How to Restart a Remote Workstation

In 1959, IBM created the first workstations to be used by scientists needing help with complex math problems. For many years, the cost of a workstation was much greater than a personal or home computer because of greater programming demands. Changes in computer technology have brought the traditional workstation and PC prices closer together. One of the best recent developments in workstations is the ability to access a workstation remotely. Workers have the ability to get all of the programs and information needed from the main computer through a network link with a workstation from almost anywhere in the world. Sometimes it is necessary to restart a Windows XP workstation.

Instructions

Restart a Remote Workstation with Method 1

1. Make sure the computer being used is connected with the workstation. The "Turn Off Computer" option should read "Disconnect" instead.

2. Select the remote desktop on the workstation.

3. Press down "Alt" and "F4" at the same time and release.

4. Choose the "Restart" option when the shut-down dialog box appears. You can also choose other common options for shutting down the machine.

5. Wait for the workstation to restart.

Restart a Remote Workstation with Method 2

1. Run the Task Manager on the workstation by pressing "Control," "Alt" and "Delete" at the same time. Try "Control," "Alt" and "End" at the same time as a second option.

2. Look through the list of system controls in the dialog box to find "Shut Down..."

3. Bring up the options for the workstation by clicking the "Shut Down..." button.

4. Select "Restart" under the available options for the workstation.

Restart a Remote Workstation with Method 3

1. Go to the command prompt by clicking "Start" and then "Run." Press the "Windows" key and "R" as a short cut to the command prompt.

2. Type "cmd" into the box and press the "Enter" key to execute the command. A new box should open with a black background, a list of the current file location and a blinking underscore.

3. Type "shutdown -r" on the command prompt line. The command should appear where the blinking underscore is located.

4. Add the name of the workstation you want to restart and press the "Enter" key.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you enter the various codes properly or the remote workstation will not recognize the commands. If there is a problem, check the commands for accuracy.

• You may want to restart a remote workstation to clear the memory for a labor-intensive program or to install program updates.

• You may need administrator privileges to use Method 3 to restart a remote workstation.

• These directions were developed for those using a Windows operating system.