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 Vista and 7 provide 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 Vista and 7. Do as following to close Explorer cleanly and safely:
1. Click on Startmenu. Now press "Ctrl" and "Shift" keys and right-click on empty area in startmenu as shown in following screenshot:

As you can see. You'll see a new option "Exit Explorer" which only appears when you use the Ctrl+Shift key combination.
2. Now click on "Exit Explorer" option and Windows will close the Explorer.
3. To get the Explorer back, press "Ctrl+Shift+Esc" keys and it'll open Task Manager. Now click on "File -> New Task (Run...)" option.

4. Type explorer in the text box and click on OK button:

5. That's it. Windows Explorer will be back.
This method is much safe and has been recommended by Microsoft itself.
This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows 7, Windows Vista.
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netbox
Very nice method to restart explorer. Thank you for sharing it to the world
rollcage
Cool man ... nice hidden trick, but I wish i dont have to use it often
Vishal Gupta Ki Jay
Regards
Kyle
PERFECT!!!!!
I DIDNT KNOW ABOUT THIS!!!!
road kill
Pressing windows key and r key simultaneously would speed up the process instead of press ctrl shift esc
road kill
Pressing windows key and r key simultaneously would speed up the process instead of press ctrl shift esc
nimd4
road kill, win key + "r" wouldn't work once the explorer had been closed, but only the 'hard-coded' keys like ctrl+alt+del and/or shift+ctrl+esc