[Studio 2]

This guide will show you how to decrease the time your Windows PC takes to shutdown.

If like me, you've noticed over time your Windows XP PC takes longer and longer to boot, you've probably noticed it takes longer and longer to shutdown.

A fresh installation of Windows XP on decent hardware will shut down and switch off in about 4 seconds. How many PCs shut down after 4 seconds after being loaded with software? Not many.

This tweak reduces the time Windows XP waits before automatically closing any running programs when you give it the command to shutdown.

--As with any registry tweaks, I advise you to run a full backup of your registry first--

Go to the Start Menu and click on Run

Type 'Regedit' and click OK

Navigate to 'HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\'

Select 'WaitToKillAppTimeout'

Right click and select 'Modify'

Change the value to '1000'

Click 'OK'

Now select 'HungAppTimeout'

Right click and select 'Modify'

Change the value to '1000'

Click 'OK'

Now navigate to 'HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop'

Select 'WaitToKillAppTimeout'

Right click and select 'Modify'

Change the value to '1000'

Click 'OK'

Now navigate to 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Contr ol\'

Select 'WaitToKillServiceTimeout'

Right click and select 'Modify'

Change the value to '1000'

Click 'OK'

This should decrease the time taken to shutdown the PC. Again, if this causes issues or doesn't work, let us know.

[Albert Lionheart]

Good tweak - I find that the most common TSR that sits there stopping a shutdown is the AV software - seems they all do it.

[Studio 2]

Zonealarm is a nasty for shutting down too.

[Jason]

I concur. I have Zone Alarm and hate it for when I'm shutting down. But I`ve upgraded my computer, and my computer shuts down very quickly now, in which I`m happy with.

I also use MS Bootvis, it doesn`t have a dramatic effect, but it certainly works!

Regards Jason

[Howard]

Originally Posted by Studio 2

Zonealarm is a nasty for shutting down too.

Well, I`ve been using Zonealarm for a number of years and have never experienced any shutdown problems because of it.

Edit: I`m sorry Jase, but I have serious doubts about Bootvis. Even MS says it doesn`t make any difference.

Taken from HERE.

Please note that Bootvis.exe is not a tool that will improve boot/resume performance for end users. Contrary to some published reports, Bootvis.exe cannot reduce or alter a system's boot or resume performance. The boot optimization routines invoked by Bootvis.exe are built into Windows XP. These routines run automatically at pre-determined times as part of the normal operation of the operating system.

Regards Howard

[Jason]

I`ve never had any problems, I just hated it when my computer wasn't as good as it is now, as you had to wait for Zone Alarm shut down, which could some time take a while.

But now, my computer shuts down very quickly! And, Zone Alarm, in my opinion, is one of the best firewall software out. I have the internet security suite, and I personally would recommend it too anyone!

Regards Jason

[Daveskater]

Originally Posted by Jason

I concur. I have Zone Alarm and hate it for when I shutting down.

I used to have ZA:ISS and it made my PC shut down slower. There was one point where it actually wouldn't shut down at all! I uninstalled it and then it would work. Then after I uninstalled it (and after turning stupid UAC off), I got the old traits of my previous XP install on a different hard drive, and have been itching to reformat ever since.

[Jason]

I know MS say that howard, but I use and I have to say it does help, well it`s helped me.

Regards Jason

[Howard]

Fair enough mate, I can`t argue with that.

Regards Howard

[Joshuashawharvey]

It's helped me too, and brings no harm to your computer so i'm all for it and totally reccomend it, making sure you use it properly, no matter what MS say lol. It's always shed a few seconds from my boot time anyway.

[Jason]

I agree. And as I say, every little helps hehe.

Regards Jason

[Joshuashawharvey]

Yep, it's all about speed as y'all say

[Backyard]

There are mini applications floating around the internet in where you can double click on it and it will shutdown your machine mucher quicker, though, the problem with this is it might cause hardware failure and data loss.

So maybe best idea is to follow the steps that have been mentioned above
Rock on!

[Albert Lionheart]

That shut-down tweak worked a treat - not that I actually sat and waited for it all to power off but it is down to about 6 secs instead of 30. It has to be greener anyway....

[Backyard]

I would rather edit my registry than use an application that has been made. So thanks to the poster for this great topic

[Albert Lionheart]

Backyard, the tweak I mentioned was a registry edit - I agree with you as at least you can put it back if it doesn't work!

[Joshuashawharvey]

Well Bootvis was made by Microsoft themselves so it's not going to cause any harm or anything of the sort if used properly. And remember, that messing with the registry is a risky business, especially if you forget to back up before doing so. I can't think of anything that could go wrong by using Bootvis, but if it somehow did, it's easy to do a system restore

[Backyard]

That's true, yeah Albert, Sorry I did know that you wrote the edit for registry. I used to specialise a little and fiddle with it to see reactions, and then after I done alot I would backup it again - Yeah editing is better, Unless the software backups for you, I think ACE UTILITIES does this in their application.

[Albert Lionheart]

Ooops - didn't mean to take credit for the registry tweak - that was from Studio2!

[Backyard]

That's quite ok, I did mention to the Topic Starter dont Fret my mate.