Gb RAM, 1.5Tb drive, WHS license...

Obviously the kitchen PC in shot there. And if you online shop at Tesco, you can copy and paste a text doc list and it searches all your items and all you have to do is click 'accept' for each one. Easy peasy!

northan · 02-01-2010, 08:43 PM

Have you used the 'send message to other clients' function.

Its cool, I can get a message apearing on the downstairs screen when the missus is watching something. It's normally a demand for a cuppa tea. She loves it when I do it Wub

***elootos*** · 02-01-2010, 11:37 PM

(02-01-2010 08:43 PM)northan Wrote: Have you used the 'send message to other clients' function.

Its cool, I can get a message apearing on the downstairs screen when the missus is watching something. It's normally a demand for a cuppa tea. She loves it when I do it

Ha ha, I haven't tried that yet. I've yet to reinstall any add-ins on my latest server install, but Lights Out is definitely one for me as well.