As i mentioned, i can't use a script for a shutdown sequence. I need to rely on the bios to turn the PC on once mains power is restored. If i shut down the PC using any traditional method, be it shutting down via the start menu or through a script then there's no way i can turn the PC back on in its current state and configuration inside of the cabinet. Not to sound like an ass or singling out anyone but not being able to use this feature properly basically negates the need to even use attract mode for me.
This isn't accurate. If the BIOS is set to boot when power is restored, it doesn't matter how the computer was shutdown as long as the power is removed and then reapplied. If the BIOS is set to return power to previous operation, then it won't boot if it was shutdown properly before the power loss. Check your BIOS setting and make sure you're using the correct option.
Other tips include...
- Making the attract.am and/or attract.cfg read only or run a script to replace the attract.am and/or attract.cfg on boot with a good copy.
- Schedule a proper timed shutdown and then the BIOS to boot when power is lost and restored
- Use another computer on the network to issue the shutdown, then use another computer on the network to boot the machine using a "magic packet" over ethernet on boot.
- Create a read only OS via HD, SSD, USB, CD, DVD, etc. that will always remain static.
- Use a different OS that is more flexible for you needs.
- Plug the machine into a different outlet and run it 24/7. If this costs too much consider a $40 Raspberry Pi and you'll be saving money on less power use in the first year or two versus your Windows machine. A Pi uses less than $5 a year (on 24/7) and your old PC likely uses ten times more than that.
- Instead of booting AM, boot a script that just runs the game you want and then runs AM when you exit the game.
Example of script
C:\MAME\mame.exe pacman
C:\AttractMode\attract.exe -c C:\AttractMode
I think there are many options to overcome your issue but you need to be creative and look beyond attract-mode only solutions. Pulling the power cord on a computer isn't best practice for any computer that runs an OS that isn't designed to do so.