Microsoft Hot-Fix Aims at Improving Battery Life

James Kendrick uncovered some info on a Microsoft Hot-Fix (KB article 918005) that was released back in May, aimed at improving battery life. Apparently some portable computers running XP with SP2 may have a problem with improper handling of USB ports that decreases battery life. Here’s what Microsoft’s site says:

CAUSE
This problem may occur if one of the following conditions is true:

 • The portable computer cannot enter the deeper Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) processor idle sleep states.

This occurs when the USB 2.0 driver leaves the asynchronous scheduler component running continuously. This prevents the processor from entering the deeper ACPI processor idle sleep states, or C-states. C-states save power when the processor is not busy. These states range from C0 to C3 or C4. Typically, an idle portable computer uses the C3 and C4 states to preserve battery power. If an idle portable computer cannot enter or maintain the C3 or C4 states, the battery power drains more quickly. This problem is fixed by installing the download that is available in this article.

• The USB host controller is unable to turn off.

This typically occurs when devices are removed from a nested USB hub that is attached to the host controller. The host controller does not recognize the device removal. Therefore, the controller is never turned off. This prevents the processor from entering the ACPI processor idle sleep states. This problem is not fixed by installing the download that is available in this article.

• The USB host controller uses the periodic scheduler for USB 2.0 devices.

This typically occurs when devices that rely on the periodic scheduler are attached to the host controller. These may be isochronous (Isoch) devices such as audio devices. Alternatively, they may be interrupt devices such as mouse or keyboard. This problem is not fixed by installing the download that is available in this article. 

Note: Various factors can affect the battery life of different portable computers that use different types of batteries. Therefore, you may not notice any improvement in battery life after you apply this update.

Here’s the link to the Hot-Fix. I’d be curious to hear reports from any user who has executed the hot-fix to see if there was any improvement in battery life. Let us know.