Turning off the computer with XP

I have Windows XP on my computer. What is the most horrible thing that can happen to my computer if I turn off my computer by pressing the power button on the computer and not clicking Start, Turn Off Computer, Turn Off? Also what is the percentage chance that this horrible thing will happen if I simply turn off the computer by pressing the power button? Thank you very much. abm

 

I have an HP desktop running XP SP2 and I turn it off frequently by holding in the power buttion. In the BIOS this is an option that is usually set on.
Nothing has ever happened to my computer and this is good way to turn it off if my computer is frozen. If you do not like to hold in the power button, pull out the electric cord

 

To Steve R. Jones

To Steve R. Jones: You said you are curious as to why I would want to do this. Bacause I would have to wait about 45-50 seconds before I could turn my computer off. This wait is a pain in the neck. I could turn off my radio or television set instantly. Why should I not be able to do this with my computer? abm

 

It you want to shut down a little faster, but not by much,
hit the windows key (next to Ctrl and Alt) and hit UUU.
That’s how I do it
Sven

 

Hi abm

What you should be doing is cleanups and trimming unneeded services and/or determine if you have a shutdown issues.

You have been lucky to this point because XP is so mature and improved and more fault tolerant since it inception!

Keep hitting the power button and here is one of the senarios that will rear its ugly head sooner or later! And it will be at the most inopportune time when you really need the computer!

1. Perhaps the least but so so painfull if it gets that important email or document or photo.

You boot up need them they are gone!!

2. Some unknown system files are damaged!

Most everything works but you have these starnge errors or somthing that worked yesterday don't today! Whats wrong with my crappy IE7?

3. And the one that is most fun of all!

The old Black screem message!

Cannot find windows\system32\config\system

Meaning your finger on the power button has just blown your REGISTRY!

Now here is what you should do in the order presented!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

D/L install and run ATF-Cleaner clear all except passwords in all browsers you have. Run repeatedly until no more found.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/ATF_Cleaner_d4949.html

D/L and install CCleaner: Clean temps and registry. Run both (temp and registry) repeatedly until no more found.

http://www.ccleaner.com/download/bui...wnloading-slim
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clean and update Java
Cleanup old Java and update to newest version this program will do it all for you.

Download JavaRa http://prm753.bchea.org/JavaRa.html

Unzip it, run it, cleanup old versions then use the update, chose Jucheck first and if you do not have Jucheck then chose Update using Sun..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

In services stop and disable all of the below just to get them out of the way for now for trouble shooting purposes.

Nothing is un-installed or deleted only disabled from running!

They can be put back anytime later but I would not, as none of them are needed by most home users and very few business users. Basically stuff M$ thought you should have.

Disabled uses no memory (RAM) and no CPU cycles.
Manual uses the RAM but a small amount of CPU, they use even more RAM and CPU if Auto and not started, and even more if Auto and started..

Now in this case we disabling for trouble shooting purposes. But when we finish if you leave them all off until it is noticed that you need one (not likely for 99%) then it can be enabled.

Leaving these all off, then becomes a performance tweak/boost as they free some RAM and CPU cycles! Special note. If you are going to pick and choose then be aware that the small amount of RAM and CPU cycles of each one individually is not significant but as a group it is! So if you need most of them (or just think you do because you don't) then just as well enable them all)!

DNS Client
Fast User switching
Indexing service
Messenger
Net logon
Net.TCP Port Sharing
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
IPsec services
QoS RSVP
Remote Registry
Uninterruptable power supply
Universal Plug and play
Web Client
Windows media player Network Sharing

IF you are using a wired network card and "NOT" using wireless on this computer then you can
also disable

Wireless Zero configuration

This is only used on computers with a wireless NIC like a Laptop. Do not disable Wireless Zero configuration on a Laptop. Has nothing to do with other wireless hardware like wireless routers etc.

In short if this computer has a CAT 5 or 6 cable and no ability to connect wirelessly if that cable is unplugged, then you can disable Wireless Zero configuration.

This is not to be confused with Wired Auto Config do not disable that!

Mike

EDIT: Also beaware that Virus's and Malware can also effect Shutdown and Bootup time!

 

To mflynn

To mflynn: If I go to Control Panel, Power Options, Advanced Tab, and where it says "When I press the power button on my computer ", set it for "Shut down ". Then could I press the power button to shut down my computer without doing any damage to my computer? Thank you. abm

 

The better question is why do you have to wait for it to shutdown. Once you hit Shutdown from the Start menu just turn off the monitor and leave.

 

My thoughts also Whiskey man!

abm yes that would be ok and a good way to do it as it will start the same shutdown process. But at least you would not have an abnormal abort of the shutdown process. But you will still have the same 40 seconds!

If you have a delay by clicking Shutdown then it will have the same delay by using the power button feature, it still has to perform the same shutdown process, close the same files alto you save a couple of mouse clicks!

If it shuts down much faster this way then you may have a power management issue?

Mike

 

Nothing much will happen. XP will check program files when you turn it back on. I have done it a lot.

 

Okee dokeey!

Mike

 

Hi abm, why do you have to watch your Comp shut down? I have just timed my comp shut down which was 25 seconds. What I normally do is close any programs that I was using and click Start>Turnoff Computer>Shutdown>then walkaway and leave it. I certainly don't stand around timing how long it takes to stop.
Mike and Whiskeyman, I agree it would be more prudent to reduce the amount of work needed to close off the operating services.
I agree that when the comp freezes, the only option is to hold in the start button or press the restart button, but only understanding that "you may lose data ". XP is robust enough, but pushing the packet too often may present a major problem when least expected. Neil.

Just to illustrate what can happen with irregular/abnormal shutdown, 15 minutes after my post we had a power outage. It was 2 hours before power was reinstated and when I switched my computer back on, the mouse would not work. I switched off the computer in the normal manner and restarted it. Still no mouse operation. Because it's USB, I unplugged it and then replugged it and fortunately all is well again. I, personally will use the recommended shut down procedure and obviate any of these unheralded problems. Neil.