Windows 7 'Resume from Sleep' Issues when Lid Is Closed While the Computer Is in S3

Users of mobile computers running the latest iteration of the Windows client might come across problems with Windows 7 resuming from sleep mode if they closed the machine’s lid while it was asleep. According to Microsoft, this glitch only occurs on certain computers, but the Redmond company has failed to specify which machines exactly are impacted. In addition, it appears that Windows 7 is not the only platform affected, as similar problems were reported by users running Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 R2, or Windows Server 2008.

“You put the computer to sleep (S3) while the computer's lid is open. Then, you close the lid while the computer is asleep. Later, you open the lid to wake up the computer,” Microsoft explained. “In this scenario, the computer starts resuming. However, you only see a blank screen and a mouse pointer until you provide some user input. For example, this situation lasts until you press a key or click the mouse.”

Microsoft has not made available an update, or an automated fix for the issue described above. Most probably, because of the fact that only a limited number of users are affected, the problem will be dealt with in the next service pack for Windows 7. In the meanwhile, customers that have come across the glitch can grab a hotfix from Microsoft Support.

“Windows 7 hotfixes and Windows Server 2008 R2 hotfixes are included in the same packages. However, hotfixes on the Hotfix Request page are listed under both operating systems. To request the hotfix package that applies to one or both of these operating systems, select the hotfix that is listed under "Windows 7/Windows Server 2008 R2" on the page. Always refer to the "Applies To" section in articles to determine the actual operating system that each hotfix applies to,” the company added.