how do i restart all-in-one touchsmart when it hangs?

[otd]

System is an all-in-one desktop computer, model 529-1020.  64-bit W7, touch screen display..

I'm still transferring data and installing or updating software.

This afternoon I downloaded Google Earth, which on my old W XP system was quite stable and useful.  Google apparently ignored my wishes and also installed Chrome (I don't think it actually started).

After I started Earth (perhaps 10 minutes later), the system became unstable.  The screen images fragmented, partially disappeared, then reassembled.  Eventually it 'stablized.  I used cntl-alt-del to ensure Earth and Chrome were not running, then uninstalled them from the control panel.

Question:  If the system had not stabilized, how could I  stop  it?  [On my XP system, one holds the power button down until the system shuts down (usually less than 30 sec.)

[frrw · Accepted solution]

Hello otd:

            Go to control panel click on system then click on Task Manger. You can close out frozon windows this way. My HP Touchsmart 600-1050 widows 7 also has another way just hold down on computer turn on botton then the computer will display shut down options select open task manger and close out programs this way also. Thats if Ctrl + Alt + Delete method fails. Not all freeze ups responds to Ctrl + Alt + Delete method. The Task Manger it will.

[otd]

error correction:  I posted model # 529-1020.  It's actually # 520-1020.

Thanks for the confirmation that holding down the power button turns the system off.  That's an often-used method - but I couldn't find confirmation for this system.

The screen scramble I experienced included wiping out the task bar - so no start button was visible.  I have one now, and I don't find "task manager'  on "control panel" -> or "control panel -> system". ??. 

cntrl - alt -  del does give a screen with a number of options, including a box named "Windows Task Manager".  And that's how I got control of the machine again.

But you have told me that holding power switch down resets.  That's a solution!!