Recently I installed a new version of Windows onto my laptop. I reinstalled all of the drivers and everything is completely functional except the computer will not shut down. It hangs on the "logging off" screen where the mouse still moves but you are unable to do anything.If I start in safe mode, it shuts down fine.I have tried disabling, uninstalling, and reinstalling my sound drivers (a known cause of this problem according to the microsoft help page.)I have also deleted all *.tmp files. I have checked for device conflicts. Nothing is showing up as conflicting or non functional. Please help.

Hi,Which version of Service Pack is installed on your machine?Let’s follow these methods & check if it helps.Method 1If you have any unnecessary external device connected to the machine, you may unplug them & check if the issue persists.Method 2You may type the following command & check if you are able to shutdown the computer.In the start > run box, type this command.shutdown –sFor more information, refer this link: Windows XP shutdown shortcutsMethod 3You may configure the computer in clean boot state and check if the issue reoccurs. It will start Windows XP by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs and helps to eliminate software conflicts. The following link has steps showing how to perform clean boot: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353Note: Please ensure that the computer is set to start as usual by following the section ‘Steps to configure Windows to use a Normal startup state’ from the article: How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353Method 4If you do not have the latest version of Service Pack installed, you may install it & check if the issue persists.For more information, refer this link.Windows stops responding during Windows XP shut downHope the information helps. Please post back and let us know.RegardsDebleena SMicrosoft Answers Support EngineerVisit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

I tried using the run command to shut down the computer and it still did the same thing. I did a clean boot on the computer and it restarted fine after the clean boot, however, it still would not shut down. Currently I have SP3 on the computer It is already updated - still hanging on logoff.

Hi,Let’s follow these methods and check if it helps.Method 1You may boot the computer into ‘safemode’ and check if the issue persists. It will start Windows XP with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed, follow the steps to boot the computer in safe mode:a. Restart the computer.b. Start tapping F8 key.c. You will get advanced boot option window.d. Select the option “Safe mode”.For more information, refer this link:A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XPMethod 2You may follow these steps and check if the issue persists.Important: This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 322756 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756/) How to back up and restore the registry in Windows.a) Click Start, click Run, type ‘regedit’, and then click OK.b) Expand the following registry subkey: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\CONTROL PANEL\DESKTOPc) On the right pane there is a registry item called AutoEndTasks. Double click on it and change its value from 0 to 1 and close the registry window. Thereafter, reboot the computer.Method 3You may also contact your computer manufacturer to update the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) and check if the issue persists.Note: Modifying BIOS/ chipset incorrectly can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the configuring of BIOS/chipset can be solved. Modifications of the settings are at your own risk.Hope the information helps. Please post back and let us know.RegardsDebleena SMicrosoft Answers Support EngineerVisit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

If not already installed this suggestion should be tried first where Shutdown takes a long time. Download and install the User Profile Hive Cleanup Servicehttp://snipurl.com/1pyo4u [www_microsoft_com] A snipped URL has been used to avoid providing a broken link. Another suggestion is to look through the advice in the next link:http://aumha.org/win5/a/shtdwnxp.htm This Article was written some years ago but much is still relevant today for those using Windows XPHope this helps, Gerry Cornell

Thanks for all of your help. Turns out the problem was the shutdown sound. I disabled sounds during shutdown/logoff and it shuts down just fine now.