Computer Won't Shut Down, Restart, Log off?

Question

(I have Windows XP) When I click on the start, then turn off computer and click turn off or restart, it does nothing. It won't even let me log off. The only way I can turn it off is if I hit the power button myself. Please help, I have no idea what to do, or what is even wrong.

Answer 1

Ur operating system is corrupted. Simply backup your important files and reinstall windows XP.

Answer 2

You obviously have a few corrupt files so doing this will fix the problem 99.9% of the time.

Hold the start button in until it shuts off, then turn it back on, when it is starting to boot up keep pressing F8 and the a screen opens and gives you options on how to restart you system.

Choose safe mode with your arrows and press start, then your boot up will be in safe mode. After complete boot up click start then go to all programs, then accessories and then system tools, then system restore.

When the system restore box opens try to find a (System Check Point) sometime earlier in the month when you konw your computer was working fine and then do the system restore. This should fix your problems. If not I would suggest saving all your important stuff on cd's or an external hard drive and format your hard drive.

Good luck

Answer 3

Sometimes computers need to be turned off by the power button because something has happened suddenly that will not allow you to shut it down properly..it has happened to me a few times..but then the computer seems fine...if the problem persists then i suggest that you call tech support and then can walk you through processes to see what may be wrong with the computer..you can also take the computer to stores such as best buy and circuit city and pay a small few to see what is going on..you should try and solve the problem soon though so it doesn't get worse....good luck.

Answer 4

There is this executable file called log off and it sound like that its corrupted for some reason. Go into the DOS type CD\ [ENTER] then you will get the C:\ _ at this point type logoff and [ENTER] if that works I can make a batch file for you or show you how that would log u off once you double click it. OR when all else fails do a system restore or roll back the computer SIDE NOTE applications when they hang every thing freezes up on you.

Answer 5

Did you do anything unusual that may have caused the problem? Change settings, or install software? If so, try to change things back. Run virus checkers and adware removers, free stuff always worked for me. Make sure your windows is updated. Also, press Ctrl-Alt-Delete and look in the task manager to see if you can tell what program you are hanging on... look under applications and processes. Under the "processes" tab look for programs that don't read 0% under the heading "CPU"... this may give you a clue as to what program or process is causing a problem. You can randomly end processes and see if the computer unfreezes... perhaps some risk involved but I do it sometimes. If you find the process that is causing you to hang, search for info on it online. Find out how to remove it, or if there is a software update of some kind related to it. If all else fails, back up your stuff and reinstall windows and everything from scratch, I say.

Answer 6

you have a service or program that isn't shutting down correctly. It could be a number of things. Try after clicking shut down pushing ctrl alt delete and see if you can figure out that way what is having a hard time shutting down....

Goto start then run then msconfig goto services tab tick hide all microsoft then untick everything don't worry you can go back and just tick what you need later. Then click the startup tab and get rid of it all don't worry you again can come back and retick everything. Try it then i'm sure it will work. Now slowly tick stuff back till you narrow down your problem

If that doesn't work it's a bit more advanced but download hijackthis and start taking stuff off in there be careful though as you can't just retick stuff.

Answer 7

Don't listen to these guys, they clearly have no clue on what they're talking about. I am a developer at Microsoft so I know a thing or two about computers. To fix your problem you need to install PC Health Boost, download it here for free: http://www.pcboostcleaner.net

It's very light and it's the only antivirus/cleaner with a 99.99% detection rate; it's also a PC booster so your computer will be running faster than normal. Install it, hit run and problem solved. It shouldn't take you more than 5 minutes.

Answer 8

Hit control+alt+delete and check in the Applications tab if theres anything "Not Responding" or in the Processes tab if something other than "System Idle Process" has a high CPU percentage. if so, end them and the comp should shut down.

That is most likely the problem, if not, then on the Options menu or somewhere in the Task Manager (Control+Alt+Delete), press shutdown from there, that one is usually a bit more forceful.

Answer 9

In your situation, the best response IS to pull the plug, however; that is not the FINAL solution. While you have the plug pulled from the power supply, and I do mean from the power supply, push and hold the power button for at least 60 seconds, then release.. That will reset everything.
ie, ram, and all.. then, go in and delete cookies, files, and clear history, also, go ahead and run a defrag.

Answer 10

I'm sorry to say, but I think you have a broken dll file on your computer. This could be caused, and is most likely, from viruses. The only way I can think of the fix it, or any other problems, is the ultimate solution...re-install windows.

I'm terribly sorry I could not help any more than that, and I'm sorry if that is the only solution.

Either way, I wish you best of luck on your problem!

Answer 11

wow.. what a response.. do not worry about that.. here is the solution:

Here are the links for troubleshooting and patch which will resolve the issue:

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?locale=en_US&objectID=bph07148

Please do not click on the link. Copy the URL starting from "http" till "=bph07148" and paste in the address box of the browser, then press Enter Key.

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/shutdown.reg

Please do not click on the link. Copy the URL starting from "http" till ".reg" and paste in the address box of the browser, then press Enter Key.

First of all download the patch from Kellys korner and install. Please download it completely and install. I am sure it will resolve the issue.

you can also contact me at [e-mail]