Windows XP does not restart or shutdown

Question

I am not able to shut down or restart windows xp from the start button.

richardak · Answer

Is does nothing. All of the buttons display properly, but when I click on restart or shutdown nothing at all happens.

europa303 · Answer

You will need to supply more information.  What happens ? Is the shutdown button there?  Grayed out?  Tell us more!

europa303 · Answer

When you pass the mouse pointer over the Turn Off or Restart buttons, do these buttons highlight?

richardak · Answer

yes

europa303 · Answer

And when you then click any of the three buttons there absolutely nothing happens?
Under Control Panel, Power Settings, check these settings. Do any seem out of whack? I'm sorry, but I've never seen or read of your reported problem. I don't have a remedy for you other than being sure the settings are OK. Do you have the usual firewall, anti-virus , spyware and Windows updates?

richardak · Answer

The only thing that seems out of whack is the restart and shutdown function. I have never heard of this either until I bought this computer. I hope that I don't have to reinstall the operating system and only use the programs that came with this computer.

maxd · Answer

If you've downloaded programs you should burn them to a cdr.

Re your problem, I would start by checking the Device Manager (winkey + Pause|Break key/Hardware tab) for colored markings signifying a driver problem.

richardak · Answer

I checked device manager and there are no conflicts. I also just realized after coming back to my computer after a few hours that my screensaver and hybernation is not working too.

I have no clue what is going on.

richardak · Answer

Thank you. If I do a reinstall with a retail version of Windows XP (not the Dell backup Disk) will hat void my Dell support?

richardak · Answer

I FOUND IT! There is a program called SmartPatrol. I disabled it and my computer restarts fine. Thanks! Message Edited by richardak on 08-26-2005 09:58 AM

europa303 · Answer

Sorry to say, a reinstall may be the only hope.  I just don't know what else to suggest.  Good luck.

maxd · Answer

Suggest you first request an xp cd from Dell; it's hard to run the System File Checker or a Repair Install without one. If they say no then ask your warranty/support voiding question. Either way you should definitely get one if you purchased the type of machine (with a Restore cd) that DOESN'T allow you make your own copy of xp; I believe you would look in Accessories to see if this option is available.   In the mean time my suggestion would be to disable(turn off) the screen saver AND Hibernation (this may require a restart- may be able to give you a script that may do the restart). With (or without) these features disabled run an up-to-date virus scan as well as a scan of this free utility   http://www.majorgeeks.com/download506.html   Make sure, once you have installed the program, to update the program before you run the scan.   Post back.   Good trouble-shooting. I would still inquire about the cd for next time.   Message Edited by maxd on 08-26-2005 11:19 AM

Windows General

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