Unable to shut down or restart XP system

I've read the other messages that are closely related to this topic and non of them helped. So here is my unique (probably not) issue...

PC is Compaq Presario running XP with all the updates.

At this point I have removed all of the anti-virus programs, all of the spyware programs and only reinstalled CCleaner and Windows Defender. Both have been run and found nothing exciting.

BUT, I am still unable to use Start/Shutdown to either Shutdown or Restart the computer. When I do TRY to use Start/Shutdown nothing happens, I get no pop-ups, it just goes back to the regular desktop and lets you continue on your computing way.

I am able to use the power button to power it on and off, but that is a pain! Help??

 

try this, click start then run, type shutdown -r -t 00 -f
see if that lets you reboot. if so, then you have a application or service failing to shutdown in a timely fashion.

shutdown command is being issued switchs
-r means to restart
-t 00 means to time the shutdown with a time of 00 seconds
-f forces all applications or services to close, whether they respond or not.

Good luck! :major