How To Shutdown Windows XP When It Won't Shut Down

Windows users frequently run into problems no matter if they have advanced service packs installed on their computers or have downloaded updates etc. This doesnt mean that Windows is not worth using, it simply happens due to lots of applications that it runs simultaneously. You should be first aware of what can cause the problem and then move on to the instructions to solve it.

Common Reasons for the Shutdown Problem:

Device driver
Virus infection
Corrupted Registry Entries
Hardware and/or Software
Corrupted File System
Faulty/corrupted Hard Drive
Corrupted Firmware
Recent changes

Instructions:

Reboot Computer A wrong or improper shutdown causes damage to the PC and thus prevents it from shutting down. Simplest of all methods, reboot your machine as it retunes the software and internal settings and therefore fixes the issue (s). You can also unplug the power cord of PC from the electricity outlet and at the same time disconnect other hardware pieces connected to the computer. Wait for 4-5 minutes and plug them back to see if the problem has resolved. This works most of the times.

Run Windows Update It is necessary to run Windows Updates as these download and install latest patches, drivers, and definitions to your OS. The updates automatically fix any internal glitches and make your PC run smoothly.

Adjust Power Settings Click on Start> go to Control Panel> click on Power Options. If you dont see Power Options, on the top left hand panel, click on Switch to Classic View. Now, click on the last tab saying APM and put a checkmark in the box that says Enable Advanced Power Management Support. Click on OK to exit the window. If it doesnt work, check that your computer supports Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) standards.

To check your PCs ACPI compliance, you need to click on the Start menu> and click on Run. Type devmgmt.msc' (without quotes) in the box and click on OK or hit Enter on the keyboard. Under the Device Manager Window, click on the + sign leftwards Computer, it will show ACPI there. If its not there, it means your PC is not ACPI-compliant and hence you cant adjust power option settings.

Device Driver Replace the faulty or damaged drive with a new one. Always download and install the latest, compatible drivers with whichever Windows version you have. Check your publisher or vendors website for latest and compatible drivers.

Run Registry Cleaner Repair corrupted/damaged registry entries by running a registry cleaner. This tool cleans up all the registry-related errors and helps Windows run smoothly and effectively. Also, if you recently removed a program from your PC but not its registry entries, it will result into registry error. The unused registry entries clog a computer and stop it from functioning properly. Therefore, always remove a programs registry entries also by going into the Windows Registry Editor.

Recent Changes If you recently made changes to your PC like installing or removing a new software/program or hardware. Check that changes were made properly. A wrongly installed or removed software/hardware may result into Windows wont shutdown problem. Correct the changes accordingly.

Disable Wake on Setting If your PC doesnt shutdown and reboots in a loop then this instruction is for you. It is because your PCs motherboard has an integrated Ethernet card that sets up wake on call. Check Device Managers properties and disable the Wake-on setting.

Virus Infection It is always advised to keep your antivirus updated so that it regularly installs latest security definitions that enhance your PCs defense systems. It is also advised to run scans on regular basis to help detect and remove any virus/malware infection immediately at the time it tries to penetrate your systems defense wall.

Hardware/Software A wrongly installed, misconfigured, or faulty/corrupted software and/or hardware may result into Windows wont shutdown problem. So check what program or piece of hardware is causing the problem and correct it.

Upgrade System Firmware Upgrade your systems Firmware to get rid of this problem.

Faulty Hard Drive Replace the faulty or corrupted RAM stick. Check your hard drive by running chkdsk command into the Run window. Type the command without quotes in the box and hit Enter on the keyboard. If the drive is fine, it wont show any message. If it comes up with a prompt that hard disc drive problems were not fixed, then it indicates towards hard drive problems. Type chkdsk /f and in the Run box hit Enter. Press Y to fix the detected errors and N to discontinue the command. If you press Y, it will fix the problem and save lost chain content as a file in the directory that can be checked later on. If you choose N then it wont save the lost chain content.

Additional Tips:

Ensure that you are running latest service pack of Windows XP with all the updates duly downloaded and installed.

You must login as an administrator or atleast should have equivalent right to perform some of the abovementioned instructions.