the desk won't go all the way down to the lowest setting anymore, stops about 2 inches high.

Diagnosis

The SHW Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk utilizes a digital encoder system within the lifting columns to track the exact position of the motor. When the desk stops prematurely—specifically about 2 inches above the physical bottom limit—it is almost always due to a "positional drift" or a corrupted memory state in the control box. This occurs when the internal logic believes the desk has reached its minimum height based on the number of motor rotations, even though the mechanical frame has not yet reached the floor. This issue is frequently triggered by uneven weight distribution on the desktop or a momentary power surge that causes the control board to lose its zero-point calibration. To confirm this is a software/calibration issue rather than a mechanical obstruction, check the underside of the desk for any loose cables or cable management trays that might be physically blocking the column's descent. If there is no physical obstruction and the motor continues to hum for a split second after stopping, the control box is simply terminating the cycle based on an incorrect internal height value.

How to Fix It

To resolve this, you must perform a Hard System Reset to force the control box to rediscover the mechanical bottom limit. Follow these exact steps:

1. Clear the area beneath the desk completely. Ensure there are no chairs, trash cans, or cable bundles that could interfere with the descent.
2. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet to completely discharge the capacitors in the control box.
3. Press and hold the "Down" arrow button on the digital keypad. Do not release this button.
4. While continuing to hold the "Down" button, plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
5. Continue holding the "Down" button for exactly 10 to 15 seconds. You will likely hear the desk "jerk" or dip slightly; this is the motor engaging to find the bottom dead-center.
6. Release the button only after the desk has reached its absolute lowest point and the display shows the minimum height (typically around 28 inches depending on your specific SHW model).
7. Slowly raise the desk to your preferred standing height to ensure the encoder is now tracking the full range of motion correctly.

If That Didn't Work

• Check for Cable Interference: Inspect the thick power cables running from the control box to the motor in the legs. If a cable has sagged or shifted, it can create tension that mimics a "bottom out" signal to the sensor. Use the provided zip ties to ensure cables have enough slack to move but aren't hanging low enough to be pinched during descent.
• Inspect the Leveling Feet: If the desk is on a thick carpet, the leveling feet may be sinking unevenly. If one leg is lower than the others, the control box may trigger a safety stop to prevent the frame from twisting. Rotate the leveling feet clockwise to ensure they are firmly seated and the desk is perfectly level using a bubble level on the desktop.
• Test for Weight Imbalance: If you have a heavy PC tower or a monitor arm mounted on one far side, the motor may struggle with the asymmetric load, causing a premature stop. Shift all heavy equipment to the center of the desk and attempt the reset process again to see if the desk descends further.
• Verify the Control Box Connections: Unplug the motor cables (the wires connecting the legs to the black control box) and plug them back in firmly. A loose connection in the motor lead can cause intermittent signal loss, leading the computer to think it has hit the limit when it hasn't.

Heads Up

• Avoid "Over-Driving" the Desk: Never force the desk down manually or put excessive pressure on the top while the motor is moving; this can strip the internal gears and permanently alter the calibration.
• Weight Distribution: For maximum longevity of the lifting columns, try to keep your heavy equipment (CPUs, printers) centered. Side-loading the desk causes the legs to tilt slightly, which leads to the calibration drift you experienced.
• Power Cycle: If the desk behaves erratically after a power outage, always perform the "Down button reset" before attempting to raise the desk to avoid damaging the motor.
• Cleaning: Periodically wipe the inner columns with a dry cloth to remove dust. Debris buildup in the sliding mechanism can increase friction, which the control box may interpret as hitting a physical limit.