Are you using Citrix’s (free) XenServer and would you like it to shutdown its vm‘s (virtual machines) (was well as the Xen host itself, of course) after the light has gone out in your server room? Article Citrix Knowledge Base article CX119910 Citrixdescribes how to do this. Mind you: You need a Windows Server with APC PowerChute installed…

Make sure your Xen host is plugged in to the same UPS as one of your (physical) Windows Servers. Install Citrix’s management software (XenCenter) on this Windows Server. XenCenter contains a tiny program named xe.exe, which allow you to shutdown your vm’s and eventually your host. Write a batch file shutdown.cmd that your Windows Server executes after power blackout and Bobs your uncle!

Be aware: this shutdown.cmd file needs proper protection, as it contains paswords, necessary to shutdown the vm’s and the host!!

CTX119910 – How to Integrate XenServer and APC PowerChute – Citrix Knowledge Center