Thank you, Toomas, but the problem is that I can't bring up the task manager and I don't open the windows that accumulate in task bar when I try to shut down, they open on their own. I uninstalled the Norton that came with the computer and loaded my own Norton system Works 2003. I also shut down any running programs before using scan chk, defragment, etc. Tech support for HP hasn't been much help on this. they want me to do a non-destructive sys restore. the last time I did that it "DESTROYED" everything! I've checked with the store I bought it from and they said they would either return my money or fix it if I can't resolve the issue on my own. The extended warranry I bought was well worth the price! Jessi Arcand-Taylor Toomas Piibe <[log in to unmask]> wrote: You have too many windows open and probably too many programs running. I have not tested (I have "only" 2GHz 512kB computer) but I think that on WinXP with that configuration about 5 programs and 20-30 windows maximum. Another problem is what applications You run. As you mentioned Norton I can say that version what come with computer of Norton Internet Security is scrap because it made computer very slow specially surfing in Internet. Look on task manager what process takes most of CPU time. Toomas ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jessi Taylor" > I wanted to make a slight correction to the following post; I stated that "As many as 144 programs have opened at the same time while trying to shut down after freezing." I should have said; As many as 144 windows have opened. Sorry. I felt the correction might help toward finding a solution to the problem > Jessi Arcand-Taylor > PCSOFT maintains many useful files for download visit our download web page at: http://freepctech.com/downloads.shtml --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? The New Yahoo! Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo. Curious about the people moderating your messages? Visit our staff web site: http://freepctech.com/staff.shtml