when i shutdown my pc in the normal way from the start menu i get a
blue windows xp full screen window which tells me that windows is
installing updates ( 1 of 1 )
and that i should not switch off or restart.
unfortunately this screen can stay for 12/15 hours making my pc
unusable and i therefore have no choice but to switch off using the
button on the front of the pc which i understand is not recommended.

how can this be avoided

ray guy

I wonder if this is an Automatic Updates issue ? or whether you have some malware ?
and 12/ 15 hours is way, way too much for Windows Automatic Updates.

On the last day this happened, did you see the yellow shield (from Windows Automatic Updates) in your System notification area ? (the right-hand block on Taskbar, by the system clock) ? If so, that's indication 1 that it is Automatic Updates, and if that is so, here's what I'd suggest.

Save your other work (if any open documents, etc.), exit those programs. Click on the yellow shield so it comes to the foreground. Select custom install. Keep that screen up front (if the program minizes to taskbar, click on it so it maximizes). Have it apply the updates right then. Do not postpone the updates for later.

Check your settings for Automatic Updates.
I'd advise, if you are using automatic updates, you configure it to notify you "before" downloading and
"before" installing. e.g. do not have it on "full auto".

HOW TO: Configure Automatic Updating in Windows XP - 306525
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;306525

Make very sure your system does not have malware.
See Malke's advice <http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware>

--
Maurice N
MVP Windows - Shell / User
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rayguy@bigfoot.com wrote: