How to Shut Down a "Frozen" Windows Computer

Computers sometimes "freeze," "crash" or just stop functioning. When this happens, you can shut down a "frozen" Windows computer and restart it so you can continue computing. These instructions are for Windows 98.

Instructions

• STEP 1: Try switching to other programs. If you can, try exiting just the one frozen program. (See the Related eHow "How to Exit a 'Frozen' Windows Program.")
• STEP 2: First, try accessing Shut Down from the Start menu. If you can do this, click on Restart. The computer will shut down and restart automatically. You should be prompted to save your work.
• STEP 3: If you cannot access the Start menu, use the keyboard command of Control+Alt+Delete. If this produces a window, click on Shut Down. If you do not get a window, use the Control+Alt+Delete command twice in succession. This should shut down the computer and restart it again.
• STEP 4: Alternatively, if your unit has a Restart button, you can push the Restart button instead of using the keyboard commands. When the computer restarts, it may perform diagnostic functions since the computer was not shut down correctly.
• STEP 5: If the above methods fail, shut off the computer from its main switch. Wait a few minutes and restart it manually. It may perform some diagnostic functions when starting.

Tips & Warnings

• Saving work frequently will minimize data losses caused by freezing.
• Whenever possible, close down all programs and shut down from the Start menu. The other procedures are best used only when the Start menu function won't work.