How to end a process safely in task manager?

Or, formulated otherwise, what's (in your definition) the difference between safe and unsafe ending of a process?

And can you tell if you're talking about any particular process?

Kees

The Scheduled Task Wizard is mostly but not entirely self-explanatory. Here are a few items however which might not be apparent at first glance:

a. Schedule any application, script, batch program, shortcut, or linked document -- anything which can be executed on a command line and include command-line arguments, but may require a visit to the task's properties dialog box after creating the task to be performed -- IOW, requires user intervention.

b. If a task is scheduled to run when my computer starts, that task will run as a noninteractive process and will continue to run, regardless of who is logged on, until the system is shutdown or it is terminated by the administrator.

c. If a task is scheduled to run when I log on for instance, the task actually runs interactively (provided it is designed to run that way) when anyone logs on. If someone else logs on, the task runs as a noninteractive process.

Note: If a task for your own use is expected to run interactively but someone else logs on before you, that task will run noninteractively. Windows XP leaves the task running when the other user logs off (because you own it) and does not start a second, interactive instance when you log on. Open Scheduled Tasks right-click the task and choose End Task Then right-click it again and choose Run.

Warning: Logon tasks do not run when using Fast User Switching to switch to another person's profile - even if the new user has not already logged on. Logon task that are not already running run only when someone logs on while all users are logged off.

d. The "AnswersThatWork" site states that through our support service we often come across problems caused primarily by programs running in the background, programs which in most cases start at the same time as Windows. Sometimes these programs are useful and need to be there; quite often, however, they are not needed, and in too many cases they cause severe problems. The pages below are from our in-house database and provide guidance on the usefulness or not of these programs, and removal procedures when recommended. In Windows 95/98/ME you can bring up the Task List by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del. In Windows NT4/2000/XP you bring up the Task List by right-clicking on the Task Bar and choosing "Task Manager"

Note: Use the alphanumeric buttons displayed at this site to determine the name, manufacturer or program name, and receive general tips.