What do I do if my computer locks up?

If at a Windows NT or Windows 2000 computer, follow these steps.

  1. Press and hold down the Ctrl, Alt and Delete keys on your keyboard.

  2. You will get a screen with the following options:

    • Lock Computer
    • Log Off
    • Shut Down
    • Change Password
    • Task Manager
    • Cancel

     

  3. Select "Task Manager" (see the screen below).

Under the Applications Tab, you will see a list of all the programs running on your workstation. To the right of each task, Task Manager displays the status of each task. Look for a task with a status of "Not Responding" -- this task is the one that has your machine locked up. Any task with the Status of "Running" is working fine.

Select the application that is "Not Responding" then click the button labeled "End Task". You may receive a warning box asking you to confirm that you really want to end this task. Click "End Now" to close the application.

WARNING: YOU WILL LOSE ANY UNSAVED WORK IN THIS APPLICATION!