Windows xp does not shut down normally. I must do repeated attempts to shut down.

Shutdown issues are generally caused by a program and/or process that is refusing to exit gracefully. The program and/or process can be from malware or can be legitimate (such as an invasive antivirus like Norton or McAfee). If you are using a Norton or McAfee product, uninstall it and replace with a better program such as NOD32, Kasperksy, or Avast (free). The Windows Firewall is adequate for most people. Shutdown issues can also be caused by old/poorly written drivers so make sure all drivers are updated, particularly on Windows Vista and Windows 7. A.The first step is always to make sure your computer is virus/malware free. http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware B. If the computer is virus/malware-free, drivers are current, and no Norton or McAfee programs are installed, then do clean-boot troubleshooting to see which program/process is the culprit: How to perform a clean boot in Vista and XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/331796 How to perform a clean boot in Windows Vista or Windows 7 - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135 C. If you need more information, here is an excellent shutdown troubleshooter - http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/shtdwnxp.htm Standard caveat: If troubleshooting the issue is too difficult - and there is absolutely no shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a computer repair shop. This will not be your local BigComputerStore/GeekSquad type of place. Get recommendations from family, friends, colleagues.MS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!

I have this problem sporadically - always get the same error message - "end Program CiceroUIWndFrame Program not responding". I hit end task. System will shut down eventually. Upon restart & opening Outlook I get message "datafile Archive Folders was not closed properly. Checking for errors" It takes several minutes to check it. I have Archive emails stored on a flashdrive that is always plugged in. What should I look at to resolve the issue?

Those are two separate issues. The "CiceroUI..." error comes from the "Speech and Handwriting Recognition" feature of MS Office. You can turn this feature off by going to the Add/Remove Programs applet in Control Panel. Click on the entry for MS Office and then on "Change". Browse to "Office Shared Features," "Alternative User Input," and make Speech and Handwriting Recognition (both) "Not available" from the drop-down box. The Outlook problem is one of Outlook's bugs. It isn't closing properly. Here's a link to a very useful article about this: http://www.slipstick.com/problems/close.asp MS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!