Trouble Shutting Down Computer (Won't Turn Off)

Hello, all. I hope you experts can help. Here's a little background: Toshiba Satellite series laptop, Windows XP Home, SP 3. Several days ago Window Defender warned of the presence of a Trojan, which was subsequently quarantined. I also ran a virus scan in Safe Mode using Zone Alarm anti virus and that scan caught a few Trojan downloaders and quarantined them. Since about that time my computer has been very hard to shut down. When I choose Start, then Turn Off (or Restart) nothing happens. I'll wait quite a while and eventually get tired of the whole thing and click Turn Off several times. Eventually, it will shut down. Start up has been normal. Any ideas where I should go next? Thanks in advance for your assistance...Ed

 

trouble shooting for XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308029

 

samtal offers some good advice,

if no joy try right clicking on the desktop and going to properties, locate the power option under one of the tabs and try checking how the options are set for shutting down.

G.luck

 

I agree, that actually looks like a pretty good trouble shooting list from MS.
But he did mention "a few trojans" and many, if not most of the, times it requires multiple scans with different tools to get rid of infection.
It may or may not have anything to do with the shut down, but I'd recommend a visit to the malware forum where you'll find a sticky named "Read and Run Me First".
It's usually easier to get rid of infections when caught early on.:wave

 

Heres the link for what brandy advised http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=208809 BTW brandypeppy has given you sound advice, due to the mention of trojans, you can be sure they're sat there in the background somewhere waiting for another chance to commit there demolition attempt on your PC/LT !

 

Hey there,

Checked your Error logs for something hanging or timing out on shut down, can also try unplugging your network cable prior to shutting down.

Also try the most excellent CC cleaner, from the download centre on this site, has a easy mode although can be risky, dont check the error logs for deletion though. This has an option to backup prior to Cleaning.

Check your quarantined files, see if anything is related to services or other features used at boot or shut down. Try checking to see if you can alter your home page as well, this may give an indication that the unit is still infected.

Have a look at msconfig if your familiar with this, please for your own p.c's safety, do not do anything in there if you are unfamiliar with this or you may end up in tears.

check add remove programs for any apps which you may not have installed.
You may also have a TSR Terminate and Stay Resident bit of trouble.

Please only try these options, when finished reviewing and following the very sound advice of the Malware removal link provided in previous post by rusty jack, do not skip any points and more than likely there will be a positive outcome.

:wave

 

Thanks everyone for your helpful tips. I checked device manager and there are no conflicts there. I had previously run several scanning tools while in Safe Mode (i.e. Windows Defender, Spybot S&D and Adaware). I couldn't run Zone Alarm Pro's Virus scanner in safe mode because I can't bring up the GUI in order to launch it. There's a little glitch here but I've put the question on the Zone Labs forum and am awaiting an answer. Of course, it's possible that none of these tools caught every infection so I'll take your advice and visit the Malware section of this forum. Thank again...Ed