>I have used NT 4.0 Server for a development environment since it first came on the market a few years ago.
>
>I know this is not advised but, for several years now, when I've finished working and was ready to shut down NT, I simply powered off the PC. I almost never selected START | SHUTDOWN.
>
>I know... I know... this probably makes most people cringe. But I always figured that NT is rock solid. It can take it. And the kicker was ... I NEVER ... EVER experienced a problem or file corruption or any other negative side affect from doing that.

I do not have 2000 yet, but this is probably not shocking behavior. I experienced basically the same thing going from 95 to 98. Win98 does not like to be abruptly terminated, I've had some damage from it a few times. In addition, it puts you through a long bootup check, just to make you not want to do it frequently. 95 seemed to handle rough treatment better. Perhaps this is similar to that...

I'm sure you don't need me to say that proper shutdown is not a terrible idea :)