My refrigerator keeps my computer up!

[macavenger]

I have noticed recently that there is a direct correlation between my refrigerator shutting off and my computer waking up. That is, for some reason, if my computer is fully asleep (pulsing light) when the compressor on my refrigerator shuts off, my computer will wake up. Put it back to sleep, and its fine until the next time the refrig shuts off, at which point it wakes up again. Needless to say, this is very annoying, especially as I am trying to sleep in the same room. Anyone have any idea how I can get my computer to stay asleep, other than removing my refrig? Thanks!

[bobw]

The vibration from the compressor is doing it. You would have to move the computer far enough away so that it doesn't sense it.

[macavenger]

Thanks! Unfortunately, I already thought of that, but I have two problems with that theory:

1) The computer and fridge are on opposite sides of the room, with no contact between the surface on which the computer is sitting (the desk) and the fridge. I rather doubt (although I suppose it is possible) that the floor transfer the vibrations that well.

2) the only part of the computer I can think of that would be affected by vibrations is the mouse, but simply moving the mouse does not wake up the computer. The optical sensor light isn't even on when the computer is asleep.

Is there something I'm missing here? Some other component that might be affected by the vibrations? Or is it something else?

[chevy]

Maybe the vibrations, or electrical.

[bobw]

If it's constant with the refrig shutting off, then it's related, vibrations.

[chevy]

Motors tend to create huge current spikes (we used a howen to test latch-up 15 years ago, as it was creating such spike that it was the best latch-up generator). This can go through the power supply, but also through the air.

[macavenger]

It could be the current spike I suppose, with my surge suppresor simply not being good enough to catch it. But that, of course, does leave the question of how to fix it. Would I just need a better surge suppresor? Thanks for the input!

[twister]

I know you said it's not the mouse but... What if you unplug the mouse? I think that if the vibrations are doing the trick your mouse may move just a tish and then that causes the computer to wake. If the mouse is unplugged it shouldn't wake the computer. Or turn your mouse over. - just try it once and see what happens.

Also have you turned off both wake options in the energy saver control panel?