Is there a way to save the way the computer is at any given moment how it is .. with all the same files open etc (obviously not programs running)
so that if I have to go away for a while and say the power goes off while I am gone,
I can pick up right where I left off?
Main example, I have 50 notepad files open and I am using as references and do not want to keep a running list of them all.
I run out of beer and go to get more, and come back to find the power had went out for a while.
Is there a way to have saved the state of the computer so that when I came back, all of the same files would be open again when turned back on?
I would guess that a UPS would be the thing to get.
They come with instructions on how to perform the actions you require.
Depending on how far away the drugs are of course.
But for a few hours away a cheap UPS would suffice.
UPS is designed to give you enough time to save and shut down.
Most last 4 minutes tops. For several hundred dollars more you can get one that goes for 10 minutes.
This is not what I am looking for.
I want to be able to come back a while later, start up, and have all my files still open.
Mission impossible methinks Doc.
As Colin suggested, a UPS system is probably about as close as you're going to get to what you are after. It can at least be set to save unfinished work in the case of an unexpected shutdown (or power outage).
I am not aware of any other method. Running programs, such as notepad, are loaded into RAM which is volatile memory. Which means that whenever the computer loses power, is shut down or restarted RAM will be cleared, including any unsaved work.
Ah, I see.
Thanks Jim. And Colin too of course.
Just wishful thinking and a bit of laziness then.
Hi Dr D,
The way I do something similar, to what you want to achieve, is to use Window's "hibernate" function.
Invoking the"hibernate" function saves all open programs (and any contents) to disk in a file entitled "hiberfil.sys".
I can then remove power for an hours, days or weeks and when my computer is re-powered/switched on, the desktop is restored with open progs. and their data just as it was prior to hibernation. Incidentally, time from power up to usable desktop is much quicker than the full boot-up switch on.
If you are not familiar with the hibernate function, just shout and I'm sure Jim or Dave (or even me) will help you out.
Hope this helps!
Good point JST, and an equally good suggestion.
I stopped using the hibernate function years ago because of frequent issues when resuming.
The hibernate feature saves the contents of RAM, including any unfinished work, to the hard drive (non-volatile memory) so when the computer is powered back on it resumes to the same state it was in prior to hibernation.
Hi Jim,
I've used the hibernate feature since early XP days and I don't recall having many, if any problems. I certainly haven't had a problem since I took up with 8/8.1 which is two years ago. I use it continually as it is so much quicker than a full boot.
Usually if there's a problem going, I collect it - you may recall trying to help me - Sandboxie was one such instance. However I use hibernate all the time, rebooting once or twice a week, including when ordered by the (tyrannical) Win Update function. I reboot each week, as I understand that Win gets unhappy if it doesn't get a regular clean boot.
How long since you tried it ? Whatever caused your problems, may it have been sorted by now?
Hi JST,
It's been so long since I used Hibernate I can't recall exactly what the issues were, just that there were issues. And yes, it's likely these issues have since been resolved.
I leave my PC running 24/7, unless there are storms about or I am away for an extended period. I think hibernation is a good option for those who tend not to use the PC for longish periods but I'm back and forth to the computer all the time and prefer instant access.
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