Not shutting down??

Hello Folks
I am running Windows XP. SP2
My computer will not shut down or restart with the Start/Turnoff method...I have to hold the on/off button in to do this.....Any ideas please.
ps
I am using a small program called "Switch Off" this works only if I use the "Forced "switch off facility that it supplies instead of the normal method which is available within the program
TIA
Regards
peppercorn

 

First thing I would do is remove that program, then reboot. If that doesn't work, system restore. Then, I'd take it from there.
Bronson7

 

Hello Peppercorn... Firstly a Hearty Welcome to MG...!

Could you please provide us with more information about the Software Switch Off ( The Provider, Maufacturer etc.)

Also Try Uninstalling the Software and See if that is what is the cause for your problem

Second

Click Start > Run > Type MSCONFIG
Click OK
Click the Start Up Tab
Click Disable All button
Clcik Apply
Click Close
Click Restart
If the System Restarts fine
Then Try a Normal Shut Down using the Start Shut Down Option
If it Works then you have the task of finding out which programe in the startup list is causing the Problem

 

Sorry folk's.. Thank's for your welcome.
Very remiss of me...Apologies.

I should have said I D/L the Switch software BECAUSE of my problem...So that I could shutdown without the uncouth method of "Holding down the on/off button"..
This is the link to thesoftware:-
http://yasoft.km.ru/eng/switchoff/*****
please remove the asterix's to use the link..For information
Thank's again

 

Try Uninstalling the software and clear the startup and keep us informed about what happened !

 

I dunno if it'd make a difference, but checked your pc for viruses/trojans/spyware etc...? I remember that there was a worm that shut down your computer, so they can turn it off, can they stop it turning off aswel out of interest?