But if I have coins deposited into that wallet, how can I get back there after shutting down my computer?
The only way that is going to happen is if you delete the wallet.dat file, which is hidden, and because your not very "good" ( im not cutting on you just so you know ) you will never find it to actually delete that file.
So no worries it will be there.... your coins are safe.
now if you reinstall windows, well.... come here and ask how to back up your wallet before you do that.