How to Locate and Close Background Applications

Many applications are activated automatically when your PC starts up, without your being aware of it. This may include Internet connection, anti-virus applications, chat applications etc. If possible, close these applications using their respective menus. For other applications which cannot be closed in this manner, follow the procedure below (all the closed applications, whether shut down using their menus or further to the following procedure, will start up as before the next time your PC is rebooted). Windows 95/98/Me Press the  CTRL + ALT + DEL keys simultaneously. You should see a window similar to the one below:   To shut down any application, select its name and then click once on the "End Task" button. The Close Program dialog box will disappear following this operation. Repeat the CTRL + ALT + DEL procedure for confirmation and/or to close more applications as needed (do not press the CTRL + ALT + DEL combination while the dialog is open).  Note: The Systray and Explorer applications must always be running and should never be shut down. You should close all other applications apart from Virtual Personality.  Note: You may need to repeat this operation for certain applications. For others you may need to confirm the shutdown operation. When finished, click the "Cancel" button.  Windows 2000/XP/Vista Press the  CTRL + ALT + DEL keys simultaneously. Depending on the system settings you should see the Windows Security or  the Task Manager (the following illustration) dialog boxes. If you see the Windows Security dialog box as in the illustration above click the Task Manager button. The following window should appear:   Click the Applications tab found at the top of the window. To close a particular application, select its name from the list, and then click the "End Task" button. You should close all applications apart from Virtual Personality.  Note: You may need to repeat the operation for certain applications. For others you may need to confirm the shutdown operation. When finished with the Windows Security application, click the "Cancel" button.