What To Do If Your Windows XP, Vista or 7 Operating System Is Not Shutting Down Properly

Is your Windows operating system hanging up when you try to shut it down? Are you forced sometimes to hold the power button to force it to shut down?
This is something that can happen after a virus update, after a new software install, or for no reason at all.

The first thing you will want to do is run your anti-virus software to check for a malware infection. If no infection is found, then the next step is to determine which software program on your computer is causing the hangup.

While there is no quick fix that guarantees you will find the faulty program on your own, one option you have is to review the programs that are set to auto-start when you turn your computer on. Here's what to do:

1. Click the START button and type msconfig into your search box.
2. Click the START-UP tab. This tab will show you all the programs that are set to auto-start with your computer.
3. Go through the list of programs with a checkmark and uncheck the ones that you know for sure do not need to startup with your computer (e.g. - AIM, Quicktime, etc.).
4. After you have made your changes, save them and restart the computer.
5. After you restart your computer, you can always go back through steps 1.-3. and CHECK the box next to programs you WANT to startup, in case you need them.

CAUTION: Changing your startup configuration can negatively impact your computer's functionality if you deselect a critical process that is needed to run. Only make changes that you are 100% certain about. 

You are welcome to call us (847-348-3489) if you are not sure and we will be happy to assist you.  We can even connect in remotely and you can learn as you watch us make the changes.  For more info on this service, check out our website at www.HelpMeMax.com and download CrossLoop.

Can my PC run Windows 7?

Find out with the Windows Upgrade Advisor.
Upgrade Advisor
 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/downloads/upgrade-advisor

If you scroll down that page, you will see
a large BLUE Button with white lettering to
[ Download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor ]

Click that button to go to the page for the actual [ Download ] Button. When Downloading, save the file to the Desktop, so you can find it easily.

In general, if your PC can run Windows Vista, it can run Windows 7. But if you're not running Windows Vista, or are just not sure if your system is ready to run Windows 7, there's a quick way to do a simple check. (Most systems purchased since September 2009 will be compatible, if you have enough RAM and Disk Space available).

Just download, install, and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor... You'll get a report telling you if your PC can run Windows 7 and if there are any known compatibility issues. If an issue can be resolved, you'll get suggestions for next steps. For example, it may let you know that you need an updated driver for your printer and where to get it.

Before you begin

Before you run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, be sure to plug in any USB devices or other devices such as printers, external hard drives, or scanners that are regularly used with the PC you're evaluating.

To run the Advisor, follow the install prompts, the LAUNCH the Advisor program and let’ er run…

After you’re finished and satisfied with the results, you might want to head over to the following page to learn more about the Upgrade Process, with some good tips on how to keep things running smoothly:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7

On the right side of that page are some links to other helpful resources.

What if I don't want to do it myself?

If the whole process seems to “daunting” for you, we can schedule a time to have MAX Communications come in and run it through the upgrade process.

Let us know if you have any other questions…Or just call 847-348-3489 - we're happy to help!