Windows 7 New HTPC Windows 7 will not sleep when it should

Steps to Fix HTPC Sleep Issues:​

1. Device Manager Check:
   • Open Device Manager and expand the "System devices" category.
   • Locate the "PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge" device.
   • Right-click on it, go to Properties, and check the Power Management tab.
   • Ensure that the option "Allow this device to wake the computer" is unchecked.
   []Power Plan Settings:
   • Check the advanced power settings in the Power Plan settings:
     • Verify that the "Allow wake timers" option is disabled.
     • Ensure that the "Sleep after" time is correctly set. Sometimes external devices can prevent the system from entering sleep mode.
   []BIOS Settings:
   • Check the BIOS settings for any power-related options that might be causing the wake-ups.
   []Windows Media Center:
   • Windows Media Center may be triggering the wake-up. Check its settings for any scheduled tasks or options that might wake the system.
   []Network Activity:
   • Network activity can also prevent sleep. Disable the network adapter's ability to wake the computer:
     • Go to Device Manager.
     • Locate your network adapter, right-click, and go to Properties.
     • In the Power Management tab, uncheck "Allow this device to wake the computer."
   []Check Scheduled Tasks:
   • There might be a scheduled task set to wake the system. Check the Task Scheduler:
     • Open Task Scheduler.
     • Navigate to Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > UpdateOrchestrator.
     • Check for any tasks that might wake the computer.
   []Update Drivers:
   • Make sure all drivers, especially for the motherboard and network adapter, are up to date.
2. Disable Automatic Maintenance:
   • Automatic Maintenance tasks can also wake the system. You can disable them temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.

     Additional Tips:​

   • You can use Command Prompt to check wake sources:
   • Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
   • Enter the command: powercfg -lastwake.
   • Monitor the Event Viewer for any specific events related to the wake-ups. By following these steps and adjusting the settings as mentioned, you should be able to resolve the sleep issue on your HTPC. If the issue persists, further troubleshooting might be needed, but these steps cover the common factors that affect sleep mode behavior.