XP pro will not complete shutdown procedure

[Guest]

I have XP pro installed with all SP2 etc upgrades to date. Over the last
few weeks "power off" shutdowns have become such that the computer always
logs off the current user OK, then starts the final shutdown process with
the usual disc activity, which then abruptly ceases leaving the usual
shutting down screen displayed. Nothing further happens however long I
wait.
In order to complete the power off shutdown I have to press the "power"
button, which I had fortunately previously opted to have it act as a
shutdown initiator and turns the power off if kept depressed for about 5
seconds.
Subsequent power ups occur without problems.

I have tried disabling all programs which are loaded on start up to no
avail, using "msconfig".
I have tried using the Taskmanager (ctrl-alt-delete) to stop as many tasks
as I dare (no I forgot to note their names down) which in the end decided
to initiate shutdown in one minute, resulting in the now usual stall after
logging off the current user.

I seek advice as to whether I can repair this problem, or will it require a
complete reinstall.
Many thanks in advance.

David

 

[DanaFrancey]

A lot of people have had this problem, basically the only way I have
been able to solve this is a complete restore. I am interested if
anyone else has solved this issue before

 

[Guest]

I also have the condition you describe. I arrived at this site in quest of a
solution. I have been unable to resolve this as well and am seeking an
alternative to a complete restore or re-install. My system P4 3.0 Ghz with 1
gb Ram on an Asus P4P 800 SE Motherboard has been working fine until last
couple of months. I have Norton Anti-virus, Personal Firewall, Spybot and
Adaware Pers as well as Microsoft Antispyware all updated regularly. In
September I installed UPH Clean from Microsoft in an effort to get rid of
problems with user profiles not unloading. Nothing I have tried including
"Chkdsk / f " has helped.