Windows Tip

[Crip]

A 'No Reboot' Trick To Unfreeze A Frozen Computer
AKA "Unfreeze With Ease" Windows XP (all versions)

Wanna know a little trick you can use to save yourself when you're in a situation that seems to have only one solution? You know, when your computer completely freezes up and the only thing left to do is to resort to shutting off your computer at the switch and turning it back on.

Lots of things wrong with doing that  however I must say the consequences of that are not as bad in Windows XP as they were in Windows 95, 98 or ME - with those operating systems -shutting off your computer at the switch was like playing Russian Roulette - you never knew if your computer would start up again or simply die on the spot. "Those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end ..." OK I'll stop singing and get back to business, sorry :-)

Even with Windows XP shutting your computer off at the switch and then turning it back on should be done only when you have no other option. Some bad things can happen although seldom does it result in catastrophe. Just being honest

Shutting your computer off at the switch and then turning it back on will certainly unfreeze your computer - and it certainly may result in some Windows problems too. Plus - you'll lose any current documents you're working on. And face it, restarting this way takes some time...especially if your computer's getting older and you've installed lots and lots of software,  restarting this way can take a long time (well relatively speaking) - know what I mean?

So, here's a really nifty trick that has bailed us out more than a few times - you might want to memorize this one because someday you're going to need it.

If you're ever working in Windows and suddenly everything freezes, don't panic. Don't hit the "Off" button. Don't take a chance on losing your work. Try this:

1. Press the "CTRL" "ALT" "DELETE" keys in sequence
2. Task Manager Appears
3. Click The "Processes" Tab
4. Find any and all instances of "Explorer.exe" and close them all by right-clicking and choosing "End Process"
5. If you've done this successfully your taskbar will disappear - don't worry - that's what you want.
6. Now, while you're still in Task Manager, click "File" "New task" and type in "explorer.exe" (without the quotes)
7. Your taskbar should now reappear and your computer that was frozen should now be ready to go

This trick will work most of the time - but not always. Sometimes you cannot even use your CTRL - ALT -DELETE keys. If this happens you'll just have to shut 'er down. And, then restart. 

[copter]

lool thnx or eject the cd drives that tends to do the trick for me

[Dazed]

Well, usually when I get to that point...well... it is the dreaded BSOD. With windows, save save save. Nice bit of information though.

[Crip]

lool thnx or eject the cd drives that tends to do the trick for me

Yes, I remember that one..Lol..

[PhilH]

Thansk for the tip crip.

Last time my machne froze I just kicked it a couple of times..... the new one works great.

[rebelrose]

Thansk for the tip crip.

Last time my machne froze I just kicked it a couple of times..... the new one works great.

@ Phil

[An_Old_Girl]

I hate to say it, but I am looking forward to the next time this happens so I can try this trick! 

[akulion]

thanks :up: its a good trick to know :up: