Can’t get Windows 2008 R2 support for Wake-On-Lan

wake-on-lanwindows-server-2008

I am trying to get a Windows 2008 R2 server to Wake On Lan (WOL), but I am failing.
Before you ask the usual questions:

  • 1: YES – the hardware supports it (Dell Precision T3400)
  • 2: YES – the BIOS is set to allow it
  • 3: YES – it works with Windows 7
  • 4: YES – Control Panel settings are reviewed and look OK

The servers goes to sleep, and I cannot wake it up by sending network packets to it. When on Windows 7, this does not occur.

If Windows 2008 R2 does not support this, how can it be made to, ie: what can we use from Windows 7 to try to provide this support to Windows 2008 R2?

Best Answer

OK, as much as I really don't condone putting a server to sleep, check the following

  • Start
  • Control panel
  • Power
  • Just below the currently select plan, click "Change Plan Settings"
  • Click the link for "Change settings that are currently unavailable"
  • OK to the UAC
  • Changed Advanced Power Settings
  • In the list that is presented, locate your network card and look for a property called "Allow this device to wake the computer" - make sure it is set to Yes.

If you cannot find the setting there, check in the following location:

  • Start
  • Control Panel
  • System
  • Device Manager
  • OK to UAC
  • Locate your network card, right-click and go to Properties
  • Go to the Power Management tab
  • Tick "Allow this device to wake the computer"
  • Ensure that "Only allow management stations to wake the computer" is un-checked
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