Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

hard boot
     
         A {boot} which resets the entire {system}.
     
        The phrase has connations of hostility toward, or frustration
        with, the computer being booted.  For example, "I'll have to
        hard boot this {losing} {Sun}", or "I recommend booting it
        hard".
     
        Hard boots are often performed with a {power cycle}.
     
        Contrast {soft boot}.  See also {cold boot} and {reboot}
     
        [{Jargon File}]
     
        (1995-11-27)