Batch file to power off display

I read the other thread about reassigning the ThinkVantage button to do different things. I wanted to make a batch file that just powers off the display without locking the workstation. The only one I found includes locking the workstation which was using this:
@echo off
cd "C:\Program Files\ThinkPad\Utilities"
start PWMOSDV
rundll32 user32.dll, LockWorkStation
cls
but I wanted to just power off the display, making the ThinkVantage button act like a power button for monitors. I know I can just use Fn+F3 and click on power off display, but it would be nice to be able to do it with just one button. Anybody know the command? Thanks

 

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=49958

 

That link wasn't helpful at all, since it tells me what I already know. I was wondering if there is a specific command for powering off the display so that I can assign one button to turn off the display without putting it in lock.

 

I have a batch file that I use on my desktop workstation to power off my display. It is very helpful because I have 3 monitors and turning them on/off individually is a pain. I am reasonably confident that it does not lock the workstation and just puts the monitors in a low power state.

I will post detailed information about this batch file when I get home in about 3 hours (I don't have it on my work computer). I access it by bringing up a run command and typing 'monoff', but you could probably map it to the Thinkvantage button as well.

 

do tell. i'm interested in this as well.

 

I have attached the executable file that I use to turn off my monitors. I did not write it, but I have used it for several months without incident. I find that it works very well. You should be able to map the Thinkvantage button to this, or you can do what I do and launch it with the run command.

To do this, extract the file into System32 or another folder from which windows will accept run commands. Alternatively you can create a new folder with all your favorite shortcuts (named whatever you like) and add that folder to your environment variables (right click my computer, properties, advanced, environment variables). Create a new entry under 'Path' with the folder where you store all your shortcuts. This allows me to have a blank desktop and no quick launch bar while being able to launch any application in less than a second.

 

brilliant! + rep to jonlumpkin. may i also suggest you post a guide on your blank desktop? sounds like the kind of thing a lot of notebook geeks could get into.

 

I will post a guide on that as soon as I get time.

 

Thanks, the file you posted does exactly what I need it to do. Now my ThinkVantage button acts like a power off button for my display. This is what I put for the batch file:
@echo off
cd "C:\"
start MonOff.exe
cls

 

Glad it worked for you, I may try this myself. Do you have to do a clean install to remap the Thinkvantage button, or can you just uninstall a software package and/or change a registry key?

 

i just had to add the registry key. you need hotkeys installed. if the key is already there, i believe you just change it.

the key;

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\IBM\TPHOTKEY\8001]
"File"="C:\\Windows\\notepad.exe"

you can, of course, run something other than notepad.

 

Thanks, I will give that a try as soon as my x200 tablet arrives (fingers crossed for a Friday [31 Oct 2008] shipment).