BHG Articles

Does your PC computer need to be rebooted? The science of proper computer reboot is not that easy - you don’t just press the power button to turn off your laptop.

To restart your computer the right way - and to avoid serious operating system foulups and registry problems that could cause major headaches, read this article. I’ll provide five steps to properly reboot any PC or Mac computer without damages to apps.

Sometimes even a slowly running computer needs reboot to speed it up!

Step 1. Shut down and save programs

If your computer isn’t frozen up, make sure to close and save all programs and data. When computers reboot, they automatically dump and delete short-term memory. This means that any Microsoft Office document that you were working on will be deleted unless you SAVE IT.

Step 2. Make sure there are no running processes

If there are running scripts like a hard drive defragment or system restore, these actions could be terminated and cause major damage to both the software installed itself as well as any files associated.

Step 3. Do a “soft PC reboot” through the Start Menu

I’m talking only to Windows OS users now, but the same general logic applies to Apple Macbook users too. Find the Shutdown options, and click “Restart”.

Step 4. If that doesn’t work, do a hard PC reboot

This is when all else fails and your PC laptop freezes or a soft reboot “Restart” isn’t working. Find your power button, and hold it down. Don’t let go! That’s key - hold it down until your monitor shuts down (usually in 5-10 seconds).

Your PC computer has been made to power down - what’s known as a hard reboot. This can cause major data loss and in the wrong circumstances, corrupt applications and operating system files.

Step 5. Once your computer has restarted/rebooted

Do a check of major programs that load on rebooting. These are the first to get messy during rebooting procedures. Remember, proper rebooting eliminates the need to buy cheap computer repair parts!