Problem With Shutting Down Notebook

I have a new Inspiron 1501 notebook.

Been using it a few weeks works ok, but I have had a few problems using wireless internet.

But the problem I am having at the moment is shutting the machine down.

I tried to shut the notebook down over 30 minutes ago and up come the Windows XP screen with Windows is shutting down....... and that Window is still showing.

I have been using deck top computers for over 25 years, but this is my first laptop. If this ever occurred with a desk top I would just press the re-set button or remove the power.

How do I re-set this notebook without removing the batteries?


Thanks

Paul.

 

Press and hold the power button to force it to shut down and then reboot.

 

I had shutdown issues as well on my E1705 although it didn't take 30 minutes and I would terminate the programs when it asked me and used another program to kill the hanging apps. This was one of the reasons I reimaged the drive. I've had nary a problem with shutting down since.

 

I'm having slower shutdown times than normal too, would task manager tell me what programs are hanging??

 

Thanks for that.

And thanks for the links to extending my wireless internet range - most helpful.


Paul.

 

Task manager may not show the hanging apps as they may be just process threads. I have never seen so much bloatware on any system by any manufacturer as the new Dells. Reloading the os is highly recommended as it will fix other issues as well. When no apps were running my cpus showed 43% and 21% usage. After the reinstalling the os It was 5% or less for both cpus when no apps were running.

 

I also recommend doing a clean install. There are some threads to help you on a clean install.