Resolved Unable to shut down Windows XP

When I try to shut down my computer hangs while saving settings.
I use Driver Robot to keep drivers up to date. Also Advanced System care Pro for maintenance and AVG anti virus.
The system will shut down if in safe mode.
I have tried disconnecting the printer and the LifeCam I use with Skype but this didn't help.
Sometimes when restarting I get a message - "You have installed Windows NT into an existing 3X directory. You have an option of migrating portions of your 3X environment into Windows NT " then I get a couple of choices ....
Since I am running Windows XP I am puzzled by this message!
Any ideas as to what I can try next?

 

Hi stevebro, Welcome to WindowsBBS Have you had a look in Task Manager to see if there is something still active? Right click on empty space in Task Bar > click on Task Manager. Cheers Neil.

 

Thanks Evan Omo
Computer was set up in Oct 2007 so these 2003 issues would have been resolved. Shut down problems only started in the last 4/4 weeks

 

No I have checked Task Manager. No programs running at shut down. I have also tried running AML Registry Cleaner before shut down but it still hangs up while saving settings.

 

Thanks. I have worked my way through the advice in the link. Found one missing device problem but clearing this still hasn't fixed the problem.

 

Hi Steve,

How comfortable are you with editing the Registry? I had the same problem in 2003 and changed a few values in the Registry and haven't had a problem since.

 

Willing to give this a try. Provided I am following clear instructions

 

Steve,

It's probably best following Evan & Arie's advice first, posting back with results before messing about in the registry.

 

Hi Steve,

I don't have time right now to post, but I will later this evening.

 

I worked my way though the suggestions. Found one issue using Device Manager - a logitec compatible mouse PS2. Uninstall didn't work so I disabled it instead. Shut down problem is still there though

 

Shutdown after starting in safe mode?
System Restore?
Your BIOS settings?
The repair install?
etc...

You have to give use some information Steve. Trust me you do not want to mess with the registry unless you really know what you're doing.

 

OK thanks. I'll leave the registry alone!

I mentioned when posting that I have no problems if I start in safe mode.
BIOS Version date MS-7309 V1.8 22/05/2007, SMBIOS Version 2.5.
Further info in "MYSYSTEM" above.
Attempts to use system restore (various dates) failed - no idea why.

 

Thanks, I'm sorry I missed that earlier. This does suggest that it's a software/driver issue.

How long has this been happening, and in reference to your occasional startup error have you installed any older software recently?

 

Just in the last 3 weeks. No old software installed but I replaced a basic web cam with a Microsoft Lifecam

 

Have you tried installing uphcleanup service from Microsoft:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...6d-8912-4e18-b570-42470e2f3582&displaylang=en

It can help with shutdown problems if some app does not release the user hive of the registry.

 

Yes I have tried this without success.

 

Hi Steve,

If after reading the instructions below and you don't feel comfortable — don't do it!

First, click on Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore. Click on Create a restore point, then click Next. In the Restore point description box, type in RegTweak or whatever you want and will remember. Then click Create. This step is for safety if you make a mistake and need to roll back.

Close out of everything and then:

Click on Start, then Run. In the run box type in regedit, and then click OK. The Registry Editor window will open.

In that window click on Edit and then click Find. In the Find What box, type in (or copy and paste this) WaitToKill then click Find Next.

In the right pane of the window, WaitToKillApp Timeout will be highlighted. Right-click on it and select Modify. Another window will open with 200000 high-lighted. Hit Delete on your keyboard and type in 1000 and then click OK.

Hit F3 on your keyboard and it will take you to the next instance of WaitToKill (which will be WaitToKillService Timeout) and repeat the above.

Hit F3 again and there will be several more WaitToKillApp Timeouts and WaitToKillService Timeouts. Follow the directions of Right-click, select Modify, Delete and type in 1000 for each instance. Note: If you see that the value is already 1000, hit F3 again. Keep hitting F3 until a window comes up that says: Finished searching through the registry.

Close out of the Registry and reboot. Now try a shutdown.

If no joy, let me know; there's also a HungApp Timeout setting you can change like above.

Steve, I can not stress my first sentence strongly enough.

 

Excellent instructions - I decided to be brave and followed instructions without difficulty. At shut down it took 1m 45s for logging off to appear. Saving settings came up and I left it for 20 minutes before giving up and forcing the power off. Hard drive activity seemed to be occuring every 45 to 55 seconds.