win8.1 Prevent Windows from coming back online following a hard reboot

[CPressland]

Hey Guys,

 

I've recently setup a Windows 8.1 box for somebody who has a nasty habit of hitting the reset button whenever they lose their patience - unfortunately the tried and tested method of saying 'Stop doing that' isn't working and I've spent more time repairing the machine than I am willing to at this point.

 

As such I want to implement something that will prevent the machine from coming back online following a Hard Reset. If nothing exists, I'll make something. I guess even a policy that will force an extensive CHKDSK scan or something.

 

Anyway - probably a long shot. Just want to 'educate' that hitting the reboot button isn't something you should be doing.

 

Next stop > unplugging the reboot jumper from the board I guess.

 

Thanks,

Chris Pressland

[Brandon H Supervisor]

Next stop > unplugging the reboot jumper from the board I guess.

that was actually gonna be my suggestion after reading through the first part of your post :p

[sagum]

I'd be more inclined to create a automated reinstall disc and just give them that to wipe and install windows every time something goes wrong. If they save their files to OneDrive, they'll not lose anything apart from time reinstalling their programs and apps (Windows is nice enough to save them on their start screen).

[Brandon H Supervisor]

in all honesty I would explain 1 more time that hard reseting causes more problems than it solves and give him a final warning that you won't continue to repair his computer if he corrupts it again from hard resetting

[zhangm Supervisor]

Hey Guys,

 

I've recently setup a Windows 8.1 box for somebody who has a nasty habit of hitting the reset button whenever they lose their patience - unfortunately the tried and tested method of saying 'Stop doing that' isn't working and I've spent more time repairing the machine than I am willing to at this point.

 

As such I want to implement something that will prevent the machine from coming back online following a Hard Reset. If nothing exists, I'll make something. I guess even a policy that will force an extensive CHKDSK scan or something.

 

Anyway - probably a long shot. Just want to 'educate' that hitting the reboot button isn't something you should be doing.

 

Next stop > unplugging the reboot jumper from the board I guess.

 

Thanks,

Chris Pressland

 

It sounds to me like this person's problem is lack of patience and self-control, and there might be some software issue that contributes to this. Making the computer "break" after a hard reset will do nothing to alleviate either of these problems, and if anything, it will make them even more prone to becoming uncontrollably frustrated with technology (and possibly cause more damage to the hardware).

 

I think the best solution is to try and understand whether the computer is doing something specific that causes this frustration, and resolving that if possible. In addition, explain why hard-resetting is bad for the computer one last time, and refuse to keep assisting them, because they're at fault for breaking the machine. If this is an on-the-job support situation, then refusal of support might not be an option, but damage to data and productivity is definitely something to discuss with the user's higher-ups, who might be able to explain the situation to this person, with a bigger stick.

[DavidM]

It sounds to me like this person's problem is lack of patience and self-control, and there might be some software issue that contributes to this. Making the computer "break" after a hard reset will do nothing to alleviate either of these problems, and if anything, it will make them even more prone to becoming uncontrollably frustrated with technology (and possibly cause more damage to the hardware).

 

Same, I'd hook up a 120v lead to the reset button, if they have a weak heart you will never have to remind them again...

 

Honestly, there is nothing you can do for this person, they don't care if they waste your time and energy. If it was me, I'd continue to fix their "problems", but they would ALWAYS be the last thing I did on Friday. Maybe if they have to wait a week as a result of their own temper they might stop, but I'm guessing no.

[CPressland]

Thanks Guys, some good feedback here. Thankfully it's not a work related scenario so refusing support is indeed an option here.

 

I've also confirmed it's not a Software issue - it's definitely a PLEBKAC issue. While I won't go into raw detail as to what the end user is doing, it's become a daily event. I use an Asset Management tool to log the number of unexpected reboot events in the Event Viewer and we're up to ten today. Either way, I think a bit of Anger Management is what this individual needs. I'll begin by refusing support and move back to assisting over time, I've got bigger fish to fry than those who can't be bothered to look after equipment they've spent money on.

 

Anyway - thanks, I won't go the 'lock that ###### down' route.

[Brandon H Supervisor]

oh wow, yeah that would definitely have a toll on the hardware hard resetting that much

[mduren2445]

hmmm I would make them pay for your time....fix it one last time and then tell them 'You do that again it will cost you $500 to get it repaired" and make them pay you before you touch it again.  You will be surprised how much money talks and people listen.