a run at start up option

[therealbigjim]

I am finding there is no way from stopping windows 10 from re-starting my pc. I have adjusted my user time but cant stop it from rebooting  during the off 12 hours. I know I should be using the FPP but mine  does not have a connection to the internet at this time and I know this is something I should have been worrying about 6 months ago, when I cold have done something about it. Is it feasible to have a run at startup option so if we have a power loss or reset, the program would just restart if set to do so.
as an aside, I waited too long to roll back my older laptop when it was updated by my wife to windows 10 so I feel stuck this year. A trip was planned for me on the 20-23 and don't have anyone that is dependable to check to see if the show is running  .......sorry for the mini vent.

[jnealand]

I don't run from the PC anymore, but when I did (back in XP),  I put xlights.exe in the startup folder and set the PC up so there was only one account with no password.  That way if the system rebooted it automatically came up with xlights running and if it is running the scheduler would start the show.  I know it is a little more complicated these days, but I think google will be your friend here.  I do know that if there is only one user and no password the PC will boot right up as though you had logged in because I have done that when building a new Win10.  I don't put in a password until I'm ready to put the system in production or turn it over to a user even though Windows will complain about it.  I would google how to autostart a program in win10 at bootup and also auto logon a particular user in win 10.

[deplanche]

Rather than having 12 off hours, can you run a static show?  It could even be all lights off and repeating the entire time.  Could just repeat that for the 12 hours and then switch to the real schedule.

[jnealand]

The real problem is that a reboot stops xlights and leaves the PC at a logon prompt.

He could also stop the reboots that Win 10 forces after updates, by disconnecting the PC from the internet.

[therealbigjim]

a very simple solution. Thank you

[ozaz]

If your problem is caused by Windows 10 updates you can turn them off (i've done all this on my show pc)
here's 2 links (of several), 1 shows how to turn off driver updates the other windows 10 updates:
https://www.cnet.com/au/how-to/stop-windows-10-from-automatically-updating-your-pc/
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/turn-off-windows-update-in-windows-10


Microsoft has a tool that allows you to hide various updates (Defender, drivers) which will prevent them from trying to update: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3073930

keep the links handy, after christmas turn them back on and let the pc update

also make sure you have power options set to "put the computer to sleep: never"

and then follow john's suggestions for auto restating windows and xlights

1 last thing, a small UPS so if you have a brief power failure the computer will keep running
he says in hindsight