Microsoft Windows XP Support

Does your Microsoft Windows XP not shutdown properly or give error messages while shutting down? It is one among the primary issues that Windows XP operating system (OS) is defamed for. When such problem occurs, people generally resort to power off the machine without considering that it could lead to major issue such as hardware failure or corruption of OS files etc. Since, we know it's not possible for everyone to have upgraded to latest or greatest software or hardware as it is likely to leave little or no room for discussion on shutdown problems. So, is it really possible to get a permanent fix of shutdown problem or just wait to let it happen again and call a Microsoft technician to fix it manually? See below for answers

Here is your online Microsoft tech support guide that will help you know your problem first and then resolve it in the most user-friendly way.

Below are the most common causes of shutdown problems:

Hardware - It is one among the prevalent causes for XP shutdown problems. Provided that you have latest drivers on your PC, you are not likely to face this problem. However, if you have installed a new hardware or some peripheral device and then try to update drivers, it might corrupt internal files leading to problem in XP shutdown. It is commonly known as hardware compatibility issue.

Virus/spyware Infection - It's a major and common cause that prevents PC from shutting down properly. So, if your PC is infected with a virus, spyware, or any malicious program, your PC either won't shutdown, just crash, or hangs.

Software - After you have installed a new software version, it is possible that it does not co-ordinate with other software applications in your PC thereby leading to extremely slow shutdown or not at all shutdown problem.

Registry Files - If you have removed/uninstalled a program but not its registry entry, then it's likely to prevent Windows XP from shutting down. Or, if some registry entry is corrupted, you'll face problem shutting it down.

Wake-On Setting - It is designed to allow a PC to automatically reboot, provided that it receives its intended LAN packets or the modem line rings. Generally, your PC's BIOS (basic input output system) setting adjusts Wake-On setting. However, even if Wake-On settings are disabled, Windows XP still can wake up the system.

Damaged File System or Hard Disk - If your machine has a damaged file system or hard disk, then it is likely to cause problem in XP shutdown.

Below are the easy steps that will resolve shutdown problem:

Rebooting - It is the easiest and common method and is preferred over the shutdown. So, rather than putting your PC to sleep by normal shutdown, you should reboot it as Windows XP is designed to be rebooted subsequent to a critical breakdown.

Hardware Compatibility - You should try to install or reinstall Windows XP-compatible hardware and drivers. The latest drivers can be downloaded from different websites including Microsoft. Furthermore, most of the websites including Microsoft provide the list of compatible hardware and software versions.

Software Compatibility - Similar to hardware, you should install the compatible software versions with Windows XP in order to avoid shutdown problem.

Fixing Registry Problems - As we discussed above the registry entry problem, it can be fixed by reinstalling the specific program or component and then following the right procedure to uninstall/remove it. For that, you need to click on 'start' button, then go to 'control panel' and then to 'Add or Remove Programs'. Select the program and click on 'change/remove'. Follow rest of the instructions to remove registry entries also. You can also use 'registry cleaner program' as it is easier and more comfortable to clean the pending or corrupt registry entries.

Virus Infection - It's quite obvious that you should first get your PC free from virus or malicious programs in order to prevent shutdown problem. You can do so by running scan on your antivirus. The antivirus will scan and remove the malicious applications. However, if the problem is not resolved then you can contact a local repair shop to remove viruses manually or remotely by contacting a certified Microsoft tech support.

Disabling Wake-On Setting - For this, you need to open 'Device Manager' in your system and find out its network card. You need to right click on the network card and click on the properties command from the subsequent shortcut list. You'll see the properties sheet of network card. Click on 'Power Management' tab and ensure that 'Allow This Device To Bring The Computer Out Of Standby' option is not selected. It it's selected then deselect it.

Repair Hard Disk/File System - You need to run 'Chkdsk' command from your system. If it prompts that your hard disk could not be accessed, your hardware has failed. You need to ensure that all the cables are connected properly and also check any jumper settings available on your hard drive. You can contact a local repair shop for fixing the problem manually.

If the 'Chkdsk' command prompts that all hard disk drive problems were not fixed, then your MBR (Master Boot Record)/file system is damaged or not accessible anymore. Then, you can run fixboot or fixmbr among other appropriate RC (Recovery Console) commands, reformate or repartition hard disk drive, or call a data-recovery service. If you opt for hard disk-reformatting, you will lose all your data on the disk. Therefore, you are advised to contact a certified Microsoft technical help to save from any major problem.

That was your complete guide with reasons as well as solutions to XP shutdown problems. You may find it cumbersome to go through any of the abovementioned procedures as you may not have sufficient time to perform them. In that case, you can always approach a certified Microsoft tech support. There are a number of third-party service providers that offer Microsoft technical support for all such issues.