Computer won't shut off

Question

Been having this problem for a while and haven't been able to find what's causing it.  When shutting down the computer (start, turn off computer, turn off/or restart) It goes thru the motions till it gets to the last screen; Windows is Shutting Down; and just stays there.  The keyboard is off and the mouse pointer doesn't move but the mouse is lit up.  I have to use the power button and hold it about 10 seconds and it clicks off.  Shows no errors in the error log.   Have my start-up programs down to a mininum.   If I shut down or restart right after boot up it works like it should but if I use it for a while like get online, etc.  Then it does the don't turn off thing.   Any ideas, anyone???   edited to say:  Its a Dimension 3000 and XP service pack 2 Message Edited by alpo5 on 03-19-2005 08:11 PM

bobshops4fun · Answer

Sounds like you have it worse than I do. When shutting down my computer shows programs are still running... and these are programs I haven't even been using. Dell suggested a "selective startup" but then it prevents me from accessing web sites and MSN messenger.

I'll be looking to see if someone has a fix for your problem. Maybe it will apply to my situation.

Bob

yarabnatasha · Answer

If the system hangs when you are trying to shutdown or restart the system, it is due the the fact that Windows XP Home and Professional versions allow all services to shut down in 20 seconds. The WaitToKillServiceTimeout value name in the registry allows you to specify a length of time that the service control manager must wait for services to complete the shut-down request.

If all the services are not closed properly, you may across some problems. By increasing the Shutdown time for services most of the problems with the Shutdown will be cleared. Following are the steps:

1. Click Start, Run.
2. Type Regedit and press Enter.
3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE entry.
4. Click Edit and click Add Value.
5. Enter the following:

Value Name: WaitToKillServiceTimeout
Data Type: REG_SZ
String:

5. Click OK.
7. Click File, Exit.
5. Restart the system.

However, the problem occurs if a process does not respond within this time-out period, Windows displays the "Wait, End Task, or Cancel" dialog box for the process, which prompts you to wait for another 20 seconds, stop the process, or cancel the shutdown process.

The problem can be solved by changing the timeout period. Follow the steps given below to do so:

1. Click Start, Run.
2. Type Regedit and press Enter.
3. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
4. The "WaitToKillAppTimeout" will be set to 20 seconds, edit and increase the time.
5. Click OK after changing the value.
6. Click File, Exit.
7. Restart the system.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall Windows. It is suggestible to take backup of the registry before performing the steps. To backup registry, follow the steps given below:

1. Click Start, Run.
2. Type regedit and press Enter.
3. Click File, Export.
4. Enter a Filename.

The current registry settings will be exported to the specified file. If any problem occurs with the modifications, you need not reinstall the Operating System again and simply restore the registry.

I am sure this will definitely solve the problem.

alpo5 · Answer

Already made some changes to the registry a while back but didn't do any good. I changed the WaitToKillAppTimeout value from 20,000 to 4000. didn't help. Will go back and raise it to 40,000 instead of lowering it and see what it does. Here the changes I done....

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop]

HungAppTimeout=4000

WaitToKillAppTimeout=4000
MenuShowDelay=20
AutoEndTasks=1

Will go and raise the WaitToKill value to 40,000

jwatt · Answer

There are many other ideas described in the XP Shutdown Troubleshooter. Jim

sushtsi · Answer

I am having the exact same problem. At the windows is shutting down screen it just hangs. Anyone have any other ideas besides the wait to kill time?

vze2pgje1 · Answer

I had the persistent XP 'hang' on the blue 'windows is shutting down' screen on my DELL Inspiron 2200 with Win XP Pro. While trying to cure this problem I was tracking down links from a Google search and I stumbled upon a registry fix to get rid of the standby option when shutting down. I was unsuccessful in finding any solution to my exact problem so I decided to give up on the 'hang' and go ahead and install the 'standby fix' in my registry. After backing up my registry, I installed the fix. The next time I attempted to shutdown, my 'hang' was miraculously cured and it has not come back -- it's been over a week now. You might want to try the 'fix'. IT WILL eliminate the standby option and it just might get rid of an XP hang on shutdown. Of course, back up your registry first AND use at your own risk........ Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Servic es\ACPI\Parameters]'AMLIMaxCTObjs'=hex:05,00,00,00'Attributes'=dword:00000070[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Servic es\ACPI\Parameters\WakeUp]'FixedEventMask'=hex:20,01'FixedEventStatus'=hex:00,80'GenericEventMask'=hex:02,01,00,00'GenericEventStatus'=hex:00,01,37,19

alpo5 · Answer

Problem has been solved.  Aparently it was a problem with a driver for my HP flatbed scanner.  the scanner was not working.  Had a bad driver.   Have since bought a new HP all in one and the problem disapeared.

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Computer won't shut off

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