Despite APM kernel the PC does not switch off

Support knowledgebase (apm_poweroff)
Applies to

SuSE Linux: Versions since 7.1
Kernel: Version 2.2.18, 2.4.0

Symptom:

Since SuSE Linux 7.1 all kernel include APM Advanced Power Management support; if you shutdown the computer it will not be switched off either. Possibly a 'Segmentation Fault' occurs.

Cause:

Defective or respective a not conformable BIOS regarding to the specifications.

Solution:

By the use of the below mentioned kernel parameter 'real mode APM BIOS calls' can be activated to turn off the computer:
apm=real-mode-poweroff
In some cases a Bios update is also helpful.

Other options:

You can switch off the APM support completely in the kernel:
apm=off
Debug messages could be turned on using:
apm=debug
If you want to prevent that the PC turns off automatically use:
apm=no-power-off
These parameters can particularly also be used at the boot prompt, e.g.:
boot: linux apm=real-mode-poweroff
and if needed permanently enter the parameters in the append line in the file /etc/lilo.conf, e.g. :
append="apm=real-mode-poweroff"
Afterwards please execute lilo as user root:
lilo

Kernelsources:


See also:
o After shutting down the system it reboots unwantedly

Keywords: APM, POWEROFF, SWITCHOFF, SHUTDOWN, SEGMENTATIONFAULT, KERNELPARAMETER

Categories: Hardware

SDB-apm_poweroff, Copyright SuSE Linux AG, Nürnberg, Germany - Version: 11. May 2001
SuSE Linux AG - Last generated: 11. Sep 2002 by ast (sdb_gen 1.40.0)