Windows Was Not Properly Shut Down

This message appears upon starting Windows:

1.     If you do not use "Shut Down" on the Start menu

2.     If you switch off power to the computer before a message on the screen indicates it         is safe to do so.

3.     If a software or hardware error causes a system failure, or "crash."

How do I correct the error?

Windows lists options for performing system checks upon restarting if the system was not shut down properly. Wait for Windows to perform system and hardware checks. It takes more time, but usually Windows recovers from this error if it is not a hardware problem.

Upon restarting Windows, use the provided software utility to check the hard drive for physical defects.

TIME CHECK: Running ScanDisk might be fast (less than 2 minutes), but it might also take longer (more than 20 minutes) if you have never run ScanDisk, if the computer processor is old, if there are many disk errors to be corrected, or if you have a large hard drive.

Check the hard drive for errors (run ScanDisk):

1.     Double-click "My Computer."

2.     Right-click the "C:" drive, and then click "Properties."

3.     Click the "Tools" tab at the top of the window.

4.     Click "Check Now…" to start the ScanDisk program.

5.     Click the button by "Thorough."

6.     Click the box by "Automatically fix error" so a checkmark is present.

7.     Click "Start."

8.     Click "Close" when ScanDisk finishes.

Avoid the error by shutting down windows before switching off power to the computer.

Close Windows:

1.     Click "Shut Down" on the Start menu

2.     Click the button by "Shut Down" in the dialog box that appears.

3.     Click "OK."

4.     WAIT for the message indicating it is safe to turn off the computer

5.     Switch off power.