Computer stops responding on shutdown...

from WinCustomize Forums
IN the past my computer would freeze at the the shutdown screen occasionally, but now it happens everytime i shut it down. Does anyone know how to fix this? It hangs at the "Windows is shutting down..." screen on restarts and shutdowns. I did some research on google but i still couldnt a solution.
26,661 views 66 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
A program is hanging. If it's not frozen, you can hit Restart or Shutdown twice and Windows will force it. To find the app hanging, kill running apps (NOT any Windows processes) one at a time until the computer shuts down/restarts properly. When it works correctly, note the app that you just killed.......that's the problem app.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Computer stops responding on shutdown...

Glad Gary helped you out.
This title was beggin for a smart ass answer.
Offworld Trading Company
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Definitely follow yrag's advice.

You can also follow the instructions here: http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=1590&page=32 to shorten shutdown times, and to have windows kill hung apps.

.....I always thought a computer not responding was kind of the definition of a shutdown.

This title was beggin for a smart ass answer.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
thanks so much guys. lol i didnt even notice that about the title.

should those registry changes be safe?
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Many times when this happens it is caused by the shutting down sound wave. Go to your control panel, then to Sounds, Speech and Audio devices. Under Pick a task click Change the sound scheme and scroll till you find exit windows and turn it off.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
should those registry changes be safe?


I've tried all of the PCStats registry tweaks for a faster Windows, and have had no problems with them. To be sure, always make a backup registry and tweak one at a time so you know which one messed up if there is a problem.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
the title has been cracking me up 2 days now
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Me too!! Poor caveman...
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I 'could' edit it to 'during shutdown', instead of 'on shutdown'....
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
NO..No, please don't, I get a little charge each time I pass over this one. I even thought about bumping it just so I could read the title every once in a while.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I was going have some fun with him about the title, but thought it might be viewed as somewhat tasteless......

..............so much for taste......
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
haha, at the other forum where I posted about this, no one even mentioned the title.

I think the cause of this problem is the uninstall of my ATI software. I removed all the aspects of it in the add/remove programs list, but i cant get rid of the ATI drivers in the list. I think i am going to use DriverCleaner to try and remove them.
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Don't worry.....we won't keep bumping it for a cheap chuckle at your expense......

....we'll make it a sticky
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Don't worry.....we won't keep bumping it for a cheap chuckle at your expense......

....we'll make it a sticky


haha go right ahead, lol.

Anyway, what do you think of DriverCleaner, gary?
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Try it...can't hurt. Un-install the ATI drivers in 'Add and Remove' and then re-boot into Safemode. Run Driver Cleaner from there. After it's done, boot into Windows (ATI won't install in SM) and install the drivers. I'm assuming you still have the ATI card. If you have something else (NVidia), let me know.......
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
What ATI card, i do not want ATI's programs. I just want to clean my system of all aspects of ATI. I am happy with the generic windows drivers and i would rather use these. Thanks for the help.
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Wait a minute......ya lost me. What 'aspects' of ATI do you have?
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I only have the ATI drivers left in the add/remove list. I uninstalled all other parts of the ATI software.
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Ok......I guess. Running Driver Cleaner in Safe Mode will certainly get rid of 'em for you.
Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I guess you are wondering why i want to do this. lol

After installing the ATI catalyst control center, my computer started to load really slowly when i logged on. It would also stop responding at times, and this is when the shut down problem first started. Thanks again man, i guess ill run driver cleaner.
Reply #22 from JoeUser Forums Top
Don't do the install in automatic and just install the actuall video drivers after you run Driver Cleaner. It may be al the excess crap they put on the disc causing trouble. GL!
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Caveman I had similar problems as you when I first installed the software for my ATI card from the packaged disc. The solution for me was to download the most recent drivers from the ATI site, completely uninstall the existing software, run the driver cleaner and install the updated drivers. I also have the updated Catalyst Control Center installed, with no slow startups or hang on shutdown, as previously experienced with the packaged software.

You could try this to get the full benifit of your ATI card...also if you want to access the new features of WB5. However, if you simply don't want or need the Catalyst Control Center, or you discover it's the cause of your issue, I believe the D/L has a custom install to only load the drivers.
Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top

BTW - ATI offers a uninstall utility which will remove all ATI files from your system.

ATI site > Drivers and Software > Utilities > Various > CATALYST - ATI maintenance utilities > download "cat-uninstaller.exe".

You can then download the "Display driver only" file via the "Low Speed (Dial-up)" section.

This file will still install an executible which will run as a process during normal operation, but you may find the benefits outweigh the added resource use.

Otherwise, you already know you can use the Microsoft drivers for ATI products included with the OS, which are not quite as advanced - but do the job for general use.

Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I really dont want or need ATI software. After i run DriverCleaner, would windows reinstall the generic drivers that came on the system?

I just ran the ATI uninstaller and after a reboot, the drivers are still in the add/remove programs list.