With Windows 95 most settings, preferences, options, etc are store in two
files called the "registry".  The registry files are system.dat and
user.dat and are usually found in the c:\windows directory.  When you make
a change to the software, the change is made to the registry files, BUT not
to the copy of the entry in memory.  In order to reload the registry into
memory in is often necessary to restart either the application or the
system depending upon which is changed.

There are two basic restarts available on a computer commonly called cold
and warm.  A cold boot re-initializes all memory locations because power
has been lost and then retored.  A warm boot may or may not re-initialize
memory.

The power switch is the only way to perform a cold boot.  With this option
any data, options or preferences located in main memory, video memory or
any memory on any add-on card is reset.  The reason to wait a few seconds
with this option is to avoid strain on the hard drive motor from power-off
and then power on. Also to insure that all boards have completely lost
power and are reset.  For example, if you modem is acting flaky a warm boot
will not reset the modem as the modem will remember the previous settings,
but a cold boot will erase them.

The Ctl-Alt-Del combo brings up the end-task screen where you can shut down
one application at a time.  Pressing Ctl-Alt-Del a second time will reboot
the system.

The reset button basically is the same as Ctl-Alt-Del, 2X and always works,
where occasionally the system is so hung up Ctl-Alt-Del does nothing.

Mostly it is the personal preference of the tech you are talking to versus
a real need to reset everything.

At 07:49 PM 2/25/98 -0600, you wrote:
>When I talk to someone from tech support, and they tell me to change
>something ,they usually say I have to restart the computer. They say to
>press the reset button ,sometimes press alt-ctrl-del twice and sometimes
>they say it has to be a complete shut down for ten seconds (or more).
>Can someone explain the difference between the three  restart methods
>and why one would be better (or necessary) in any given circumstances.
>Bill Hornkohl    [log in to unmask]
>
>
Roy G. Schriftman, MS-Mathematics, MBA-Finance
Office 215-596-8935 - Whitecar 210-L
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