Power Saving Remote Computing

Step 5 Scheduled Maintenance

I use Windows Live OneCare to handle my scheduled maintenance. If I left my computer off all the time it would try to run its maintenance routines while I am using the computer which means I take a considerable performance hit. Instead I scheduled the computer to turn on nightly at 3am for a maintenance window. To Set this up:

1. Once again, boot into your BIOS settings.
2. Look for an "Automatic Power On" setting.
3. Enable this setting and schedule it for a time when you will not be using the computer. I scheduled my computer to turn on at 2:55 AM daily. I wish it had a weekly option.
4. Save and exit the BIOS settings screen.
5. Once Windows boots it is time to schedule your maintenance. Open Windows Live OneCare.
6. Click "Change OneCare Settings."
7. Use the Tune-Up, Backup, and Virus and Spyware tabs to schedule each for a different day of the week at 3am. This allows your computer to boot up fully before the scheduled event begins.
8. Click OK.

Now your computer will boot each morning around 3am. If maintenance is scheduled to run it will run. Otherwise it will hibernate following your Power Saving options. Obviously you could use scheduled tasks or other program's scheduling features to schedule your maintenance if you choose.