I have a similar problem with my HP Laptop. I have not knowingly added or changed any programs or drivers but when clicking 'shutdown' half of the systray icons disappear and the system then hangs. Clicking 'shutdown' again results in an immediate shudown as normal. I have clean SpyBot and Adaware reports. I have tried shutting down all running programs but no help. I have also tried the fast shutdown command via 'run' but it has the same effect as a first shutdown command. I cannot understand why a second followup command shuts the laptop down immediately. Anbody help?

Hi Simpson - I have split your post out for a couple reasons. First, it is considered poor forum etiquette to hijack some one else's thread for your own problem. And second, since it is virtually impossible for your computer to consist of the exact same hardware, exact same installed programs, and setup exactly the same way, it is most likely the cause is not exactly the same and more importantly, the fix may be different.

How long did you let it wait before issuing the second shutdown command? Have you tried Safe Mode? Any errors in Device Manager?

Sincere apologies for breach of etiquette - as it seemed all had gone quiet on the thread I thought I might add a new dimension - sorry - lesson learnt!

In reply to your help questions:

If booted into safe mode then will shut down immediately from <turn off computer> <shutdown>.

If booted normally, inital activity after clicking 'shutdown' or 'restart' activity lasts for about 10 seconds with the HDD active - then nothing for over 1 hour (got bored) with no HDD activity that I can see. A further <turn off computer> <shutdown> turns the laptop off straight away.

Tnx for prompt response and advice.

Sincere apologies for breach of etiquette - as it seemed all had gone quiet on the thread I thought I might add a new dimension - sorry - lesson learnt!

No harm done and thanks for your understanding. That etiquette thing is Internet wide, BTW, not just here.

The fact it shutsdown quickly in Safe mode suggests it is a hardware driver, or some deep hooks by a program running. If no errors in Device Manager, then I would suspect your Firewall, or an anti-malware program.

Do you recognize everything running in Task Manager?

I have tried booting without loading my AVG or Comodo and problem remains. Device Manager shows no problems and I recoginse everything in Task Manager so I am really confused.

When did this problem start?

If you have any external devices attached, such as memory sticks or external drives, detach them.

AVG or Comodo

I use both as well.

Problem started about 2 to 3 weeks ago. No external devices attached. What foxes me is the ability to shut down normally if you hit <shutdown> a second time.

Well, it would seem something is starting with normal boots that is causing problems. I would look at your startup items and see if you can isolate the problem. The below are all enhanced Task Manager type programs that will show you what is running on your computer. Each is nice in its own way. What's Running is probably the easiest, with AutoRuns for the more experienced, and Process Explorer the most popular. With these, for example, you can see what processes are using each of those various svchost.exe images.

AutoRuns for Windows
Process Explorer
What's Running

What's Running looked a bit daunting for an amateur so I tried using MSCONFIG and going through each item in turn atempting a shutdown after enabling each single item. Almost the last (wouldn't it be!) item on the startup items list was Skype - which caused the sytem to hang as before. I now seem to remember an update a few weeks ago so will now load an older version. So for the benefit of other who might be having a similar problem - remove SKYPE and see whay happens.

Many thanks for holding my hand - we learn all the time.

Kind regards to all.

we learn all the time

One of the bonuses for helping out here, I am constantly learning. Thanks for the follow up.