XP Shutdown Problem

Hi, I recently encountered a computer that won't shut down, it is a dell desktop running windows xp, The computer saves settings then sits on windows is shutting down indefinitely. I have run antivirus programs, and the computer works fine when it is running, but I can't get it to shut down. I tried googling the issue, but the sheer number of possibilities is kind of overwhelming. What other information do you need/want, and any help would be greatly appreciated!

I tried googling the issue, but the sheer number of possibilities is kind of overwhelming.

Yeah, there are many possible causes for shutdown problems, which makes it very difficult for all (beginners and experts) to troubleshoot.

Here are two possible courses of actions to take.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308029

http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/shtdwnxp.php

Another method I use sometimes is to start Task Manager, select Processes then start the shutdown. Watch and see what processes get closed. After a bit, once you are sure the shutdown is hung, start killing processes one at a time until you find the one causing the hang.

You may also want to install Microsoft User Profile Hive Cleanup Service as it often fixes shutdown hang problems.