Computer does not shut down

[Marc]

My sons computer has a bizarre feature, and I am at a loss
to explain where it came from or how to fix it. The
shutdown feature on the start menu does not work, and
programs that attempt to restart the computer (e.g. program
or driver installation utilities) also do not shut it down.
The only way to turn it off, or restart it, is to kill the
power or hit the reset button. Is there any solution for
this odd behavior? He is running Windows XP Pro with an
AMD Althalon 4, 764 Mhz, 512 Megs of Ram. Has service pack
1. Has anyone seen this, or have a suggestion as to how to
fix it?

Marc

 

[Malke]

My sons computer has a bizarre feature, and I am at a loss
to explain where it came from or how to fix it. The
shutdown feature on the start menu does not work, and
programs that attempt to restart the computer (e.g. program
or driver installation utilities) also do not shut it down.
The only way to turn it off, or restart it, is to kill the
power or hit the reset button. Is there any solution for
this odd behavior? He is running Windows XP Pro with an
AMD Althalon 4, 764 Mhz, 512 Megs of Ram. Has service pack
1. Has anyone seen this, or have a suggestion as to how to
fix it?

This usually happens when a program is refusing to shut down gracefully.
Quite often the program is malware. So, scan with a current antivirus
(version not earlier than 2003) and scan for other malware with spyware
removal tools.

Here is a link to an excellent shutdown troubleshooter:

http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/shtdwnxp.htm

Malke

 

[Guest]

Clean Windows Startup and hidden Startup:
http://www.fixyourwindows.com/optimizewindowsstartup.htm

Spyware/Virus Removal and Prevention:
http://www.fixyourwindows.com/windowsxpsolutions.htm
(Links to online virus scans on the same page)

Good Luck!

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the pointers; I'll hunt through and see what he
has that is causing it.

Marc