CRTL ALT DEL problem

[Mr. Stick]

My son's computer (WinXP) is very slow when shutting down*, so I wanted to see what processes were running in the background.

* It takes 2 minutes from the time I click the Close the computer button in the Start menu to the close dialog box appears, and then another 2 min. 15 seconds from I click Close until the pc shuts down


When I hold CRTL+ALT+DEL I get this dialog box:
http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/thum_824646a5dce69a1ba.jpg (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=7231)

As you can see, there's no title or menu bar, and hence no Close button, nor any tabs. The only way of closing it, is by pressing ALT+F4.

This is what it looks like on our family computer:
http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/thum_824646a5dce67157f.jpg (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=7230)

Both computers are running WinXP but the family computer has several user accounts, while my son's only have one acount.

Does any of you know why I get that "amputated" dialog box on the first pc?

[TobiasTheViking]

just double click on it(not on the bottom or in the list box. but on the frame).

[Hindmost]

I would be very concerned about spyware running on your computer. Even an old computer running XP should shutdown reasonbly quick.

Immediately perform a full spyware and virus scan.

You may have too many programs running in background as well...so many companies put their software into the boot cycle. This can really slow down a computer. Click start and then run. Type in "msconfig" and enter. Click on the "startup" tab and see how many processes you have running. Many of them can be disabled so they won't boot up when the computer starts. AntiVirus software and antispyware software should be kept running.

disable any software that you don't need in the boot cycle such as:

any software that calls for auto updates
itunes and itunes helper
any cd burning software
any printer helper stuff
quicktime software
yahoo messinger and similar programs

These programs will all still be available, but they won't boot on startup

Defragging the computer should also be done to help speed it up.

[richardm]

I would be very concerned about spyware running on your computer. Even an old computer running XP should shutdown reasonbly quick.

This is definitely something to check to sort out the slow shutdown, but the specific issue shown can probably be "fixed" as Tobias says.

[Hindmost]

This is definitely something to check to sort out the slow shutdown, but the specific issue shown can probably be "fixed" as Tobias says.

True, but I think it possible that the window is due to either faulty software running or it could be a remnant spyware type of program.

glenn

[Mr. Stick]

just double click on it(not on the bottom or in the list box. but on the frame).
Thanks. Haven't tried it yet, but I will.


I would be very concerned about spyware running on your computer. Even an old computer running XP should shutdown reasonbly quick.

Immediately perform a full spyware and virus scan.

You may have too many programs running in background as well...so many companies put their software into the boot cycle. This can really slow down a computer. Click start and then run. Type in "msconfig" and enter. Click on the "startup" tab and see how many processes you have running. Many of them can be disabled so they won't boot up when the computer starts. AntiVirus software and antispyware software should be kept running.

disable any software that you don't need in the boot cycle such as:

any software that calls for auto updates
itunes and itunes helper
any cd burning software
any printer helper stuff
quicktime software
yahoo messinger and similar programs

These programs will all still be available, but they won't boot on startup

Defragging the computer should also be done to help speed it up.
I had just defragged the computer, and was going to take some of the other steps you mentioned, when I came upon the strange dialog box, which kind of stalled me. Thanks anyway.
Knowing my son, I wouldn't be surprised if the pc is full of ad- or spyware from various free games and cheats he's downloaded. I've got AVG antivirus running on that computer. I'll try Toby's advice later, and see what happens.

[Mr. Stick]

I'm at the other computer now. It worked just fine! Thanks again Toby.
Now for some serious cleaning, which will probably not be before tomorrow. It's 10 pm here.

[treble_head]

I think part of the problem was using the Crtl key instead of the Ctrl key. The Crontol key has been found to be virtually useless.

[Mr. Stick]

:D

:o Damn, did I really write that?
Yes I did, and if that wasn't enough I copied it from the headline into the text! :boxedin:

[Lisa Simpson]

Is the Crtl key near the Any key? Because I still can't find the any key.

Homer: 'To Start Press Any Key'. Where's the ANY key?

[Kilgore Trout]

The "Any" key actually not on your keyboard at all, which is why it's so hard to find. What makes it even more difficult to find is that it varies from computer to computer. Some manufacturers place it on the back of the case, some in the front. It is very likely near a button marked "Reset" but not always. To make matters even worse, sometimes it's labeled different ways. Sometimes it's marked "I/O" sometimes "On/Off" but it is never marked "Any" which has confounded computer users for many years.

I hope this helps!

[treble_head]

:D

:o Damn, did I really write that?
Yes I did, and if that wasn't enough I copied it from the headline into the text! :boxedin:

By using Crontol-C? :p

[Hauteden]

The times I have seen the Task Manager displayed like that it has been a serious spyware issue. Unfortunately it has been so long ago I forget the correction that I made. So I will just repeat what has been said. Check the system for spyware and adware. Remove anything from the startup process that you cannot verify its authenticity. Remove from the startup process programs you don't need. "Hijack This!" may be your new best friend.

Hauteden