Using the reset button, or the plug, will cause problems in the long term. Effectively each time you do so there is a small chance you may corrupt part of your hard disk, this could be a vital part of windows which you may need to repair -- or be forced into reformating the pc.If you do it ALOT, and do not run the disk checker (we all hate to, it takes FOREVER); then you run the risk of causing serious problems to your hard disk. Usually the boot sector goes completely, forcing you to buy a new HD to boot from so you can get your old data back.