Hidden Secret Trick to Exit Explorer Using Shut Down Dialog Box in Windows
UPDATE: This hidden secret method can also be used in all Windows versions. You just need to open classic shutdown dialog box. Click on Desktop or Taskbar and press Alt+F4 keys together. It’ll show classic shutdown dialog box. Now press Ctrl+Alt+Shift keys together and click on Cancel button as mentioned in step 1. Thanks to our reader “looeee” for this tip…
Many times we install a software, shell extension which requires a restart. Sometimes logging off or end task of Explorer does the job and we don’t need to restart the whole system. We usually End task of Explorer using Task Manager but Windows XP provides a lot easier way to Exit Explorer which is better than using Task Manager to forcefully End task of Explorer.
Its a hidden option in Windows XP. Do as following to close Explorer cleanly and safely:
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1. Click on Start Menu and then click on Shutdown button. It’ll show shutdown dialog box as following:
Now press “Ctrl“, “Alt” and “Shift” keys and click on “Cancel” button. It’ll close the Explorer.
2. To get the Explorer back, press “Ctrl+Shift+Esc” keys and it’ll open Task Manager. Now click on “File -> New Task (Run…)” option.
3. Type explorer in the text box and click on OK button:
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4. That’s it. Windows Explorer will be back.
This method is much safe and has been recommended by Microsoft itself.
Also Check:
Or alternatively … (and VG I think you’ll like this)
click once on the taskbar, then ALT-F4 to bring up the “Shut Down Windows” dialog
hold down CTRL-SHIFT-ALT and click on cancel
works on all versions of windows