PC taking long for shutdown screen

[firefox]

Afterr clicking on the Shutdown option from start menu in Windows XP SP2, It takes altleast 3-4 minutes for the Shutdown pop-up screen to appear which gives me the options to shutdown or logoff or restart etc. Why is this taking so long and is there qny way to know what is going on in the background ?

[bailey]

Hi,

The first couple of thing I would check would be:

Open up Task Manager, go to processes and see if anything is taking alot of CPU or memory. If you are not sure what the process is check on the internet.
If it is anything dodgy check the best way to remove it.

Secondly have a look to see if there is anything trying to use the internet in the background on your computer.

I run Zone Alarm (which is free) at home and can manage resonably well what is trying to use the Internet and what is trying to connect to my computer.

Clearing these up should speed up shut down times

[Warpy1]

Apart from the above I would suggest installing a cleaning tool for registry/spyware - this will improve overall performance and might sort out the lag on shutdown. Try this one - we use it at work. http://www.iobit.com/advancedwindowscareper.html

[GoNz0]

registry cleaning tools are bad, use diagnostic startup and work out whats slowing your shutdown

type msconfig from the run command, google for instructions.

[Splash]

I keep hammering at this, but... what does the event log say?

Also I'd agree with registry cleaners/optimization tools etc - they have the potential to cause all manner of problems.

[Singh400]

Don't supose you've been tweaking your system recently and have it set it to clear the page file on shutdown?

If not, +1 on Splash's suggestion. Check the event logs.

[BuddyAdams]

I think that your PC is getting hang when you are going to shutdown it.

[Warpy1]

registry cleaning tools are bad,

Care to explain?!

[Singh400]

Care to explain?!

GoNz0 is spot on. Most are placebos. And most do more harm than good. Just because a registry key appears to be empty/not used, doesn't mean Windows treats it as such.

[Warpy1]

GoNz0 is spot on. Most are placebos. And most do more harm than good. Just because a registry key appears to be empty/not used, doesn't mean Windows treats it as such.

Well the one I supplied is superb and has fixed many problems we've had in the office. Cleans other areas of the system too. I'd recommend it.

[Singh400]

Well the one I supplied is superb and has fixed many problems we've had in the office. Cleans other areas of the system too. I'd recommend it.

And thats fine. Just hope it doesn't corrupt your registry. I'd proceed with caution still

[Warpy1]

you can do a system restore with the prog. Saves before making a cleanup

[Singh400]

you can do a system restore with the prog. Saves before making a cleanup

That won't help if your registry is corrupt. You are unable to get into Windows when that happens Something about...

Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: 
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

I've seen it happen, and it's a real pain in the ass to recover from. Usually safest bet is to just nuke and re-install. Anyway, we are in the realm of "what-ifs" now.