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Cannot shut down my computer

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Post #1
The only way I can shut down my computer is to to use control alt delete. This happens each night when I attempt to turn off my computer.
Here is my log….any help will be appreciated alot.
Thanks,
Doug
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 7:24:00 PM, on 2/25/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16414)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Elements 3.0\PhotoshopElementsFileAgent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehRecvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehSched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Application Accelerator\iaantmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~3\PcCtlCom.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Dantz\RETROS~1\retrorun.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Dantz\RETROS~1\wdsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\WMPlugIn\SonicStageMonitoring.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\Sony TV Tuner Library\SMceMan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~3\Tmntsrv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~3\TmPfw.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~3\tmproxy.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\VMISrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Video\GPVSvr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\VAIO Entertainment Platform\VCSW\VCSW.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\VAIO Entertainment Platform\VzCdb\VzCdbSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\ALCWZRD.EXE
C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Application Accelerator\iaanotif.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Update 2\VAIOUpdt.exe
C:\Program Files\Wireless Desktop\LgWDskTp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\WDBtnMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\WDC\CR\SetIcon.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\SV_Httpd.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\SV_Httpd.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\VAIO Entertainment Platform\VzCdb\VzFw.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeperUI.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\UPnPFramework.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\UPnPFramework.exe
C:\Program Files\Desktop Calendar\Desktop Calendar.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\Sony TV Tuner Library\RM_SV.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehmsas.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~3\PcScnSrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware SE Professional\Ad-Watch.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\WMPNSCFG.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\SetPoint\KEM.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkCalRem.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\SetPoint\KHALMNPR.EXE
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SSU.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~3\PccGuide.exe
C:\Program Files\Skype\Plugin Manager\SkypePM.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Doug Gibbons\Desktop\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://start.earthlink.net/AL/Search
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.earthlink.net/partner/more/msie…ton/search.html
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://start.earthlink.net
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.sony.com/vaiopeople
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://start.earthlink.net/AL/Search
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0\bin\ssv.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Easy-WebPrint - {327C2873-E90D-4c37-AA9D-10AC9BABA46C} - C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-WebPrint\Toolband.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ehTray] C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [High Definition Audio Property Page Shortcut] HDAudPropShortcut.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AlcWzrd] ALCWZRD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IAAnotif] "C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Application Accelerator\iaanotif.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] "RUNDLL32.EXE" C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VAIO Update 2] "C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Update 2\VAIOUpdt.exe" /Stationary
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LgWDskTp] "C:\Program Files\Wireless Desktop\LgWDskTp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Logitech Utility] Logi_MwX.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VAIO Recovery] "C:\WINDOWS\Sonysys\VAIO Recovery\PartSeal.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WD Button Manager] WDBtnMgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SetIcon] "\Program Files\WDC\CR\SetIcon.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VAIOSurvey] "c:\program files\sony\vaio survey\surveysa.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Logitech Hardware Abstraction Layer] KHALMNPR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpySweeper] C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeperUI.exe /startintray
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Desktop Calendar] "C:\Program Files\Desktop Calendar\Desktop Calendar.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Skype] "C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe" /nosplash /minimized
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AWMON] "C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware SE Professional\Ad-Watch.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WMPNSCFG] "C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\WMPNSCFG.exe"
O4 - Startup: WkCalRem.LNK = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkCalRem.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Logitech SetPoint.lnk = C:\Program Files\Logitech\SetPoint\KEM.exe
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Easy-WebPrint Add To Print List - res://C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-WebPrint\Resource.dll/RC_AddToList.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Easy-WebPrint High Speed Print - res://C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-WebPrint\Resource.dll/RC_HSPrint.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Easy-WebPrint Preview - res://C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-WebPrint\Resource.dll/RC_Preview.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Easy-WebPrint Print - res://C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-WebPrint\Resource.dll/RC_Print.html
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.sony.com/vaiopeople
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {4C39376E-FA9D-4349-BACC-D305C1750EF3} (EPUImageControl Class) - http://tools.ebayimg.com/eps/wl/activex/eB…l_v1-0-3-30.cab
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdat…b?1126732555812
O18 - Protocol: skype4com - {FFC8B962-9B40-4DFF-9458-1830C7DD7F5D} - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\Skype\SKYPE4~1.DLL
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WRNotifier - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WRLogonNTF.dll
O23 - Service: Adobe Active File Monitor (AdobeActiveFileMonitor) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Elements 3.0\PhotoshopElementsFileAgent.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: IAA Event Monitor (IAANTMon) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Application Accelerator\iaantmon.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Central Control Component (PcCtlCom) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~3\PcCtlCom.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Protection Against Spyware (PcScnSrv) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~3\PcScnSrv.exe
O23 - Service: Retrospect Launcher (RetroLauncher) - Dantz Development Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\Dantz\RETROS~1\retrorun.exe
O23 - Service: Retrospect Helper - Dantz Development Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\Dantz\RETROS~1\rthlpsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Retrospect WD Service (RetroWDSvc) - Dantz Development Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\Dantz\RETROS~1\wdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: SonicStageMonitoring - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\WMPlugIn\SonicStageMonitoring.exe
O23 - Service: Sony TV Tuner Controller - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\Sony TV Tuner Library\halsv.exe
O23 - Service: Sony TV Tuner Manager - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\Sony TV Tuner Library\RM_SV.exe
O23 - Service: Sony TVTA Manager - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\Sony TV Tuner Library\SMceMan.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Real-time Service (Tmntsrv) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~3\Tmntsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Personal Firewall (TmPfw) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~3\TmPfw.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Proxy Service (tmproxy) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~3\tmproxy.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Entertainment TV Device Arbitration Service - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\VAIO Entertainment Platform\VzCs\VzHardwareResourceManager\VzHardwareResourceManager.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Media Integrated Server (VAIOMediaPlatform-IntegratedServer-AppServer) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\VMISrv.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Media Integrated Server (HTTP) (VAIOMediaPlatform-IntegratedServer-HTTP) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\SV_Httpd.exe" /Service=VAIOMediaPlatform-IntegratedServer-HTTP /RegRoot="SOFTWARE\Sony Corporation\VAIO Media Platform\2.0" /RegExt="Applications\IntegratedServer\HTTP (file missing)
O23 - Service: VAIO Media Integrated Server (UPnP) (VAIOMediaPlatform-IntegratedServer-UPnP) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\UPnPFramework.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Media Gateway Server (VAIOMediaPlatform-Mobile-Gateway) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\VmGateway.exe" /Service=VAIOMediaPlatform-Mobile-Gateway /RegRoot="SOFTWARE\Sony Corporation\VAIO Media Platform\2.0" /RegExt="\Addons\Packages\Mobile\Gateway" /DisplayName="VAIO Media Gateway Server (file missing)
O23 - Service: VAIO Media Video Server (VAIOMediaPlatform-VideoServer-AppServer) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Video\GPVSvr.exe" /Service=VAIOMediaPlatform-VideoServer-AppServer /DisplayName="VAIO Media Video Server (file missing)
O23 - Service: VAIO Media Video Server (HTTP) (VAIOMediaPlatform-VideoServer-HTTP) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\SV_Httpd.exe" /Service=VAIOMediaPlatform-VideoServer-HTTP /RegRoot="SOFTWARE\Sony Corporation\VAIO Media Platform\2.0" /RegExt="\Applications\VideoServer\HTTP (file missing)
O23 - Service: VAIO Media Video Server (UPnP) (VAIOMediaPlatform-VideoServer-UPnP) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Media Integrated Server\Platform\UPnPFramework.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Entertainment UPnP Client Adapter (Vcsw) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\VAIO Entertainment Platform\VCSW\VCSW.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Entertainment Database Service (VzCdbSvc) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\VAIO Entertainment Platform\VzCdb\VzCdbSvc.exe
O23 - Service: VAIO Entertainment File Import Service (VzFw) - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\VAIO Entertainment Platform\VzCdb\VzFw.exe
O23 - Service: Webroot Spy Sweeper Engine (WebrootSpySweeperService) - Webroot Software, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe
Post #2
Hi DougG, You have a very highly elaborated combination of applications and processes installed on your machine that are designed to automate various desireable computing activities, but which may be consuming huge amounts of resources in the background during ordinary computer operation and refusing to release control due to the large tasks they've assigned to themselves and the priority that each claims, requiring that they complete before termination. Windows "Turn Off" and "Restart" are designed to "wait" until active processes have completed their cycle prior to shutting down the machine. When many applications/processes are active and involved in extensive scanning, indexing, and checking, a "lag" occurs when the owner/operator selects to Turn Off or Restart. Some of the actively running applications/processes that you have installed and have running active from StartUp are relatively "low priority" (some of the updaters) and some are rarely used after the owner/operator has set the preferred configuration (sound and video display settings adjusters). Yet by default, these processes insist upon remaining active unless the owner/operator selects to turn them off. Others (antivirus, antispyware, firewall) are important to leave running at all times for security, but still may be configured to have a lower impact on machine operation. Take a look in your System Configuration Utility (Start - Run - StartUp(tab) - Enter) and you will see a "B-zillion" items running actively that get started from the very beginning when you first turn on your machine, and continue (with their own self-assigned priority) until they complete their task. (or in some cases insist on constant monitoring) A couple of questions: Is this a new machine to you? Is the setup the same as it was directly "out-of-the-box"? Did your machine function "better" at some previous time, and is now suffering this problem at Shut Down? Can you identify a point in time, when this problem began occuring? Can you identify any hardware or software installation/changes that you initiated, after which the problem began being noticed? Note: If a change occured in the machine's functioning after installation of a hardware or software addition, that last change may not be the "culprit" but rather the machine may have been on the brink of stall/lag due to the multiple automated processes already installed and "any" new installation would have resulted in your now annoying situation. ________________ Other considerations: When did you last Defrag your Hard Drive? How much "free space" do you have on your Hard Drive? How much physically installed RAM does your machine have? Are there other "User Accounts" on this machine in addition to your own usual login account? Hopefully with some additional information, in reply to various of the above questions, we will be better able to assist you in resolving this situation. Best Regards, DougH
Post #3
Hi Doug, Thanks alot for responding. I'll answer your questions. My computer is approx. 2 years old. I have plenty of free space on my hard drive (250 g) I have 1 G of ram. I defrag my computer once per month if needed. No other users on this computer. The problem has been occurring on and off during the last year however its been intermittent. For the past week or so its happening every night. I havent made any changes or added any new programs to my computer. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate it very much. Thanks again and have a great day, Doug
Post #4
Let's get a more complete overview of your machine and its current functioning.

Please Run the PCPitstop Full Tests and Post the TechExpress Link back into this thread.
With that additional information, we may be better able to recommend a course of action.

http://www.pcpitstop.com
Left Column - Click on Full Tests
Register with a valid email address and create your own password.
Run the Tests
Accepting the ActiveX is safe.

On any one of the Results pages, you will see a TechExpress option listed.
Click on TechExpress, then copy/paste the entire URL back into this thread.

Best Regards
Post #6 last edited
Hi Doug,

Nice Machine! :thumbup:

From the very beginning, XP users found that problems with "hang at shutdown" related to Device Drivers, particularly for Sound and Graphics. Fortunately, the solution is often as simple as an update.
Check for updated drivers for your nVidia and Realtek devices.

As additional devices started becoming common in use, they too presented potential conflicts for Windows Shutdown. Specifically, iPod and other synced mobile devices. Make sure that you have the most up to date drivers for your iPod and Sony Gigapocket Entertainment Center devices.

Other potential "culprits" enter the scene with the various "backup" solutions that have cropped up. Norton Ghost, Acronis, and in your case Dantz Retrospect software. Update if available.

Moving from the potentially "simple" solutions, to the more complex, machines capable of Advanced Configuration Power Interface are not always recognized in XP as such. Sometimes it's even a matter of needing an updated BIOS flash.

But before taking that step, read this rather extensive/comprehensive commentary and "how-to" article provided by ElderGeek with regard to Shutdown Problems:
http://www.theeldergeek.com/shutdown_issues_in_xp.htm

Now moving back to the mundane and more "simple" issues. "All" of the items displayed in your Pit Test Windows Results page that have the Purple background highlight, "can" be disabled in MSCONFIG, and "some" of the items with Gray background highlight can also be disabled. These are all "user preference" items. Consider walking through those items and determining which are really needed, and which can be turned off.
You may benefit from this online resource when considering items to keep/disable:
http://www.answersthatwork.com/
To use this resource to investigate any specific item, click on TaskList and then use the alphabetic index to find your item.

Hopefully, the above will have given you enough leads to investigate and solve your current problem.
Please keep us posted with your progress and ask any additional questions as they crop up.
_____________

Now on to a few other items:

Defrag that Hard drive!
You will encounter all manner of recommendations regarding the benefits of Defragging. Better performance speed, fewer seek/read/write access errors, fewer application crashes, are amoungst the major benefits.
Generally speaking, the native Windows Defrag utility "should" handle your defragging needs adequately.
There are also third-party Defrag tools. Executive Software Diskkeeper, O&O Defrag, and VOPT Defrag are worth mentioning. (O&O, and Vopt seem to do a better job, and seem to be more effective in defragging the "hard-to-defrag" areas such as "gaming applications" and "paging file".)
_________

You have blazing fast Internet connectivity, but will still probably benefit from following the Pit Test Recommendation to Adjust Receive Buffer Size. (I do this on all XP machines I work on)
_________

And now about your Dantz Retrospect Backup system………
You have a huge hard drive, all configured as one logical drive C:\
Windows operating system, applications, data and saved files, and backup all reside on Drive C:\
This is NOT optimal.
I recommend that C:\ be used specifically for the Windows operating system and nothing else.
I recommend that additional partitions be created such that Applications can be placed on D:\. and saved documents, files, data, and media can be placed on E:\. At your option, additional partitions can be created for specific purposes, such as Gaming, PageFile, Backup.

About Dantz…….
If you ever actually "need" to restore your machine from the carefully backed-up Dantz folder, will you be able to do so?
If C:\ has "crashed", you may actually not be able to access your backup!
Backup folders are best placed on separate Partitions, and even better… placed on separate physical Hard Drives. (your machine can easily accomodate an additional Drive specifically for backup)

Note: I cannot "see" how your present backup configuration is setup. And you may have already accomodated for the above cited anticipation for recovery.

You might even want to consider the free Acronis 7.0 (older) which creates a different type of backup, as an ISO image suitable for replacing a crashed system. I don't know if your Dantz system has that ability.
___________

Finally. TrendMicro has always been one of my favority Security Utilities. They have a superb AntiVirus product, which you have installed.
However, there are some known problems with their "suite", including "hanging" issues with regard to the AntiSpyware component of their suite.

Since you also have the excellent WebRoot SpySweeper, you might want to consider reconfiguring your TrendMicro product, and even uninstall/re-install Trendmicro using Custom installation to install only the AntiVirus and specific additional tools of your choosing.

OK…….. That's a bunch to consider. Hope I haven't complicated your original straight-forward question.
Please let us know about your progess in resolving your origianal issue, and any additional steps you may decide to take.

Best Regards

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