XP stops responding on shutdown; programs won't start on desktop

[lental]

I have Windows XP HOme SP3 and all updates. Recently, when updates require
the computer to restart, Windows will not shut down automatically or even
manually. The "program not responding" message appears and requires a manual
shutdown of the program.

In addition, some programs on the desktop will not start when the icon is
clicked. Usually, the hour glass appears indicating the program is resonding
then it disappears and nothing happens. However, the program will start from
the programs file if the xxx.exe file is double clicked. Shortcuts have been
deleted and replaced but this does not help.

Does anyone know what's going on?

 

[SC Tom]

I have Windows XP HOme SP3 and all updates. Recently, when updates require
the computer to restart, Windows will not shut down automatically or even
manually. The "program not responding" message appears and requires a
manual
shutdown of the program.

In addition, some programs on the desktop will not start when the icon is
clicked. Usually, the hour glass appears indicating the program is
resonding
then it disappears and nothing happens. However, the program will start
from
the programs file if the xxx.exe file is double clicked. Shortcuts have
been
deleted and replaced but this does not help.

Does anyone know what's going on?

Which program is "not responding"? What kind of protection are you using,
and are the definitions up to date? Have you tried a System Restore to a
point in time before you started having these problems? Have you scanned
your system for malware? Try MalwareBytes and SuperAntiSpyware to start
with.

SC Tom

 

[lental]

Tom -- Thanks for responding. I have Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus, Registry
Mechanic. I ran a complete scan when this first occcurred and found no
problems. Definitions update daily and frequently more often. Updates are
automatic.

Most of these weird things started happing after I installed SP3 and IE7
(now at 8).
once computer is shut down it hangs on reboot until Reset Switch is pressed
then boots as it should.

Specifically, it is happening with a couple of Hewlett Packard imaging
programs and I've learned that there is a compatibility problem with IE7.
However, I downloaded and ran the patch and got a message that the patch did
not apply to my system then it shut down.

System Restore is out of the question because it would take me back to
before I installed SP3. Don't think I want to do that unless absolutely
necessary. Have added several program since that are working fine.

I've been told that the shutdown/restart problem might be solved by
switching the +/- power connecters on the motherboard. I have not tried that
yet and am hesitant to do so.

What I need to know at this point whether I should be attacking these
problems as motherboard or Windows XP problems.

Thanks

 

[SC Tom]

First thing, and I cannot be emphatic enough, DO NOT switch any power
connector on the MB unless you know exactly what it will do and have been
told to do so by the manufacturer or a tech that will stand by what they
tell you by buying you a new system if/when the procedure fries this one!

If the PC hangs up on shutdown, usually to manually shut it down requires
holding the power button in for 4-5 seconds before there is any response.
That's normal.

Try uninstalling the imaging software since the patch didn't take and see if
that corrects the problem. Did this software come with an HP
printer/all-in-one piece of equipment? If so, did you install the software
before plugging in the equipment? Most HP hardware requires the software be
done first, then the hardware plugged in. Were you having the problem with
IE7 and then updated to IE8? If so, consider rolling back to IE7.

Be careful with any registry cleaning/optimizing tool. If Registry Mechanic
creates backups, consider restoring the registry to a time before the
problems surfaced.

I would still recommend downloading, installing, and running MalwareBytes.
It will quite often find things others miss.

Keep us posted.
SC Tom