How to Handle a PC Freeze
Don’t get locked down when your computer locks up. Escape the cold grip of a PC freeze.
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You Will Need
- PC
- Internet access (optional)
- Application watcher tool (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Launch Task Manager
Open the Task Manager to quit an unresponsive application or process by pressing the Control, Alt, and Delete keys, or by right-clicking an empty space on the taskbar and then selecting Task Manager.
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Look for the words "Not Responding" next to the frozen application or process in the Task Manager.
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Step 2
Quit unresponsive application
Select the unresponsive application and click End Task to quit.
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Step 3
End processes
Click the processes tab, select the process, and click End Process to quit any processes that are frozen or taking up too much memory.
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Download an application watcher tool that shuts down bad processes before they crash.
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Step 4
Shut down
Shut down the computer if freeze problems persist. Press and hold the power button until the computer shuts off.
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Step 5
Restart
Restart the computer and reopen your applications to make sure the freeze problem has been resolved.
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In 1988, Robert T. Morris, a graduate student at Cornell, unleashed the first widely known computer "worm."
