How to Perform an Emergency Shutdown in Windows
Microsoft Knowledge Base Article: 279134 - This article describes how
to shut down the Windows operating system in an emergency situation.
Resources to Help Troubleshoot Shutdown Problems in Windows XP
Microsoft Knowledge Base Article: 308029 - This article refers to
resources that you can use to troubleshoot shutdown problems in
Windows XP. After you follow the steps in each article in a section,
determine if you have resolved the problem by either shutting down or
restarting your computer. If you still cannot shut down or restart
your computer, continue to the next section in order. Try to shut down
or restart your computer at the end of each section.
Read more at
http://www.hs-lab.com/usage/faq/content/4/38/en/troubleshooting-windows-xp-shutdown-issues.html