Windows Update & PC ShutDown Failing

[C']

These 2 issues could be unrelated but I suspect they are to do with each other due to the timing.

A few weeks back I couldn't get my computer to shut down. If I selected Start >> Shut Down it would freeze before I got the Log Off/ShutDown/Restart options. After this I could CTRL+ALT+DEL and select Shut Down from there and it would go through the Shut Down process but would hang at the "Windows is Shutting Down" screen and I had to turn it off manually. This happened for a few days and my first step to resolving was to update Spyware checkings and Anti-Virus and run full scans. No issues were found but after this I could shut down again.

However, at the exact same time Norton Protection Centre reported that 1 thing was not right and this was Windows Update.

Norton Protection Centre, as of a few days ago, stopped reporting this as an issue and now says "Installed Programs are working correctly" and since this has occurred the computer now refuses to shut down again.

Attempts to run Windows Update also result in I.E. hanging as it tries to access the page and I also cannot perform a System Restore due to the shut down problem.

Really not sure what the problem is

EDIT - Definitely some Windows Update issue. Just gone to Control Panel >> System >> Automatic Updates and as soon as I try to access the Automatic Updates Tab the dialog box hangs and I can't see what the settings are in there.

I'm wondering if the Shut Down issue is related to this?

[Hohum]

I'd be inclined to blame Norton for everything personally, lol

Seriously though it does sound a bit odd, have you tried disabling the Norton software completely and then trying to shutdown/update?

[Matt]

If disabling Norton makes no odds (disable, then you'll have to risk downloading updates - only do this if you're on a router, else you're likely to get blitzed) I'd suggest the good old Full System Restore. That solves most issues.

This is a software issue, not hardware, and sometimes Windows just needs a good kick in the nuts because it never resolves itself.

(Could possibly be a hardware issue if Shutdown is set to put your system in to Sleep mode or Hybernation and the HD is dying, but that's unlikely).

[C']

Disabled Norton Anti-Virus and still not got any access to Windows Update.

System Restore is failing to work either. Managed to get it to go through the process a couple of times but as soon as Windows boots back up it says it could not be restored to the point I've selected (tried multiple system checkpoints over the last month) and that no changes have been made.

This is sounding bad

[Matt]

Nah, system restore is a load of bollocks. I rarely use it. All that does it go back to older drivers. You've likely got a corrupt windows dll or two, and windows repair has never helped anyone!

You can't beat a good old fashioned fdisk->format->install. That'll solve the issue

[Hohum]

Could try checking event viewer, might be some info in there.

[EvilBoris]

Windows Repair Install FTW!

It has fixed my PC without any data loss (except windows updates) more times than I can remember.

[Matt]

LOL you've had better luck than me then!

I always go for Full System Restore. It's easy, and TBH everyone should do it every year regardless. It clears all the **** from the system and you can start afresh. It's amazing how much you install in 12 months you don't really use.

Edit - it is usually the fastest way as well. People can spend many evenings trying to rectify a Windows error with no luck, and end up formatting anyway. Just save the time and get it over with

[EvilBoris]

Indeed, Files and Setting transfer wizard all your stuff to an external HDD

format and fresh install then use the wizard to put it all back, it will be as if you never left. Apart form having to reinstall all the programs you want

[C']

ok I'm tempted to give this Full System Restore a try but I'm n00b. This essentially means formatting and starting again yes?

Can you point me in the general direction to get me started on this Chain? I've already backed up all my stuff in anticipation.

[Matt]

Just boot from the XP (if that's what you have) CD, accept a few things, do NOT select Repair you effectively want a fresh format and install. Then carry on following onscreen instructions

Insert the Windows XP CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive and then restart the computer.

NOTE: To start your computer from the Windows XP CD-ROM or from the Setup boot disk, your computer must be configured to start from the CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive or the floppy disk drive.

In some cases, you may have to modify your computer's BIOS settings to do this. (How to get into your computer's BIOS).

(If you are starting from the Windows XP Setup boot disks, insert each of the additional disks when you are prompted, and then press ENTER to continue after inserting each disk.)

At the Welcome to Setup page, press ENTER to continue.

Press F8 to accept the Windows XP Licensing Agreement.

If an existing Windows XP installation is detected, you are prompted to repair it. Press ESC (do not repair).

All existing partitions and unpartitioned spaces are listed for each physical hard disk. Use the arrow keys to select the partition or space where you want to create a new partition, and then press D to delete an existing partition or press C to create a new partition using unpartitioned space.

If you press D to delete an existing partition, you must then press L (or press ENTER, and then press L if it is the System partition) to confirm that you want to delete the partition. Repeat this process for each of the existing partitions that you want to use for the new partition.

When all the partitions are deleted, you can then select the resulting unpartitioned space and then press C to create the new partition.

Type the size (in megabytes, or MB) that you want to use for the new partition, and then press ENTER, or just press ENTER to create the partition using the maximum size.

If you want to install Windows XP, use the arrow keys to select the partition you want to install Windows XP on, and then press ENTER.

Select the format option that you want to use for the partition, and then press ENTER. The options are:

* Format the partition by using the NTFS file system (Quick)
* Format the partition by using the FAT file system (Quick)
* Format the partition by using the NTFS file system
* Format the partition by using the FAT file system

You may also see:

* Leave the current file system intact (no changes)

Most people will want to choose: "Format the partition by using the NTFS file system".

After Setup formats the partition, follow the on-screen instructions to continue Setup until Windows XP fully installs.

[Hohum]

Don't forget the various drivers for your hardware beforehand, mind. That's assuming you even have a Windows disc, and not a 'restore' disc (which is usually all you get with a pre-built PC).

[C']

Yeah I do have a Windows CD and all the drivers to hand.

Just need to build up the courage to go through with it.

[Hohum]

After the first time you'll realise what a doddle it is to do. Besides, seeing as your install already seems a bit broken, you don't really have anything to lose

One thing I will suggest however is disconnect any USB devices that aren't needed during the Windows install (such as game controller, printer, etc) - reason being that devices such as those generally require you to install the driver software first, and then connect the device afterwards.

[Matt]

Don't forget the various drivers for your hardware beforehand, mind. That's assuming you even have a Windows disc, and not a 'restore' disc (which is usually all you get with a pre-built PC).

Yes VERY important. Usually XP lacks drivers for the ethernet port, without which someone with a router can't connect online - so get these first, other drivers not as important but it is good to have them beforehand.

Mate, just do it, honestly it's easy