[StewBizzle]

After owning my Dell Dimension 2350 for about two years, and using as a family computer (3 user accounts), something seems to have finally gone wrong. With the exception of one user account, the computer will not do anything after pressing the shut down/restart/logoff "button". It does not freeze, its just like I never did anything. Initially I thought it may have been a virus or some other form of malware, but after two spyware scans (one from Adaware, and one from MS AntiSpyware), and two virus scans, one from AVG, and one from TrendMicro's Housecall online scan, nothing came up. I proceeded to google the problem, but to no avail. As a last resort, I tried to update the BIOs, but that also failed (error saying Flash type unknown). If anyone has any advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

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I'll also be waiting for any answers. Just recently my Dell 4550 started doing the same thing. All scans come up clear, but when I try and log off, nothing happens. I have to literally unplug the system for several seconds, boot up, then proceed to log off.

And I am not the most computer-literate lady in the world!

Thanks for any advice,
Player

[Player]

I'll also be waiting for any answers. Just recently my Dell 4550 started doing the same thing. All scans come up clear, but when I try and log off, nothing happens. I have to literally unplug the system for several seconds, boot up, then proceed to log off.

And I am not the most computer-literate lady in the world!

Thanks for any advice,
Player

[ong2lua]

Did you scan in SafeMode? If you did, but couldn't pick up anything, then i suggest you to go into System Restore and go back to an earlier time. If the problem still not fixed, then try to reinstall Windows Operating system. You might want to choose the option Repair during the installation. Good luck!

[djgotee]

If you are very sure you are not infected read this: (this will apply to shutdown problems related to programs still running)

There always was a problem with various programs trying to shut down and
caused this type of a problem. It was supposed have been corrected with XP
but the only thing different is now it happens just occasionally, rather than many times with older versions.

Instead of the normal shutdown I always use a shell shutdown that doesn't
cause the problem. Right click on open area and then 'new' and 'shortcut'.
Create it with "%windir%\system32\shutdown.exe -s -t 01" and then click
this new shortcut to shutdown. Does it shutdown after doing this?
Give it a try and if it works, youll know it is a program .

also:
http://support.micro...b;EN-US;Q311806
Windows XP Restarts When You Try to Shut Down Your Computer
http://support.micro...b;EN-US;Q320299
Windows XP Restarts Unexpectedly or Restarts When You Shut Down the Computer
http://support.micro...b;EN-US;Q308029
Resources to Help Troubleshoot Shutdown Problems in Windows XP

Windows XP Shut Down Issues
http://www.kellys-ko..._xp_restart.htm
Troubleshooters for Windows XP Shut Down
http://aumha.org/win5/a/shtdwnxp.htm
Troubleshooting Windows XP Shutdown Issues
http://www.theelderg...ssues_in_xp.htm

Edited by djgotee, 05 June 2005 - 08:11 PM.

[Player]

Thank you for the advice! Looks like I have some reading to do asap!
I tried Safe Mode, but to be honest, I don't think I did it right. (as I've said, I have some serious reading to do!)

I've been surfing along without any problems for so long that this happening caught me by surprise. Ah, the loss of innocence

Thanks again,
Player