SmartClose is a free program that will automate the process of closing all running programs.
It can also save the state of the system to a system snapshot, so all the programs that have been closed can be easily restarted later by SmartClose.
Some other features of SmartClose:

• Two wizards: the Close Programs wizard, for closing all the programs, and the Restore wizard
• Besides closing programs, SmartClose also closes Explorer and Internet Explorer windows and saves their current location, so they can be restored.
• Disables and restores the screen saver.
• Stops and restarts Windows NT/2000/XP-services.
• It is free! SmartClose is 100% freeware without any nag screens, trial periods, ads, spyware etc.