Pesky PowerManager.exe process?

I've been using a Sony bluetooth mouse on my SZ460 with Vista Business preinstalled (because I was trying to keep unnecessary stuff like a cordless mouse dongle sticking out of my USB ports). But I noticed in ProcessManager that a PowerManager.exe process seems to be active much of the time and accumulates a lot of CPU time even while the machine is idle. This exe comes from the Sony SmartWi Connection Utility directory under Program Files.

I also noticed a couple times while trying to reboot that Vista tells me that PowerManager.exe is not stopping and asks if I want to kill it or cancel the eboot request. Since I normally only use my laptop while plugged in I stopped the PowerManager.exe process and didn't notice any difference (I only use my laptop while plugged in for now). I further disabled SmartWi from starting after boot via Windows Defender and still noticed no difference.

Does anyone else, particularly those using a bluetooth mouse with their builtin SZ bluetooth connection, notice a pesky PowerManager.exe process running rampant? What do you think I'll lose by disabling the SmartWi suite of software? I don't use Cingular WWAN and only use WiFi and Bluetooth right now.

Thanks.

 

I'm having the same problem. I would uninstall it, but the functionality of my Fn+F1 button is part of the software package. With that said, I don't want a process running that is constantly using on average 4 - 6 percent of my processor. I would like to find a way to prevent the powermanager.exe process from starting and keep my Fn+F1 function.

By disabling different startup commands in msconfig, I have determined that the same startup command is enabling the Fn+F1 ability and starting the powermanager.exe process.
C:\Program Files\Sony\SmartWi Connection Utility\SmartWiHelper.exe /WindowsStartup

I am able to end the process in Task Manager and still retain my Fn+F1 ability, so what I’m looking for is a way to start my Fn+F1 capability without starting powermanager.exe

 

I remove power manager.

And enable it when I go need to move with the notebook.

IMO PowerMGR.exe eats up needed RAM.

 

Thanks, that's probably what I'm going to do.

I did a little more playing and have found out that in order for the Fn+F1 key to work, the following three processes have to be running:
PowerManager.exe
SmartWiTogglet.exe
SmartWiToggletProxy.exe

If you only run “SmartWiTogglet.exe” and “SmartWiToggletProxy.exe” then the Fn+F1 screen comes up, but changes based on your selection are not made. It is only when you add “PowerManager.exe” that you get full working functionality.

 

Noob question: What the hell does FN+F1 do exactly? When I do that combo it brings up Microsoft Help and Support.

 

Well, in my case, I'm running Windows Vista and have the built-in WWAN. On my computer it is used to switch between the following choices:
WWAN
WLAN
Bluetooth
WWAN + Bluetooth
WLAN + Bluetooth

 

Sony drivers just aren't what they used to be. Way too much lameness. Are their software engineers idiots? I wonder if I can sell my Vaio and get one of those new MacBook Pros?

SmartWi.exe = 3.2mb
SmartWiTogglet.exe = 280k (NICE)
SmartWiToggletProxy.exe = 2mb (WTF, the proxy uses more than the togglet?)
PowerManager.exe = 5mb of memory and 10-25% cpu time

Not to mention the other stupid things that stop working or prevent me from rebooting. Microsoft is even worse for letting this $hit pass their quality controls.

 

I'm in the exact opposite position as you. I have a MacBook Pro and I can't wait to get rid of it for a Vaio.

OS X is great, but it has its share of problems. Software updates are known to break random things. After doing updates, I've had my iTunes library corrupted, kernel panics, and random stuff acting strange. And I'm not an isolated case.

The hardware has given me nothing but problems. The adapter is failing just after my warranty is running out, and if you look at the Apple store, you'll see that the adapter has 2/5 stars and tons of bad reviews. I had to send it in to get the display replaced and the new one looks craptastic with lots of dithering. Oh, and my wireless LAN disconnects randomly.

These are just my experiences, and I'm sure there are tons of people who have no problems at all. But it seems like most hardware/software vendors out there have the same problems across the board.

 

Has anyone else fixed this powermanager.exe problem? It's driving me crazy.

 

I will uninstall the smartwi and use VAIO Smart Network. My SZ480N is running cool and without those problematic background process.

 

here is a fixed powermanager.exe, just replace it in C:\Program Files\Sony\SmartWi Connection Utility

it used the cpu to "check" if the WWAN card is present, I dont know why sony would release such bad drivers

http://www.mediafire.com/?mxiba1zidzm


also posted here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=46237