How to shut down windows?

[JuddWack]

First of all hello everyone.  Ive been gone for awhile but I just got my cab up and running.  

Basically I need some ideas on how to shut windows down properly.  I believe I am running Windows XP.  Here are the details on my cab to help you out.

2 x 8way sticks
about 20 buttons wired into an IPAC
no track ball
no room for more switches

I was thinking a program that will emulate a mouse movement with 4 keyboard buttons and then 3 more for the mouse buttons.  This would also solve small buggy problems that happen in mame if you need a mouse.  thanks

[Goz]

Might not be exactly what you want, but some front end packages like ArcadeFX have options to drop to OS, Shut Down, or Reboot. You could select it via joystick and player 1's button1.

If this isn't what you want, it wouldn't be too much trouble to code something or to set up a key'd macro to start the shutdown process.

you could also create a shortcut with the following command:

for XP:     SHUTDOWN -s -t 01
for Win9X: C:\windows\rundll.exe user.exe,exitwindows

Hope this helps,

[APFelon]

If you use MAMEWAH, there is an option to shut down the OS when you quit the front end... or you can set it to option so you have your choice, all controled by the joystick/botton panel. Kinda slick.

APf

[GamingGreg]

With most modern PCs, you can shutdown by holding the power button for a second or two. That will start a shutdown sequence.  If you hold it down for about 5-6 seconds, it will cut the power (needed if the OS is frozen).

If you've rigged up an arcade button (or the like) to power on your PC, then it's just as easy to shutdown.  That's what I did on my cabinet.  If not, then you'll need a solution like the one mention previously.

[mrhowell]

You can try a program called DEEPFREEZE.  With it loaded, you can just pull the power cord or turn off your power strip.  When you turn power back on, windows will start normally, no scandisk.  www.deepfreezeusa.com

[Minwah]

With most modern PCs, you can shutdown by holding the power button for a second or two. That will start a shutdown sequence.  If you hold it down for about 5-6 seconds, it will cut the power (needed if the OS is frozen).

If you've rigged up an arcade button (or the like) to power on your PC, then it's just as easy to shutdown.  That's what I did on my cabinet.  If not, then you'll need a solution like the one mention previously.

That's the way I'm going to do it on my cab, But failing that many cab-friendly FE's have the shut-down feature as APFelon said

[JustMichael]

If running a version of Win98, just open C:\MSDOS.SYS with Notepad and change AutoScan=1 to AutoScan=0 and then save the file.  This keeps scandisk from automatically running.

[JuddWack]

Well these are some great suggestions.  Let me clarify one thing though.  The problem is not that scan disk is running, because its not.  My brother and dad tell me that if you dont shut windows down properly then temperary files are piled up in a windows folder.  They say that after many times of just cutting the power to the computer (The power supply is rigged to a light switch)  then the files will slow the computer, cause problems, and eventually crash.

I may wire the mother boards power button to the button i use to escape a game.  THat way to escape you tap it and to turn it off you hold it.