Recovering From a Computer Freeze

Note on an institutional network, these may not work - see the administrator.

Safe Mode

Try any or all of the following.

1. Tap the Esc key (in upper left corner of keyboard)
2. Tap the Enter key a few times
3. Try to change to another program.

If all those fail, you need to use the task manager. To do this tap and hold down in this order, the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys (known as the 3 finger salute), and release all 3 together. What you will see depends on your version of Windows. In any case, be sure that the Applications button is selected.

1. Highlight the offending program and click "End Task."
2. Be patient! You may have to click End task again.
3. Cancel Windows time consuming box telling you they are looking for a solution. They can't and won't find one.

If after a time nothing works, you will need to power down the computer. To do this press the Power On button and hold it down until the computer powers down. This will not occur instantaneously!

Let the computer stay off for at least 30 seconds before again turning it on. When you again turn it on, it will probably ask you if you wish to start in Safe Mode. If you think the problem was just one program, change to regular mode. If, however, you think there might be a deeper problem select Safe Mode. More information on Safe Mode.

 

Created October 21, 2011