Closing the Firefox process does not require taking down the system, though taking down the system would end the Firefox process. Bring up the Windows Task Manager, most people know how to do that with the three finger salute ("Ctrl+Alt+Del"), but you have use another step after that. With '''Windows 7''' you can use the shortcut "'''Ctrl+Shift+Esc'''". Either way next click on the "Processes" tab then terminate "firefox.exe" with the "Del" key the "End Process" button at the bottom, or through the right-click context menu. To be more complete also terminate the "plugin-container.exe". Then you can restart Firefox in your normal manner. You can reduce the problem by closing Firefox properly by closing Firefox with '''File > Exit''' or "Firefox" button > Exit, and NOT with the "X" in the upper right corner which is for closing the Window. Give Firefox some time to close. A great time saver for when you want to bring Firefox down and back up quickly is the "[https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/restartless-restart/ Restartless Restart]" extension (14KB), those on Firefox 3 can use the larger "QuickRestart" extension (35KB). The shortcut for either extension is "'''Ctrl+Alt+R'''" or through the File menu. Once invoked Firefox will be brought down and restarted as if an auto pilot is in control, the same as when you use the restart button from the add-ons list after installing an extension to activate it. The "Restartless Restart" extension is one of the new ones and is readay to use the moment it is intalled without bring Firefox down first.