Shortcut Icons in Windows to Shut Down, Restart, Log Off, and Hibernate

In Windows, did you know that you can actually create a shortcut icon on the desktop and of course, on your taskbar, clicking which automatically shuts down your system or hibernates it? Here is the way to create it.

Supported OSes include Windows 98, 2000, XP, ME, 2003, etc. For Vista, we will be posting a separate post.

Step 1: Create a Shortcut

First of all, right-click on the desktop, choose new, and choose ‘Shortcut’.

Step 2: Choose the Shortcut Location

Now, you have to choose the location. Type in these values according to your choice in the text box:

1. Hibernate: %windir%\system32\rundll32.exe PowrProf.dll SetSuspendState
2. Shut Down: %windir%\system32\shutdown.exe -s -t 0
3. Restart: %windir%\system32\shutdown.exe -r -t 0
4. Log Off: %windir%\System32\shutdown.exe -l -t 0

Click 'Next' to continue.
Step 3: Choose the Name for Shortcut Icon

Choose an appropriate name and save the shortcut icon clicking 'Finish'.

Step 4: Change the Icon Image

Once you have created the icon on the desktop, right-click it and choose properties. From here, choose ‘Change Icon’ button. If you already have an icon file, point the browse text box to that icon. Otherwise, to choose generic icons, type in this:

%SystemRoot%\system32\SHELL32.dll

In this dll file, there are quite a few icons, from which you can choose one appropriate.

Conclusion

Make sure your operating system supports it. If you have doubts, post them through comments. Make sure to subscribe to get the shortcut icons for Vista post.

Copyright © Lenin Nair 2008