Summary

Windows Vista's shutdown.exe console tool includes the ability to put the system into hibernate mode. This utility can now be used to place the system into hibernate mode using a script or a shortcut.

Hibernate using command-line / desktop shortcut

Although the Start menu contains the menu option to put the system into Hibernate mode, you may still need a command-line tool sometimes. To create a hibernate shortcut, follow these steps:

• Right-click on a blank area in the Desktop
• Click New and select Shortcut
• In the Type the location of the item text box, type shutdown.exe /h
• In the Type a name for this shortcut, type Hibernate, and click Finish

Optionally, you may move the newly created shortcut to the Quick Launch area for easy accessibility. You may also create a keyboard hotkey to that shortcut.