computer not shutting down

[owner2]

my computer often doesn't shut down when i tell it to.i've run virus checks and there doesn't seem to be a problem.i've now started shutting down antivir before i log off and this sometimes works.the problem is worse when the computer has been on for a long time.so a/what's causing it and b/ is it serious?

[rojash]

It always amazes me that if people have problems with cars, washing machines, boilers - whatever, they always tell us the make and model, but if the problem is with a computer we are somehow supposed to guess whether it's a Mac or PC and whether it's running Windows 95,NT, 98, 2000, XP, Linux, or which version of Mac OS.

[CT]

BE a little more specific about what you do when you shut down as well, ie do you close all your programs etc. I may be able tohelp if this is what I think it might be.

[owner2]

I'm very sorry.i went to check similar questions and sent my question accidentally before i could go back to refine it.It's a FujitsuSiemens PC and runs Windows ME.

I close down the internet and antivir.i've also got zonealarm,adaware and spybot which i don't close down.

I can provide details of my washing machine if necessary.

[spaced]

When I had mymachine running on ME that's exactly what happened. You could do one of two things: -

1. uninstall unused programmes. The reason it takes ages to shut down is due to the amount of extras running in the background and also extra registry items. Also do a disc fragment.

2. do a complete reinstall. dont ask me how to do thism I have XP and it does it all for you.

Antivrius etc etc need to run in the background to work,

[CT]

ok, if you like, is that link by USB to your computer?
(kidding)
Sometimes, when i'm on XP, and it wont shut down after i've been on for ages, I go to the log out part. Then hit the switch user button. This normally is the only option I get that doesn't just go straight back to the desktop. Once this comes up, you can initiate a shut down from there. This may not work on ME, but it's the best answer I've got. Let me know how you get on.

[dodgyshirt]

All versions of Windows can suffer shutdown problems and Microsoft offer solutions to these problems on their website. For ME go to This page for help.