Windows XP doesn't shut down at first attempt!

Hi learned friends,

This is new to me and I hope someone can explain. When I try to shut down WIndows it only partially responds by closing some of the open applications, then it continues running normally. However, when I go back to shutting it down the response is instantaneous and the process completes without a hitch. Can anyone tell me why this is? I am not aware of any new application software that could have caused it!

Probably one or more programs that haven't been properly un-installed. Try using a registry cleaner.

What is running at the first attempt that isn't running at the second attempt?

Sorry guys, I've been away from my PC for longer than anticipated and have only just read your feedback.

I have cleaned up the registry but that hasn't worked. For this I used RegistryFix and TuneUp Utilities 2006. As for the programs running after the first attempt to shut down, it's difficult to narrow down. I have an abundance of exe files displayed in the Process list but there is nothing displaying CPU activity.

Anti-virus programs used to be notorious for causing this sort of problem.

You say some applications are closed. May I ask which ones aren't?

The issue can sometimes be caused by buggy firmware.
Have you at any time recently upped your firmware revision for any of your hardware?

Simple answer to this one ... no!

The method I use to check this out ... Ctrl, Alt, Delete, only displays active applications. If I click on the Processes tab it is difficult to define which one can safely be terminated. Consequently I have no idea which application is really active, even when I try to close applications that are active in the System Tray it makes no difference.

I am somewhat bemused by the fact that, on the second attempt to shut down there is no hesitation. The system shuts down promptly and without problems. Why it won't close down on the first attempt is baffling.

An interesting point this one .. I did uninstall the Norton antivirus program after my subscription renewal reminder popped up and I replaced it with AVG Free. I have other computers with this running and have no problems with them. Perhaps it is related to files left behind in the Register but when I try to remove them they refuse to budge ... Norton has always presented me with this problem.