Not an uncommon situation. Likely, a service,application or driver is
refusing to terminate and the system stalls. Unfortunately, by abruptly
powering off - you introduce another issue, disk inconsistencies. I
would suggest you download and install the Microsoft add-on service
called "User Hive Profile Cleanup". This helps XP in the shutdown
procedure. Also, you can check the Application and System Event
logs to see if any errors are being logged.
To check Event Log(s):
Click Start, Run (Type) EventVwr.Msc [Enter]
Download for User Hive Profile Cleanup:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...6d-8912-4e18-b570-42470e2f3582&DisplayLang=en
To resolve/check the drive - open a CMD prompt window and type
Chkdsk C:
Note the results as it (Chkdsk) may indicate a more comprehensive
5-Phase session of Chkdsk is required with the /F or /R qualifier.
