Windows 7 32bit HP won�t shut down!

A friend has a problem shutting down Windows.
This is what I have done so far;
When I try to shut down it hangs on Shutting down.
What I have done so far to solve Windows 7 slow/won�t shutdown
Started the pc in Safe Mode the pc shuts down without any problems
Restored to a previous Restore Point in Safe Mode
Uninstalled various unwanted applications and toolbars
Did all the usual Disk Cleanup, run Auslogic Boot Speed, removed temp files, defragged the hard drive and cleaned and defragged the registry
Restarted in normal mode
Launched msconfig
Removed applications that did not need to start at Windows Startup
Performed a Clean Boot
Clicked the General tab, and Clicked Selective Startup
Under Selective Startup unchecked Load Startup items
Clicked the Services tab, checked the Hide all Microsoft Services box, and then Disabled All services except the Antivirus software
Clicked Apply
Clicked OK, Clicked Restart.
Problem solved
But after restart and try to shut down again there is a yellow exclamation mark on the Shutdown button indicating that there are Windows Updates to install! If I click Shutdown the problem returns, I have to shut down windows by pressing the power button. When I power on again and try to install Windows Updates it hangs on �creating a restore point�.
Have had a look at the Event Manager which produced this list which loaded all drivers except mostly the ones ending with @ nettun.inf, @netrasa.inf, @netavpna.inf, @netrasa.inf etc. these are mostly to do with internet connection, although there are no problems connecting to the internet. Too many �Did not load drivers� to list here as it is a 130 page Word document! Device Manager does not show any problems with any of the drivers!
So I have come to the conclusion that there is a problem with Windows Updates, which is stopping Windows to shut down but can�t figure what it is. Will running the �Automatically diagnose and fix common problems with Windows Update Fix it� from http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058be a good idea? Any suggestions welcomed. Only problem is I cannot get to the broken pc easily or quickly so I may not be able to act on any suggestions any time soon.

Put all the services etc stuff back to normal.

Run an sfc /scannow from elevated command prompt.

Turn off auto updates

clear out auto updates cache using disk cleanup (run in admin mode)

run the tool you linked to.

Reboot again.

Run ALL updates manually until there are NO updates to install

turn on Automatic updates.

See how that goes.....

Failing that check WindowsUpdate.log, that ought to get you very close, but try the above first it usually fixes most of these problems and doesn't involve reading verbose log files.

Thanks Pipexer, will do as you suggest as soon as I can get to my friends pc and will post back.

May need specific instructions on how to clear out auto updates cache using disk cleanup as I cannot see a check box for the auto updates cache in the cleanup dialogue screen! I have looked on my pc which is also running Win 7 as the broken pc.

Does System Restore function properly if manually launched? Are there any restore points available from a date prior to your problems?

Boot to "Safe Mode With Networkking", download, install and update MBAM, taking care to uncheck the "Free Trial....." option.
Run a full scan and see what turns up. Post a logfile here if anything does.

As I pointed out in my opening post, I did boot in Safe Mode and restored Windows to a previous point and then shut down as normal. It was in normal system boot the it hangs when shutting down. I will run MBAM once I can get my friend to do so or I will have to wait for when I can go to her house to try again.

There is a Microsoft support article on clearing out windows updates, it basically involves removing a folder in Windows\ but you would be better to read the full support article first.

Did you run sfc /scannow?

Run the Windows Update Readiness tool (as well as sfc/scannow). http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx... This will probably fix it.

To all helpful posters, Pipexer, Deadbeat and jimsym my apologies, but I cannot do any of the helpful suggestions until I can get to my friend's house, which could be some time!
Thank you all for your contributions they are very much appreciated. I just get frustrated when I try to help someone and they don't arrange a day and time for me to attend so I can try and help them.
Many apologies

In reply to a post by scopio:

..... I just get frustrated when I try to help someone and they don't arrange a day and time for me to attend so I can try and help them.....

I know the feeling only too well.