Won't shut down when I ask it to?

Question

I have windows xp and when I click turn off computer it gives me 3 options:stand by, turn off, and restart. If I click on stand by and walk away for the night, it won't go off when I turn the SCREEN on the next morning. Then, when I come back to it that morning, it'll randomly turn off on me. Do you think the wires are screwed up, or what?

Answer 1

It is not advisable to put the computer on standby or hibernate mode. You either turn it off completely, or select options that do not make it go to standby or hibernate when not used for a period of time.

Answer 2

The behavior you describe is consistent with some strains of computer viruses and spyware. Basically, they do not want the computer to turn off and do tricks to keep Windows from shutting down properly.

In general, what you want to do is get a good external hard drive large enough to keep a copy of all of your important files. This will allow you to reformat and reinstall your computer to make it as good as new. Once that happens, you should also be sure to get a good anti-virus program subscription and keep it updated. Avoiding the use of Internet Explorer for browsing the web is a good second step.

I hope this helps. It sounds like your computer is sick and needs some help. Be sure to save your data first!

Answer 3

I think what you mean is you choose Start -> log off and then it gives you three options to choose from 1. Stand by 2. Shut down 3. Restart -> why did you choose stand by if you could choose "Shut down" if you want to turn your computer off anyway?

Answer 4

dont click on standby, click on shut down so then power has a rest and the next time u put it on its fresh and ready to go!

Answer 5

you have a program running in the back ground if there's hard drive activity it will not go into standby

Answer 6

sound like you eather got a virse, are a trogen,,,

Answer 7

i would guess theres spyware on it ... some incompatible or corrupted software or driver ....