shutdown function does not work.

[kittenc...@gmail.com]

Every time I try to log out, restart or shut down...well nothing happens. Programs don't close and the machine stays on, chugging along without any issues what-so-ever. I have googled the problem, but it seems I can't find the right keywords or the problems are all with 3rd party software (which I have none of at this moment) and I need to be able to shut down this computer without unplugging the PSU or holding down the power button.

Dell Dimension 3000
Windows XP Professional SP3

Pentium 4 2.53GHz
512MB RAM (504 due to integrated graphics)

Can anyone help me?

[Stefan Patric]

Try pressing the left Control, right Alt and the Delete keys
simultaneously. What happens? You should get either a shutdown or
shutdown requester or the Task Manager. If the latter, try shutting down
the system through it. Does any of that work? If not, then, you may
have to press the Reset or Power buttons to turn the system off, then
reboot and hope what's causing the shutdown problem has fixed itself. If
not, a Repair Install may be in order. I would certainly do a very
thorough malware scan in any case.

Stef