Computer restart after power failure

I live in an area where we get interuptions in electricity supply.
They usually only last about 5 minutes.
Before I upgraded from Windows 98 my computer used to restart itself once the power was re-established.
Now that I am runnig XP I cannot find the setting that will do this for me.
My computer is used as an answer and fax machine so it would be useful if it were to re-start itself after a power interuption.
Can any one please point me in the right direction.
Quiz.

 

Quiz--Interruptions in power supply can involve surges when the power goes off and especially when the power comes back on. Since you say these interruptions are frequent, you certainly should have your PC and other computer equipment protected by being plugged into surge protectors. Even better, have them plugged into an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) combined with a surge protector. You can get them in the range of $50-$100from companies like Belkin, Tripp-Lite and APC. The more expensive ones are for systems where you connect a lot of peripherals which consume more watts. http://www.pcworld.com/howto/graphics/119585-2304p144-1b.jpg
The UPS feature will allow you to run the PC and peripherals for 5-15 minutes off the battery that comes with the UPS. Or at least provide power for an orderly shutdown so you do not lose data, etc..

 

Steve I looked in thew BIOS but could not find it.
Quiz

 

I know your right Jim, but I could not possibly spend THAT MUCH.
Quiz

 

Can you tell us the make and model of the computer or the motherboard? Everest in my signature should be able to tell you.

If you have the manual/User Guide check through the settings there.

Sometimes that setting is in a sub-menu or may just seem to be tech jargon.

Matt

 

Quiz, on some motherboard there is an option in BIOS - Restart After Power Fail or something like that. You have to enable it to restart the computer. This is normally tucked away in Advanced BIOS Setup.

On second thought, you have said that Win 98 could do it but its not happening after moving to Win XP. Did you change the system or just upgraded the OS ?

 

Just upgraded the OS.
Quiz

 

Must be blind

I have just had another look in the BIOS and found 'after power failure' in the BOOT tab.
not sure how I missed it earlier?

Have now reset it to 'last state'.

I don't know why it had changed either?

Quiz