Can't restart of Close Windows XP(Home)

[livesound66]

I recently unintentionally deleted a 'System 32' file and had to resort to reinstalling my PC's HD image from an external HD, using 'Acronis 10', to get my PC to even start up. This was sucessful.
However, now I can't 'Restart' or 'Close' Windows and have to resort to switching-off the PC and doing a 'cold boot'. Going into 'Stand By' is OK though?'
'Starting-up' is also very slow, and often results in a very slow PC. After perhaps 2 or 3 attempts all is OK again.
All I can think of is to reinstall Widows, which I don't really want to do with all the driver problems this entailed last time I did it.
Has any one any ideas please? Thanks.

 

[gpalmer711]

Couple of things you could try.

1) Check the event viewer to see if there are any errors when shutting down.

Click Start > Run > Type eventvwr > Click OK

2) System File Checker

Click Start > Run > Type sfc /scannow

This will check all the important system files and replace any missing / corrupt files.
Note you may be asked for you Windows XP CD during this process

3) Repair installation of windows.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx

or

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

This should allow you to reinstall windows over the top of itself without loosing any files or settings. This is not 100% foolproof so make sure you have a backup - that being said i've never had a problem using this method.

Greg Palmer
Freeware Utilities for Windows Administrators.

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[linney]

It would hurt to check your drive for errors too.

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right-click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking. Select both boxes.

Try Safe Mode (Do you have this problem in Safe Mode?).