Computer Help

[Cold]

How come I can't shut down or restart my computer? The only way I've been able to turn off my computer for the past month or so was to turn off the power. Right now, I'm trying to install something and I can't because I need to restart my computer in order to complete the setup. How do I fix this?

[Aksumka]

Have your tryed to REformat?

[Dee-McC]

Sorry mate, I havent a clue. Hope you get the help you need.

[Fim]

Hit it.

[A04]

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[Cold]

At 10/22/05 09:17 AM, Suicidal-kid wrote: Have your tryed to REformat?

Yes, but I don't want to do that right now, I have some important files on my computer (reports for school, etc.), so I'm saving that for a last resort option.

[Denvish]

At 10/22/05 09:16 AM, Cold_Logic wrote: How come I can't shut down or restart my computer? The only way I've been able to turn off my computer for the past month or so was to turn off the power. Right now, I'm trying to install something and I can't because I need to restart my computer in order to complete the setup. How do I fix this?

What exactly happens? Can you click the 'SHUT DOWN' link from the Start Menu, or doesn't it show? Or does it freeze on the login/logout screen once you've clicked 'Shut Down'. Which Operating System are you running? Do you have any service packs installed? Have you installed any new software or hardware recently, before which you had no problem?

Do you have a spare hard drive or partition, in case you do need to reformat?

[Mooperty]

At 10/22/05 09:16 AM, Cold_Logic wrote: How come I can't shut down or restart my computer? The only way I've been able to turn off my computer for the past month or so was to turn off the power. Right now, I'm trying to install something and I can't because I need to restart my computer in order to complete the setup. How do I fix this?

Have you tried reinstalling/repairing the OS?
Or does that not work either?

[Cold]

At 10/22/05 09:57 AM, Denvish wrote: What exactly happens? Can you click the 'SHUT DOWN' link from the Start Menu, or doesn't it show? Or does it freeze on the login/logout screen once you've clicked 'Shut Down'. Which Operating System are you running? Do you have any service packs installed? Have you installed any new software or hardware recently, before which you had no problem?

I can click the "SHUT DOWN" or "RESTART" buttons, but then nothing happens, my computer just keeps running. I am running Windows XP, I do not think I have any service packs installed, and I do not remember the last time it worked (I think it was at least a month ago). Do you think system restore will work?

Do you have a spare hard drive or partition, in case you do need to reformat?

I am not sure about that.

On another note, my "Direct X" doesnt work. (I dont know if that's relevent or if when I attempted to install that I hurt something else)

[evilXbanana]

Ah, same here. But all I have to do is hit the power button and then wait about five minutes for it to shut down.

1000th w00t!

[Der-Ubermensch]

At 10/22/05 10:43 AM, Cold_Logic wrote:

I can click the "SHUT DOWN" or "RESTART" buttons, but then nothing happens, my computer just keeps running. I am running Windows XP, I do not think I have any service packs installed, and I do not remember the last time it worked (I think it was at least a month ago). Do you think system restore will work?

On another note, my "Direct X" doesnt work. (I dont know if that's relevent or if when I attempted to install that I hurt something else)

Reformatting is NEVER the first thing you should do to resolve a problem. Start with troubleshooting using internet information sources. If that fails, THEN use the system restore option. Again, if that fails, re-install your OS. As a last and final result, reformat.

[Ipeeongoats]

At 10/22/05 09:16 AM, Cold_Logic wrote: How do I fix this?

Maybe it just needs a nice bath while plugged in?

[Dual-Glock]

At 10/22/05 10:59 AM, -Ubermensch- wrote: Reformatting is NEVER the first thing you should do to resolve a problem. Start with troubleshooting using internet information sources. If that fails, THEN use the system restore option. Again, if that fails, re-install your OS. As a last and final result, reformat.

A sensible motto, if your in the industry:
You've got 20 minutes to fault find, and if you can't find it then it is cheaper for the customer and easier for you, if you backup and reformat.

[Denvish]

Seems there are a few softwares that can cause this kind of problem - MSN conflicts, Norton, WebCast, and various other. First off, I recommend backing all your vital files (don't forget to export Favorites, OE Address Book and accounts, and copy your Windows/Fonts and Windows/Icons folders to a backup CD if you've installed a lot of fonts or have custom icons), My Documents, etc, etc. Just in case.

Have a read of these:

http://www.neowin.ne..php?showtopic=162230

http://www.physicsfo..dex.php/t-82836.html

http://www.sysopt.co...php?threadid=143616

http://www.google.co..amp;start=0&sa=N
http://www.google.co..tnG=Search&meta=

[Cold]

Thank you very much Denvish!

I am going to try removing all hardware and software conflicts, then disconnect all USB devices, then try system restore. I will then go back and do more searches before I attempt to reformat.

I'll keep you posted on whether I fix it or not.

[ChildSafetyLid]

At 10/22/05 09:17 AM, Newground_Freak wrote: Hit it.

Lmao, that always fixes mine.

[Cold]

All right, system restore worked (actually that's my favorite XP function). Thank you everyone who helped!

[EtchASketchClock]

At 10/22/05 10:55 AM, evilXbanana wrote: 1000th w00t!

4322th w00t!
as for the problem, close all open programs.