To install the program on your PC you have to download SmartTurnOff_install.exe on your HDD and run this file.
Installation and deinstallation of the program runs in a standard way that's why you needn't restart your PC.

You can start the program by clicking icon on your desktop, by quick launch icon or automatically after installation process if you'd chosen that option while installing.

If you start program for the first time it will offer you to set it up with a Settings Wizard. It is recommended to use Settings Wizard because it is easier, quicker and more convenient. You can abandon using Settings Wizard by choosing appropriate option.
FYI (for your information): You can run Settings Wizard at any time by clicking appropriate button on the "Help" tab. You can call "Help" by clicking "?" mark on the main window or pressing F1 button on your keyboard.

You can call "Program Settings" by clicking narrow button with arrows on the left of the main window (or press F5).

In the "Program Settings" you should setup (in the due order from top to bottom) the following:

- folder for storing data backup;
FYI Note: It is strongly recommended to create such folder on hard disk drive, removable drive or network drive not the drive where you store your files and documents. In other words it is safer and wiser to have two or more HDDs on your PC and store such precious folders like "My Documents" are kept on drive C: and folders with backup on the drive D: (more about our data backup concept ).

- if "Ignore Saving" tick is not set (thou it is recommended), the program will be checking all active/opened applications whether they have not saved changes in active/opened files before turn off and log off. If such changes are found the program offers to save them in a more pleasant way than Windows does. If you set tick "Ignore Saving" the program will shutdown all active applications automatically without saving changes in your files or documents.

- if "Ignore BackUp" tick is not set (thou it is recommended) and a drive for storing Backup is not ready the program will ask you to connect this drive. If the tick is set and the drive is not ready, backup will be ignored. If the drive is not ready it means either it is out of order or maybe you've just forgotten to attach it (for example, if it was a removable drive).

- "Delete Copies of Deleted Files"  tick is needed for getting rid of trash-files that will be inevitably accumulating in Backup folder. After next Backup this tick will be automatically switched off, and the user can be sure that all data on PC and data in a folder for storing Backup are synchronized i.e. content of Backup folder are absolutely similar to original folders.

- Set "Eject CD-discs" tick if you want the program to check presence of CD in your CD-ROM drive (in case you've forgotten it there) and eject it.

- if you want to launch the program by icon on your desktop set "Desktop" tick and set actions your program will execute while launching via this icon. (see more about "work modes, launching program with keys" ).

- if you want to run program via "Quick Launch" icon set a tick "Quick Launch" on and set action that program will execute while launching via this icon.
Note: For each action (work mode) personal icon should be assigned. (more about "work modes, launching program with keys" ).

- by clicking button with red star you can change skin (stile) of the program.

- by slider on the right of "Skin" button you can manipulate forms pop-up speed.

- by clicking button with a "batch file icon" you can call container for setting up additional programs launch with their finish waiting.

To save setting changes press "OK" button, to cancel action press "Cancel".

Smart Turn Off can run 3 additional programs:
1 - before data backup
2 - after data backup and before computer cleanup
3 - after computer cleanup.

Note: additional programs ─ executable files (*.but, *.exe, *.com). The main rule for this kind of files they should shut itself down after tasks finishing. Otherwise Smart Turn Off wouldn't be able to continue its own execution.
It is recommended to check operability of the program before saving changes in settings. Trial run of the program could be done by pressing "Test" button.

To save setting changes press "OK" button, to cancel action press "Cancel".

What it is for?
It depends on your imagination, intuition and demands. Here some examples (from common to elaborate):

- a pleasant splash screen you see when you shutdown your PC, the same as when you start your computer (the farewell should also be pleasant!)

- automatic launch of any program. For example your notebook program with things to do in the evening or morning;

- additional copies of your info.
For example data backup (SMBackUp folder) created by Smart Turn Off is stored on some HDD and you need to save all changes in your current project to removable drive to work with it at home.
Create executable file (*.bat) for example test.bat with a line:
"COPY [path to your file] [where to copy]" if you need to copy file"
or "XCOPY [path to your folder] [where to copy]" if you need to copy folder
and run this file before you shutdown your PC.
Note: To get more information on this subject type "help", "copy /?" or "xcopy /?" in Windows command line.

- System Administrators know how it is difficult to make copy of a file occupied or blocked by some other process... You have to stop that process before backup and there won't be any problem!
A sample file for stopping of MSSQL server shows it quite clearly: batch file contains only a line ─ "net stop MSSQLSERVER". After launching such file service MSSQLSERVER stops execution and database files can be easily copied. If you need to start this service again use "net start MSSQLSERVER".

This program can execute data backup. ( more about our data backup concept ).
The program executes so called "differential" backup that means a file would be copied if:
- an "archive" attribute in the original file is switched on
- the original file has no copy in backup
- the size of the original file don't match the size of its copy in backup.

Such approach guarantees high speed and high coping reliability as well.

To execute backup the program should know the following:
- Where copy to? (if a folder for backup storing is set see "Program Settings")
- What to copy?
The program makes backups of user folders (directories). NOTE!!! You can't assign separate file for backup!

To assign folder for backup you can do the following:
- drag & drop folder on program icon
- copy folder in Windows Explorer and paste it over the program icon
- drag & drop folder on program window
- click "Assign" button, choose folder and click "+" button.

The most correct way is the last one because the program automatically estimates if there is enough room space for all information assigned for backup on the receiving drive.

NOTE!!! As the program executes "differential" backup the first coping process may take several minutes. All subsequent backups will be executed in a much shorter time period than the first one.
For example, the backup process for data array of 2GB, 2000 folders, 20000 files will take up to 1-5 minutes for the first time and only 5-20 SECONDS for further backups!

Original-folders and backup-folders are easily available for browsing, opening and restoring in "Backup Settings, quick data access" container (slim button with arrows in bottom or F6).

Read more about right data backup concept in the article "How much should backup and a copy cost?"

The program can clear up potentially dangerous information on your PC and only that info you marked yourself in "CleanUp Settings" (slim button with arrows on the right-hand side or F7). (more about dangers )

All CleanUp Settings in due order from top to bottom:

1. "Recycle Bin" ─ empties recycle bin

2. "Temporary files" ─ deletes temporary files on HDD

3. "Temporary Internet files" ─ deletes Internet cache files on HDD created during Internet sessions by Internet Explorer and MyIE

4. " Internet Cookies" ─ deletes Internet Cookies which store info for internet sites, such as your logins or some internet statistics

5. "Visited Internet links" ─ clears all Internet links you have browsed (usually all links you have browsed via Internet Explorer or some other browsers highlight by different color)

6. "Delete IE Typed URLs" ─ deletes typed URLs in the navigation bar of Internet Explorer or MyIE

7. "Last documents" ─ deletes the list of last browsed documents. The list is located in menu "Start"->"Documents"

8. "Recent File List" ─ clears the list of documents the user been working with. Usually you can find this list in menu "File" of application where you created, edited or browsed the document

9. "Clear "Start"-> "Run" List" ─ clears the list of files in Windows menu "Start"-> "Run"

10. "Computer history" ─ clears the user's work history which you can browse via Explorer, Internet Explorer or MyIE. The process executes only in "Turn Off" and "Log Off" modes. By the way, our program in contrast to Windows does it as it really should be. The size of the database file Index.dat after our program finishes its work becomes the same as of the non used file (not more than 100kB)

To save setting changes press "OK" button, to cancel action press "Cancel".

The general program's work is to execute set tasks however there exist several work modes of the program and for each mode definite icon and definite key are appointed:

icon		key	mode description
			launching in general mode
	"Turn Off"	TurnOff	set tasks execution and PC turn off (shutdown)
	"Log Off"	LogOff	set tasks execution and user Log Offf
	"Explore"	Explore	explore mode
	"Exit"	Exit	set tasks execution and program exit

The connection of a definite icon with a definite work mode is very convenient for user. For example the user decided to create several icons on his desktop to launch different work modes: one for PC turn off and the other one for user log off. It can be easily done. If there's no program's icon on desktop run the program in a general mode. In "Program Settings" set a tick "desktop" on and set "Turn Off" (set tasks execution and PC turn off) action for the icon. Press "OK" button to save changes. Make a copy of the application icon that appeared, for example, a copy from the desktop to the desktop. Now set a different action, for example, "Log Off" (set tasks execution and user Log Off). Press "OK" button to save changes. Now there are two different icons for launching the same application but the work results will be different. If you look at the properties of these icons it is easy to note difference:
one has a path "С:\Program Files\Smart Turn Off\SmartTurnOff.exe /TurnOff",
and the other "С:\Program Files\Smart Turn Off\SmartTurnOff.exe /LogOff".
TThe difference in keys LogOff or TurnOff.
Note: Program can control parameters only in the icon with the original name "Smart Turn Off". This icon is in close connection with the key the program starts with. For example mode "LogOff" corresponds with the key "LogOff" and the program's start line - "С:\Program Files\Smart Turn Off\SmartTurnOff.exe /LogOff". The ability to run the program with a key extends its usage capabilities.

Some words about "Explore" mode or work in the Windows Explorer manner. The appearance of the program in this mode:

The launch of the program in this mode has the same sequence of operations:
- the launch of the program in the general mode
- the opening of the container-form "BackUp Settings, quick data access" (pressing slim button with arrows in the bottom or F6)
- BackUp demonstration if we are in the demonstration of the ORIGINALS (pressing headline-button "Originals").

"Explore" mode is very convenient because it helps you to find | open | restore | restore and open | the file or folder you need and can easily substitute Windows Explorer. Quick switching between ORIGINALS and COPIES is very convenient also.
For COPIES program creates its own history in accordance with the principle: restored file or folder occupies the top line in the history journal. This history is stored in the file SmartTurnOff.ini which is located in the folder for storing backups (SmBackUp by default) and so it easily accessible on all user's PCs in case user uses USB flash-drive.
For ORIGINALS program creates history in accordance with the principle: opened file or folder occupies the top line in the history journal. This history is stored on the computer where the program installed.

The availability of such history journals (mentioned above) and "Explore" mode makes Smart Turn Off really handy for user working with the same data on different computers ( read more ).

What really differs "Turn Off" mode (PC shutdown) and "Log Off" mode (finishing user session) from standard Windows Shutdown/Log Off that you can execute after pressing Windows "Start" button is so called Forced shutdown. That means that the turn off/log off process can be done quicker thanks to forced shutdown of all numerous additional processes and services including potential viruses and preventing execution of the last ones at the next computer turn on.

"Smart Turn Off" has a timer function. Check "Timer" and press a button on the main form "Tasks execution and PC shutdown", for example.

Set a time by sliders and arrows and press "OK". The "Smart Turn Off" will be launched at assigned time automatically with final action "PC shutdown".

Pressing "OK" button hides timer to a tray icon also. Use icon menu or double click the icon to change timer settings.

- timer icon
You can start timer using menu
"Start"->"Programs"->"Smart Turn Off"->"SM Timer" as well.

Read more about "SM Timer" (free PC shutdown timer) in manual.

What to do if only such failure had happened and all information is lost except your data backup stored in the folder named by default "SmBackUp" where you can find "SmartTurnOff.ini" file.

Let's start restoration!

Suppose you managed to run Windows OS and the Smart Turn Off works.

1. Start "Smart Turn Off" in general mode (launch it by clicking red icon with a blue ball)

2. Open "Program Settings" (click slim button on the left-hand side or F5)

3. Set backup folder by choosing an existing folder "SmBackUp" where your data backup (which was created before OS failure) is stored

4. Open "BackUp Settings, quick data access" by pressing slim button at the bottom or F6

5. Press right bottom button "Copies/All copies" on the opened form and in the list "All copies" you'll immediately see all your folders that were copied to the "SmBackUp" folder beforehand.
Note: At the bottom of the form you can see the dates of the last backups

6. You can restore any folder or file using menu "Restore" or all folders at once through the menu "Restore all". In case the program is unable to define on what drive it should restore data it'll ask you to choose a drive.

Now take a little patience and here you are! All your data is on its usual place like it was and all restored folders automatically assigned for backup.

Commentary 1: If there are several backups - one on CD-disc and the other on HDD it is more likely that the backup on your HDD of a later date.

Commentary 2: The date of the last backup you can find in file "SmartTurnOff.ini" in the section [BackUps]

Commentary 3: The folder for backups "SmBackUp" must be located on one of HDDs. If this folder is on CD you have to copy it to your computer HDD

An example "How to work with the same data on two different computers for example at home and at office?"

- you should have removable drive (Flash-drive or USB-drive)
(at home)
- plug your removable drive into computer and run the program (you can do it vice versa)- open "Program Settings" (slim button with arrows on the left-hand side or F5) and assign folder for backup storing located on this removable drive. If your removable drive doesn't have the name (volume label) the program will ask you to name it. Use your imagination and try make up this name a unique one

- if the folders for backup are not assigned, do it. This must be such folders with your data that you are afraid to get lost and/or you will be working with on different computers. For example you assign two folders for backup - "Photo" folder and "Work" folder. "Photo" is precious to you as a memory and "Work" is that folder with your documents the last versions of which you need at home and at office

- press one of the buttons on the main program window: "Work and Turn Off", "Work and LogOff" or "Work and exit". The first what the program will do is a backup of the data you've chosen on your removable drive and then the action assigned by pressed button. A full copy of your favorite data now is stored on removable drive.

(at office)
- open the program, connect the removable drive with your data backup

- open "Program Settings" (slim button with arrows on the left-hand side or F5) and assign the backup folder the same as was assigned on the removable drive on your home PC

- open "Backup Settings, quick data access" (slim button with arrows at the bottom or F6) press button "Copies/All copies". You should see "All copies". Choose a folder you need, for example "Work" and use menu "Restore... Open". The program will restore the folder you've chosen. If your PC has several hard disk drives and the original location of files (backups of which you've made) is not a special folder like "My documents" the program will offer you to select drive where you want to restore your data. That means that such folders like "My documents", "My music", "My videos" and alike will be automatically restored on the other PC on their usual places without offering to select a drive. After the data is restored the program will open the local copy of restored data and you can start working with it.

So, what had happened: the folder(file) you need was copied on HDD and the folder assigned for backup on your work PC, the local copy of the folder(file) opened for work, the link to this folder(file) is in the first line in "History (Copies)".
Then it is really simple... You had worked with the project (file). Saved it. Turn off your PC with the help of "Smart Turn Off". All changes in your project are saved to the removable drive. After you arrive home you open the program (better to do it in "Explore" mode), double click on the top link in the "History (Copies)" ─ all your data is restored and you can work with you project on another PC. You can do this process all way around. What is important is to use "Smart Turn Off" for data restoration and for turning of both PCs off.

"Smart Turn Off" is a shareware program. After 30 days of free use you have to register the program.
Registration process can be done in the "Help" form (F1). On the tab "Registration" you have to fill in corresponding lines with data you can get via e-mail after due payment and press "Register" button.