Hidden Trick to Exit Windows Explorer Using Shutdown Dialog Box in Windows XP

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:

1. Click on Startmenu 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:

4. That's it. Windows Explorer will be back.

This method is much safe and has been recommended by Microsoft itself.

If you are using Windows Vista or Server 2008, then you can use following tutorial to safely and cleanly close Windows Explorer:

Hidden Trick to Exit Windows Explorer Using Start Menu in Windows Vista and Server 2008

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This article was posted in Windows XP.

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13 Comments

Velociraptor

easiest way with .bat

@echo off
taskkill /f /IM explorer.exe
explorer.exe
MAGNUMHEART

I HAVE A SUGGESTION...

Y DONT U OPEN TASK MANAGER

then on the PROCESSES tab.

look for EXPLORER.EXE

then right-click on the item

then click on END PROCESS

that's it! simply. ryt??
Cypress Grafix

Fun tip. Sometimes a login profile can become corrupt and methods like this are the only way to regain control and address them. I find it as easy to open Windows Task Manager first and end Explorer process from there given you must eventually bring it up to enter the New Task.

But it's fun to learn all the keyboard shortcuts and hidden mouse clicks, I suppose.

Just FYI, if you realize that not all your Startup applications are present in the new instance of Explorer, or don't match what you may be managing with a startup utility like MsConfig, Autoruns, Startup Control Panel, Tuneup Utilities, Spybot, TweakUI, etc.

Registered services in Windows may reload just fine but simple applications launched from your All Programs/Startup folder or customized registry "Run" keys may be missing from memory or System Tray. Only restarting the computer will load some of those applications properly.