We all know that any changes to the Registry or any system folders will not take effect until you either restart Windows, or refresh the desktop. But, restarting can be time consuming. If are busy with some other work you will have to close or save the work. So, here is a tip to refresh the desktop without restarting Windows XP. There are 3 ways to get this done.

Method 1 :

1. Click on any open area of your Desktop or any icon on your desktop with the left mouse button.
2. Press F5 to refresh the desktop.

Method 2 :

1. There are cases when Method 1 is of no use. At that times.
2. Press Ctrl-Alt-Del, and select Explorer from the list. This will not affect your other running applications.
3. Click End Task. When the window asking if you wish to shut down Windows appears, click No.
4. Wait about ten to fifteen seconds, until another window appears confirming that you wish to close Explorer - click End Task here.
5. The Task Bar and all Desktop icons will disappear temporarily, and then will reappear when Explorer is reloaded.

Note : If you have the Resource Meter running, make sure to close it before using Method 2.Method 3 :

1. If you have any network components installed, you can select Shut Down from the Start Menu, and then choose Close all programs and log on as a different user.

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