Tech Tips

Hibernate Your Computer

Question: Is there a way to save the programs and files I have open when I turn my computer off?

Answer: In Windows 2000 and Windows XP, Microsoft provides a feature called "Hibernate." Hibernating your computer is similar to shutting it down, except that Windows saves a record of all the files and programs you had open before it shuts down. When you start your computer back up after hibernating, the files and programs you had open will also be restored. And as an added bonus, starting up after hibernating is faster than a normal startup.

To hibernate your computer with Windows XP, click on your "Start" button and then click "Shut Down." When the shutdown options appear, press and hold the "Shift" key on your keyboard. The option on the far left - "Standby" - should change to the word "Hibernate." Continue holding down the Shift key and press the "Hibernate" button.

To hibernate your computer with Windows 2000, click on your "Start" button and then click "Shut Down." In the "Shut Down" window, click the dropdown list and click "Hibernate" (instead of "Shut down" or "Restart"), then click the "Ok" button.

Windows should now save your computer's current state and shut down when it's finished.

Comments