Try this...
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Read the instructions at the top.
76. Right hand side
Auto End Tasks to Enable a Proper Shutdown
shutdown.reg is the file you want.
Reboot after you have merged the shutdown.reg file.
shutdown.reg does the following:
* Sets ClearPageFileAtShutdown to 0.
If ClearPageFileAtShutdown is set to 1, shutdown takes a *long* time.
* Sets AutoEndTasks to 1.
Processes end automatically. The system does *NOT* wait until the process
ends, and, the process will *NOT* take more time than the value of the
HungAppTimeout entry, the End Task dialog box does *NOT* appear, stating
that the application cannot respond to the End Task request.
* Sets WaitToKillServiceTimeout to 1000 (1 second).
Determines how long the system waits for services to stop after notifying
the service that the system is shutting down. The Default value is 20000
(20 seconds).
Also..........
UPDATE your antivirus software and run a full system scan.
UPDATE whatever anti-spyware applications that you have and run a full
system scan with each one.
You might want to start in Safe Mode to run your antivirus and anti-spyware
software.
Running a full system antivirus scan or anti-spyware scan in Safe Mode can
be a good idea. Some viruses and other malware like to conceal themselves
in areas Windows protects while using them. Safe mode can prevent those
applications access and therefore unprotect the viruses or other malware
allowing for easier removal.
''In safe mode, you have access to only basic files and drivers
(mouse, monitor, keyboard, mass storage, base video, default system
services), just the minimum device drivers required to start Windows.''
Because of that some malware does not load in Safe Mode and is easier to get
rid of.
How to start Windows in Safe Mode Windows XP
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=61#winxo
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Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
In