How to Resolve Program Crashes in Windows XP
- 1). When a program crashes, Windows XP will tell you about it in a pop-up. Click OK on the message window, as you cannot do anything about it. Next, restart Windows and try launch the program that you need again. If the program fails after relaunch, it is likely the files are damaged. In this case, you will need to reinstall the program software to your computer.
- 2). You can force Windows XP to stop the crashing application. Press CTRL + ALT + DEL to open the Windows Task Manager dialog window. Select the Applications tab on the dialog window. Look on the Applications tab, a troubled program will have the notation "Not Responding" under the Status column, while all programs that are working fine have the word "Running".
Select by highlighting the name of the crashing program (holding down your left-mouse key while dragging over the program name), and then click "End Task". The program should exit safely without damaging its file(s) or the XP's. - 3). Empty your recycle bin regularly. Computers tend to have software issues when their hard disks become full. Files awaiting for complete deletion in your recycle bin occupies space on your hard disk. Delete unneeded items in the recycle bin can help your PC use the XP operating system more efficiently.
- 4). If above methods don't work, press CTRL + ALT + DEL to bring up the Windows Task Manager. Choose Shut Down > Restart on the menu bar; this should safely shutdown and then restart your Windows XP.
- 5). Do not turn off your PC abruptly without performing article Steps. Sudden power loss, especially while PC's hard disk is spinning may do damage to the Windows software and other applications.
Now you know the safe way to exit Windows XP and solve a crashed program.
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