won't shut down from start

Please can someone tell me what to do when XP will not shut down from the start tab. I have to manually turn off the computer.

Thanks- you people are great!

 

Manually turning off the PC without shuting down is not recommended, and could add to the existing problem.
I'd suggest from the Start Menu/Run... type 'sfc /scannow' (sans quotes) and have your install disk handy, preferably one containing SP1, 'else you would be recommended reinstallind SP1 after using the System File Checker. You maybe hitting OK a lot over the next half hour or so, this is normal if a lot of system files have changed. This hopefully will load any deleted/corrupted system files which may be causing your shutdown problem. Note, when I perform an SFC, my video resolution reverts to 8 bit and 16 colours and I need to reinstall my video drivers, so be prepared to do similar. Failing this fixing the problem a repair install of XP over the top may be nescessary. Do a search on repairing XP as it's important to get this proceedure correct, 'else you will efectively reload XP and loose most/all of your settings and files.

 

Forgot the obvious!
Check in the device manager and make sure there are no exclamation, question marks next to any listed hardware as this could be stopping windows from shutting down correctly, and importantly check for the latest device drivers for ALL of your installed hardware, importantly hardware like video cards, soundcards, scanners, NICs etc.

 

THANKS