How to Shut Down Windows XP

There are numerous ways to shut down Windows XP besides the boring old "Start" button method. Try some of these techniques to shut down Windows XP faster or to turn off your computer when a hanging application is keeping it from shutting down normally.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Click the Windows "Start" button. Choose "Turn Off Computer" from the bottom of the window. On the next screen, select "Turn Off."

2. Hit the "Ctrl" and "Esc" keys simultaneously. Press the "U" button twice.

3. Press the Windows button on a Windows keyboard. It has the Windows logo on it and is labeled "start." Hit the "U" button twice.

4. Touch the "Ctrl," "Alt" and "Delete" keys simultaneously. Choose "Shut Down" and "Turn Off" from the menu.

5. Right-click on a blank area of your Desktop. Select "New" and "Shortcut." In the location box, type "shutdown -s." Name the shortcut "shutdown." Save it to your desktop or task bar. Double-click it to shut down the computer.

6. Go to "Start," "Settings" and "Control Panel." Double-click "Power Options." Click the "Advanced" tab. In the "When I press the power button on my computer" drop-down box, choose "Shut Down." From now on when you hit your power button, Windows will automatically go through the shutdown process.

7. Push the "Start" button, select "Run" and type "cmd" in the box. At the prompt, type "shutdown /?" to display a list of shutdown command options. Type in "shutdown /" followed by the argument you want to run. To force quit running applications, use "-f." Use "-t" followed by the time in seconds for a timed shutdown.