Tech Tuesdays Tuesday, September 11, 2001 Thawing a Frozen Computer

Frozen? Don’t Tug the Plug! Frozen Computer: When you are unable to type, move the cursor, close program, or do anything useful! Before you unplug, there are other less drastic measures!

For PCs: Try pressing the ALT and F4 keys at the same time. (seldom works) Nothing? Press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys at the same time. A window will pop up with all running programs. Look to see what program is highlighted (this is the problem one). Click End Task.

PCs continued: Usually that’s enough and you’ll see the program close and the desktop will reappear. Sometimes there will be a pause, then another window pops up and says that the program is not responding. It will ask if you want to wait or end task. Hit End Task.

PCs continued: If nothing is happening (after 5 seconds or so), you’re really frozen, kiddo! Push the power button on the CPU (the computer box). If the lights on the CPU do not turn off, press the button again and hold it down until they go out!

PCs continued: Sing the little teapot song once (20 seconds or more) before turning the CPU back on (the hard drive needs time to stop spinning before you restart). If you’re still frozen, unplug and replug.

Macs! If you get an error message that suggests you restart, save your work, close your programs, and restart. Frozen? Try Apple, Option, Escape. Nope? Turn the power off and turn back on after 5 seconds. Unplug as a last resort!

When to the Big Cheese If you’re frequently freezing, try to notice which programs or tasks cause the problem and The ICT Dept!

You Have Done It!! Don’t you feel warm and fuzzy now? Next week? Finding Things on your Computer!