Free Windows XP Help - How To Properly Shut-Down WindowsXP and your PC

why would I need instructions to turn off my PC?

Well, one of the most common problems we see is people not properly turning-off their PC!

Not properly shutting-down your PC will not physically harm anything, but it can wreak havoc on Microsoft Windows XP causing software programs to crash, corrupted files on your hard drive and even making your PC to not boot-up (turn on) at all!
When you properly shut-down Windows (and then your PC) you give Windows a chance to 'clean house'; closing open system files and other housekeeping task that are necessary for Windows to run properly.

Proper Shut-Down Is Simple

First what NOT to do. Do not just 'pull the plug'! Pulling the plug, cutting the power, or flipping the switch to 'off' is the wrong way to turn off your computer!

A Proper Shut Down:

(depending on what version of Microsoft Windows you have, your screens may differ slightly)

• Exit/Close all programs that are running
• Press the START button
  

• Select Shut Down
• Select Turn Off
  

• After a few moments Windows will power-off your computer

  
  
  Note: Usually your computer will turn-off within seconds, but sometimes it can take longer. Be patient! pulling the plug too soon can corrupt Microsoft Windows!

  
  
  Windows How to Articles