The Turn OFF

Q: When reading your article from April 16 in the Citizen, it sounded a lot like the problems I was seeing with my two computers at home. I tried changing what starts up using the "msconfig" command and was able to make some progress (my biggest problem is finding what I can turn off with the Norton stuff while still being able to scan my computer). I also tried the shutdown technique as my computer takes minutes to shutdown. The computer did not recognize the "shutdown" command as being valid. I have an older Toshiba laptop with Windows ME on it. Can you tell me what valid command(s) I can use to shorten the turn-off time?
K. Castle
A: Trying to decide what you want Norton’s to scan can be a task in itself, but there are a few changes that you can make to ease your dilemma. The most direct is to turn off all that you need from the Startup Menu in msconfig, and then stop the automatic scans by Norton’s. Once you have disabled the automatic scans, you can run the scans manually when it is most convenient for you. Although the programs aren’t in the Startup Menu, they can still be scanned by Norton’s.
As far as the quick shutdown icon that I described in the previous article, it was not intended for Windows ME. Every operating system has a file that insures that the computer is shutdown in an orderly fashion. The difference between the operating systems is where the file is located and sometimes variations in its name. This is the case with Windows ME.
To create a quick shutdown icon on your Windows ME laptop, right click your mouse on the desktop then select New and shortcuts from the menu that will appear. This is similar to the previous instructions. Where these instructions differ is in what is typed into the input box that appears. When asked for the location of the shortcut file, type “C:\windows\rundll.exe user.exe,exitwindows”. This location should be good for Windows 95 through Windows ME. In order for this to work you must type this exactly as you see it, minus the quotation marks. The only space in the location is between exe and user. Many people sometimes overlook that and it causes their shortcut to fail.
Another option for you may be a freeware program called Quick Shutdown 2.6. This program works on Windows 95 through Windows XP, so this helps if some of your other computers have different operating systems. It performs other tasks in addition to providing a fast shutdown. It also can eject CDs, DVDs, and flash drives. It combines different functions from various applications like the task manager, device manager, and start menu. Another plus is that you can access it by right clicking your mouse and selecting it from the menu that appears. You can download it from filetransit.com or your favorite freeware website.