I am running XP and starting a couple of days ago, when I shut down my PC, it goes through the shut down process, turns off and turns right back on. I can't even get the PC to go into sleep mode or hibernate. The only way to turn off my PC is to hold the power button until it turns off. I ran a full virus scan and there is no virus detected. I recently installed a new wireless network card but I failed to see how that would cause this problem. Also, just today my DVD drive suddenly disappeared (it was detected earlier and I had not restarted windows). My question is whether it is a hardware issue or a system file has become corrupted and I need to reinstall windows. Any help would be greatly appreicated. 1 person needs an answerI do too

There is no way for us to know if it is hardware or software from what you've written. You would need to do the testing. Also, running a "full virus scan" is inadequate to prove the computer is clean. See below for a link to thorough scanning steps. Faulty/incompatible drivers most certainly can cause the issues you are experiencing so in addition to looking over the suggestions below (and possibly trying some of them), you might want to uninstall the wireless network card and see if that makes a difference. If it does, you can try getting the latest drivers from the card mftr.'s website. If they also produce issues, contact the card mftr.'s tech support. 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!