How to Hibernate in Windows XP

A single keystroke reveals the hibernate option in Windows XP.

Hibernation mode on your Windows XP computer is similar to sleep mode -- both save energy when you aren't actively using your computer. When you set your computer to hibernate, it saves all of your active open files before shutting the computer down. The computer starts up more quickly from hibernation mode than when it is shut down, and it uses less energy when hibernating than when sleeping. The command to set your computer to hibernate isn't readily visible in Windows XP, but it's simple to activate.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP

1. Click on "Start."

2. Click "Turn Off Computer." You will see a dialog box with three options -- Standby, Turn Off or Restart.

3. Hold down the "Shift" key on your keyboard and "Standby" will switch to "Hibernate."

4. Click on "Hibernate" and your system will go into hibernation mode.

Tips & Warnings

• Simply press the "Power" button on your computer to exit hibernation mode.

• If your computer fails to come out of hibernation, press and hold the "Power" button for five seconds. That will shut it down. Press "Power" again to restart.

References

• Windows: Sleep and Hibernation -- Frequently Asked Questions