Community Newsletter: Q&A: Why does my PC take so long to shut down? How to fix it?
- 9/12/08 9:06 AM
Shutting Down an XP Machine
by jgrass316 - 9/3/08 7:29 PM In reply to: Why does my PC take so long to shut down? How to fix it? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I can get my Vista plug in and say ever since I switched to Vista, all my shutdown issues have disappeared..
But w/r to your issue, I have the same problem on one of my wife's XP machine. Microsoft acknowledges this bug with certain XP installations. What I have found that always works is a tip from Microsoft that instead of using the shutdown button, use the Logoff button instead. Once you logoff, THEN use the shutdown button. Apparently some Windows XP machines will not shutdown because it can't automatically logoff the primary user. I have found that this workaround always works for me and I no longer have to deal with the infinite shut down time on my XP machine anymore.
Help is HERE!!!
by jestferfun - 9/5/08 10:13 PM In reply to: Why does my PC take so long to shut down? How to fix it? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Really though three things-
1. defrag your "C" drive or where you boot from. This is a biggy and can cause a big speed difference. Probably won't fix everything though. If you can't run a scan because there is not enough room on your hard drive you now know your shut down problem too!
2. CCleaner has a second option that nobody really talks about and it works pretty well- A REGISTRY CLEANER on lthe left panel. Run the regisrty cleaner option and the cleaner option. It's former name was CRAP CLEANER for a reason and they cleaned up the name for public distribution. IT'S FREE and both options work well. This may end the problem. Find this at Piriform.com
3. VIRUS OR TROJAN trouble- make sure you have the latest updates for your AntiVirus program and run a scan. If this does not work go to an online virus scanner site TREND MICRO does a good job at this. Trojans can escape some virus protection and SPYWARE TWERMINATOR is the answer here! Get it run a full system scan (make sure you disable screen saver and automatic sleep modes) and walk away. This program cannot always remove the threat but it will alert you with specific information as to where it is(not done on easy to use programs but this one is simple) and then go to your fav forum for trojan removal and search for your bug... your prob not the first to get it so someone has removed it and they will tell you how. If this is the case.
The SpywareTerminator scans results are detailed and can give the right person all the info they need to fix your problem even if it is not a "BUG" issue. SpywareTerminator.com (FREE)
Happy Hunting!!
Jestferfun
CCleaner....
by devilspassion - 9/5/08 10:30 PM In reply to: Why does my PC take so long to shut down? How to fix it? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
It's possible you've had acummulated an incredible amount of viruses in your machine... A good way to take them out is downloading CCleaner. This little program is great to clean your computer from this viruses. It's very simple, you just clean your computer with a click and afterwards you run your antivirus of choise, and your computer will be virus free. That`ll make it faster, and maybe end your shut down problem.
A very few things can have a very big effect
by mduca - 9/5/08 10:50 PM In reply to: Why does my PC take so long to shut down? How to fix it? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi, Victoria. I had identical issues to you, and solved them in the following ways:
1) I purchased a copy of startupcop and figured out what was loading and running the whole time that didn't need to be there. It takes no time at all to close something that doesn't open in the first place.
2) I defragged my hard drive. Be sure it never gets more than 80% full. Remove things you don't need -- if you're a packrat, write them to an external drive, or to CD-ROM or DVD-ROM discs, but get rid of things you do not use.
3) I fired Norton Internet Security. I do not use the windows firewall. I use Zone Alarm Free edition, and AVG 8.0 Free Anti-Virus. Resist the pleas to upgrade, the free ones work fine. NOTHING had a greater effect on shut-down (and startup) time than this simple step.
4) I downloaded Eusing Registry Cleaner. It is free, and it will do a great job of tidying up your registry. I did this after using CCleaner, which I quickly got rid of because by accepting the default to clean things up, I lost stored passwords on some websites and other files that I actually wanted -- I always do a restore point before using a utility like this, so I was able to roll back and retrieve what I wanted, and I recommend you do the same.
5) I regularly scan my drive with AdAware (free version) and SpyBot (free version). Neither gets everything, and together, they still probably don't get everything, but they get a lot. It's OK to delete all tracking cookies, etc.
6) If you want to clean up more, use your browser's settings to delete all temp files. This will, however, delete your browsing history, so think carefully before you do it.
This series of steps, only one of which required any money at all, had a dramatic effect. StartupCop is optional here; I probably would have gotten 95% of the shutdown-speed improvement without it, but it did speed up start-up for me by about 35% and I thought it was worth the cost.
Hope this helps
Michael
This is for MDUCA (Michael)
by LivinInTraffic - 9/10/08 7:47 PM In reply to: A very few things can have a very big effect by mducaI too find Norton to be a big boat anchor in my system. And I want to
Take it to the bottom of the ocean. However, there are some files that are tenacious and refuse to leave the comforts of my Vista OS. Can you tell me how you were able to finally rid yourself of this fat
walrus of a anti-virus program? I find the Programs and Features are
also as weak in any attempt to remove some of the key programs. Office, Power Point, etc. They whine about am I certain that I want to do this? It could ruin other programs and functionality therein. When I hit the button, "YES", then I am told I lack such privileges
to do this. Yet, I am the only person to use this machine and I am the one who bought it. Go figure.
But please share your info on how you passed top level clearance to do such a removal. Personally if I could do this, I would snicker at the nearest microsoft logo after completetionof such removal.
Lastly, if this is anything other readers can answer, please share your info. Michael (MDUCA) Might not log on right away. Thanks peeps and CNET for having such a place like this.
Reasons for slow PC shutdown
by GERRY RAINS - 9/5/08 11:36 PM In reply to: Why does my PC take so long to shut down? How to fix it? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
There are many possible reasons. Of course the first is malware. There is a simply wonderful program called CCleaner. It's donation ware although, in reality, you have very little choice in the matter and pretty much have to make an initial $20 donation. Its original name was CrapCleaner, a good description, but somebody must have objected to it. It cleans out a simply unbelievable amount of crap, hence the name. However, before you use it you absolutely must protect the cookies that you want to save, and there will be many of them, from CCleaner. Otherwise it will wipe out all of your cookies and you will have to register again with all the places that you normally visit. To do that you have to click on (1) Options and (2) Cookies and then go through the list protecting the ones that you want to keep. I went through the list four times. The fourth time there was nothing left that I had forgotten. Then I ran CCleaner and watched it clear out about 400 Mb of junk. Amazingly, it cleared out a virus that Norton had been reporting for over a year. Norton found it but could not delete it. After the first time I ran CCleaner I never got another notice from Norton.
When I uninstalled Norton Internet Security 2007 my shutdown and boot times were cut by 70%. If you have installed such a package that could well be contributing to the problem. I replaced that with Spyware Doctor, Avast Anti-virus - anti-spyware etc., and Comodo Pro Firewall. The last two are freeware, donations accepted. The change in boot and shutdown times were cut by 70% and I believe that I am better protected.
This combination of elimination of problems with Avast, Spyware Doctor, and CCleaner and protection with Avast, Comodo, and Spyware Doctor have improved everything about my system.
You might try Control Panel, uninstall just to see what you have installed and a program like Tune-Up Utilities 2008 which will let you find out what files you start up with. It also has a much better uninstaller than Control Panel and cleans your disk and registry. I highly recommend that one and so does Dell. I weeded out a lot of startup files with TU2007 and later TU2008.
Mac's
by scoobydoo69 - 9/6/08 12:20 AM In reply to: Why does my PC take so long to shut down? How to fix it? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I had a similar problem with XP, but having used various version of windows learned to accept the situation, its just something that windows seemed to do.
However having recently bought an iMac for photo processing the mac closes down incredibly fast, I did think at the time well it will slow down over time but no it still matains a fast close down time.
Sorry can't help with windows which I still use of course but I just go out of the room and make a coffee..!!
Brenda xx
lightning fast shut down....
by debritum - 9/6/08 1:49 AM In reply to: Why does my PC take so long to shut down? How to fix it? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
just press Alt-Ctrl-Delete to get to the Task Manager. Click on the shutdown menu...press control and then click on the turn off comand....see how fast the computer shuts down....
This is not my living but always glad to share knowledge. :)
by IKON44 - 9/6/08 2:10 AM In reply to: Why does my PC take so long to shut down? How to fix it? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
In reply to: Hi Victoria by hottroder
I don't believe the browser is an issue. It's what's installed to the browser that maketh the issue...
DO NOT USE TOOLBARS!!!
Ok your anti-virus and firewall software are clearly up to you, but chkdisk? How old are you exactly? I believe there is a perfectly good error checker built into Windows XP and still it won't do much. It's only of a registry problem than an error problem, but that's the worst case scenario. Check for viruses and keep your security settings up to a reasonable level and you need not worry; Read up anti-vir software... The best anti-vir software the 1 that solves YOUR issues not that of every1 elses, and you'll find they are made for different systems from home computer to enterprise. I won't over complicate things. Trust your instintcts if there's any thing of which you are unsure.
One other thing to really make an impact can any1 here explain the MSCONFIG command to her. I don't have the energy to explain it and I'd be using jargon but preventing running proccesses that way may be a good solution too, if you can't manage that 'cause likelyhoods of most that are slim to nill... remove addons from your browser in the normal way, for internet explorer with a browser window open thats under tools> internet options but internet options can also found in control panel. How you go about doing that depends on both browser and version - Read help files if you are stuck.
I hope that's of help. 
Why does my PC take so long to shut down? How to fix it?
by wanderlustfl - 9/6/08 3:48 AM In reply to: Why does my PC take so long to shut down? How to fix it? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
skimming through the replies, I see cCleaner mentioned several times for cleaning out temp files. - It also has an option to clean up your registry - in the older versions this was titled 'issues' - recent versions call it 'registry'. As said, it cleans up your registry. The programme IS free, so DO use it.
Cleaning up your start up programmes also helps. You CAN do it from the run command 'msconfig' but this does not include a lot of info on the programmes, and you may be hesitant in case you remove something you shouldn't. Another free programme, excellent for doing this, is WinPatrol from BillP Studios. You can remove startup programmes, or put them in delayed start very easily using this programme. It has another important function - the little Scotty dog, which barks when something tries to do anything to any sensitive parts of your Windows or browser, or when new programmes try to put themselves in startup, or something wants to change file associations. Importantly, it gives a little info on most common progs, and the paying version (still very cheap) will give you much more information.
Spyware and adware can be using resources, - some of this is benign in that it only reports anonymous details, some can be a lot more dangerous.
SpywareBlaster is free and will block a lot of these programmes (cookies, browser helpers, etc.), and it doesn't need to run all the time, - just update it regularly, or you can donate/pay and it will update automatically.
Spy Emergency from Netgate is an excellent programme which removes and blocks spyware and trojans. There is a free fully working trial for 15 days, then it costs $29.99. Very cheap for an excellent programme. Netgate also do a full suite like the biggies.
Talking of full suites, F-Secure and Kaspersky are probably the two best in the world, and both use a lot less resources that Norton or McAfee, while giving marginally better protection. F-Secure probably has the easier user interface, but bot regularly come out tops in trials. - Surprisingly, AVG free version always comes in the top ten of the antivirus tests.....
Defragmentation regularly, and Scandisc, both Windows tools, help you to keep running smoothly too (Right click a drive, select propertied, then the tools tab, and defragment or correct file errors).
An excellent programme advised by most techies as being idiot proof is TuneUp Utilities, made in Germany ! It is a bit more expensive (Around the £30.00 mark, depending on offers available), but it does give you a thirty day fully working trial. It has myriad tools for sorting out temp files, disc errors, registry errors and rubbish, tweaking Windows safely, changing Windows appearance, etc., etc.
Anpother wee tool that is free and essential for files sharers, but also can be used as a net nanny and to block some kinds of spyware is PeerGuardian. It is a sort of firewall that blocks known IP addresses from your computer, and has several lists to tailor to your needs. Undortunately on Vista it needs to be given permission to start under User Account Control, and as it likes to start up with Windows, I normally put it in delayed start so that it gets a chance to ask you if you want to let it run.
So, to keep your PC safe I advise :
F-Secure or Kaspersky Internet Suite,
Spy Emergency from Netgate,
SpywareBlaster
cCleaner
WinPatrol
Peer Guardian 2
And if you don't mind spending the pennies, TuneUp Utilities.
(If you can't afford TuneUp, use Windows Tools as above)
Yes, all these programmes also use resources, but the package quoted above is a selection of the least amount of resource users for the task, while keeping your PC or laptop error and malware free.
I HAD the same problem as yours
by Ruzzells - 9/6/08 4:17 AM In reply to: Why does my PC take so long to shut down? How to fix it? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
1. Too many processes running can cause this problem.
2. Do scheduled hard disk defragmentation.
3. Maybe you can scan for viruses/spyware.
4. Windows has "feature" to clear paging file to shut down. And, it can cause Windows to take long time to shut down.
More Rapid Windows Shut Down
by ffbobff - 9/6/08 5:19 AM In reply to: Why does my PC take so long to shut down? How to fix it? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Greetings. Are you waiting for the End Program windows to close? Windows has to process ending each and gives you SOME TIME to decide whether to manually end their running. That takes time.
You can tell windows "Hey, don't wait so long to end that program"
*** Use care when editting your registry, everyone tells you this for a reason... i.e. type with one finger ***
Click START select RUN Type in REGEDIT press enter.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Control.
Click on the "Control" Folder.
Select "WaitToKillServiceTimeout"
RIGHT click on that name and Left click Modify.
Change the value lower than the default 2000 (Mine is set to 300).
Close REGEDIT.
Now your computer should shut down faster.
a little help from tech support
by hhh1215 - 9/6/08 7:01 AM In reply to: Why does my PC take so long to shut down? How to fix it? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I work in tech support for a national fiber optic network - and I encounter this problem a lot from our customers. What we usually start with is we will clear out all of the temporary interenet files, cookies, and form data - this can help to clear out some common forms of spyware which can continue running while you are trying to shut down your machine. You can access this by opening your internet browser as if you are going to go on the internet and then selecting tools from the tool bar across the top of the screen, or it may look like a gear and be located on the right side of top of the screen. After that is done I will direct them to go to the task manager. This can be accessed in xp by pressing and holding ctrl + alt + del in that order and then releasing them all at the same time. When the task manager opens, along the bottom of the little pop up window you will see "processes " this number should be around 30 or so, if it's higher than 50 than there are a lot of programs running in the backrground that need to be shut down to restore proper operating, start up, and shut down speeds. Also you will find to the right of that number, a percentage that represents your processor usage, this should jump between 2 and 10 %. If it is high, or if it is 100% then that either is due to too many processes running, or could be an indicator of a virus. Then I will direct our customers to update their acessory drivers. When microsoft sent out the last set of security updates it played havoc with a lot of systems. You'll also want to check for updates to your anti-virus. If that doesn't help, or if our customers have a lot of processes running, I will have them go to processlibrary.org, this is a web-site where you can cross reference what the abbreviated names of the processes represent and then shut down only the unnescesary ones. Also I will direct my customers to go to microsoft's support web-site, and maybe even call their virus hot-line. Good - luck, this problem can be caused by a lot of different things, but these steps usually solve the issue for most of our customers.
Why does my PC take so long to shut down? How to fix it?
by ric55 - 9/6/08 7:58 AM In reply to: Why does my PC take so long to shut down? How to fix it? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
It seems to me You have to many programs running in the backround.
download freeware from Cnet.com: Advanced Windows care personal,it will check and remove any errors, problems in registry, startup, junk,optimize your system
and imunize your system of syware and adware. it gives you the option to allow or disallow programs you may or may not want to start when windows starts, thus allowing windows to shut down faster. Also try: Ccleaner it will also remove errors. Hope this will help I use them on a regular.
if it do properly we can easily download it some tips
by binil1931 - 9/6/08 8:01 AM In reply to: Why does my PC take so long to shut down? How to fix it? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
hiiiiiiii
i am binil computer engg
* first u go to start up
start >run >type "msconfig"
remove ticks expect "igxtray ,igxpres,sensor,sttray"
* u don't add or play (log off music expect custom music) music on shutdown
* better u use "tune up utilite" software
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