must "shut down" XP twice

[Brad from Fair Lawn]

I am running XP Home on a Dell Inspiron 8200 for ~ 1 1/2
years now. Regardless of what programs I have used, I
have lately had to Start --> Turn Off Computer --> twice
to shut down. The first time around, something gets
written to the hard drive for under 15 seconds but the
shut down order is ignored.

This is not critical, but has become an annoying addition
to the already-cluttered daily ritual.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Brad from Fair Lawn

 

[hit_it_browntown]

I am running XP Home on a Dell Inspiron 8200 for ~ 1 1/2
years now. Regardless of what programs I have used, I
have lately had to Start --> Turn Off Computer --> twice
to shut down. The first time around, something gets
written to the hard drive for under 15 seconds but the
shut down order is ignored.

I have been experimenting as I have had the same problem. My advice to
anyone with this trivial, yet annoying problem is to close programs
that are running in the notification tray (besibe the clock) After
closing any number of programs, try restarting using the conventional
method. If it works on the first try, let windows reboot, then close a
fewer number of programs, but remain within the selection used before.
Repeat until one program reamins, and hopefully this is the culprit.
For me, it was Ad-Watch, subapplication of Ad-Aware Professional 6. If
you have found the rogue app, launch the sysconfig tool and go to the
Startup tab. Deselect the program in question and reboot. Hopefully the
problem is corrected. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any
questions/comments. I would love to help anyone with ANY problems they
may have regarding software (within windows) and hardware issues.

Chris Brown

(e-mail address removed) (for those who refuse to go back to the
top)