How to Tweak Power Options in XP Registries
Power-saving options supported by your computer operating system should be configured according to how the computer is used to optimize energy savings and to conserve laptop battery life. The Microsoft Windows XP operating system offers five power-saving schemes that can be configured through the Control Panel. If automation is required, use the Registry Editor tool to configure the power option keys in the Windows XP registry.
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Instructions
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Click the "Start" button on the Windows XP taskbar, and click the "Run" box. Type "regedit" in the "Run" box, and tap the "Enter" key. The "Registry Editor" window will display.
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Navigate to the "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\PowerCfg" directory in the "Registry Editor" window. Double-click the "CurrentPowerPolicy" item in the right pane. If the "CurrentPowerPolicy" item is not present, click the "Edit" menu near the top of the "Registry Editor" window. Click "New" and then click "String Value" in the menu that appears. Type "CurrentPowerPolicy" in the name box of the item that appears. Press the "Enter" key.
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Type "0" in the "Value data" text box of the "Edit String" window to configure the computer power options for the "Home/Office Desk" scheme which will turn off the computer monitor and place the system in standby mode after 30 minutes of inactivity. Type "1" in the "Value data" field to configure the computer to use the "Portable/Laptop" scheme which will turn off the monitor after 15 minutes, turn off hard drives after 30 minutes, place the system into standby after 20 minutes, and hibernate the system after three hours of inactivity. Type "2" in the "Value data" field to configure the "Presentation" power scheme which will not turn off any computer devices to conserve power. Type "3" in the "Value data" text box to enable the "Always On" power scheme that will turn off only the monitor after 20 minutes of inactivity. Type a "4" into the "Value data" field to set the "Minimal Power Management" power scheme that will turn off the monitor after 15 minutes of inactivity. Enter a "5" into the "Value data" text box to configure the "Max Battery" power scheme that will turn off the monitor after 15 minutes, place the computer in standby after 20 minutes and place the computer into hibernation mode after 45 minutes.
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Click the "OK" button to save the setting. Click the "X" in the upper-right corner of the "Registry Editor" window to close the Registry Editor.
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Tips & Warnings
You must log in with a Windows XP account that has Administrator permissions when you are using the Registry Editor tool to make changes.
