TIP-Computer frozen and WILL NOT shut off?

As more people are using laptop computers, it seems when the system freezes it is more unlikely to figure out what to do next since pressing the power doesn't seem to do anything, and, if it does, it may be going in to 'standby/sleep' or hibernate instead of truly powering down. Quite simply, press AND HOLD the power button until the system shuts down (typically about 4 seconds).   If you are planning on turning it back on, I suggest waiting about 20 seconds to allow the hard drive(s) to spin down before powering everything back up.   As you are restarting, windows may or may not have detected the system was shut down incorrectly and prompt you about this, recommending you allow it to scan your system. This is a good thing, but typically if you want to just get up and running again you are going to cancel this and move on.  As always, many more TIPS can be found through the TIPS page of course!