WinXP Pro Shutdown Problem

[sohck]

Hi,

My PC started to have this problem about two days back.

When I tried to shut down the system, it just ignored me: no error message, but nothing happened too. The other option on the shutdown menu (restart) works fine.

Anybody can help me with this funny problem?

 

[linney]

Try this to see if your machine still is able to shutdown.

"For a one-click method to quickly shut down (or reboot) your system without the fuss of going through the Start menu, make use of the Shutdown command, a command line utility in XP.

For more information on Shutdown, type "shutdown" in a command prompt window (Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt), or search for Shutdown in Windows XP's Help and Support Center."


For Shutdown Problems.

http://www.aumha.org/a/shtdwnxp.htm

Some general things to try.

See if System Restore will get you back to a restore point before your problem with Explorer.

Try Safe Mode (Do you have this problem in Safe Mode?).

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp

If they don't work you could try repairing windows itself by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[sohck]

Hi linney,

Thanks for your reply. I have tried some of the options that you have suggested, you might like to know the outcome:

1. I tried booting up the system in Safe Boot. No problem shutting down. When I rebooted the system in Normal Boot after this, I was also able to shut down. However, I booted the system the third time and did all the stuff that I normally do, and then I was not able to shut down the system thereafter.

2. Ran ChkDsk. Reported no problem with the hard disks.

3. Ran Sfc /Scannow. Did not solve the problem either.

I am still able to do a Standby but not shut down or restart. I suspect that the problem could be due to an application, such as Zone Alarm or Kazaa. What do you think?

If I can find the time this evening, I will try changing the power setting, or maybe scratch install the whole Windows XP.

 

[linney]

Are there any clues in your Event Viewer?

Before you reinstall XP it may be easier to try and find the piece of software causing the problem. Use Msconfig and a process of elimination.

310353 - How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310353&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

316434 - HOW TO: Perform Advanced Clean-Boot Troubleshooting in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316434&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

 

[bcastner]

Some other sites to investigate:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q308029

http://www.pcscom.com/windows_xp_shutdown.htm

http://www.theeldergeek.com/shutdown_issues_in_xp.htm

http://www.windowsxpforums.com/windowsxp_shutdown_restart.htm

 

[sohck]

Hi linney, bcastner,

I have fixed the problem last night. There is a program/process known as Games(1) that is found both on the msconfig list as well as the tasklist. Once I removed it from both, my PC is able to shut down. Still researching on what this Games(1) is and how it gets into my system.

Anyhow, thank you so much for your help. I learned so much about XP in this exercise.