"end program - sample"

Hi mcameron98,

Take a look here: http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/shtdwnxp.htm

Greetings,

LucF

If u have the XP CD with u then try the following:

Start > Run sfc /scannow

also boot into the safe mdoe and then shut down ur system, if u r not getting these boxes in safemode, then it is an application which runs in the background in noraml mode, and may be also starts at startup.

u have to search for this application or program, which is i think SAMPLE, and then check which type of program is it, wither the prgram file or system file, or any software for any of ur hardware.

u can also try to unplug all the hardware attached to ur system, except keyborad and mouse and then shutting down tha system, if this error doesn't come, then might be there is some problem with the drivers of any of  ur hardwares.

if u fing this program, then uninstall it, remove its registry entries form regedit.exe, then reboot the system, again shut down the system, the problem shouldn't appear, now start the system, and insatll the program again if  u want it, and if this time the previus error is not comming, then keep using this program, otherwise u have to uninstall it, as the problem is with this program only.

GOOD LUCK!!

shut everything off in mscongfig, reboot and shut down
see if it is still there, if not go back and turn the programs on one at a time (reboot after each) when it comes back you have it

Seems like something is starting but not shutting down properly.  Update your drivers, patch your programs.

I agree with stevenlewis, but DO NOT SHUT OFF EVERYTHING in msconfig you need to first look at each item under startup



START
RUN
type:  msconfig
CLICK OK
Under startup

IDENTIFY each item, if you don't know what each item is, do a google search there are many websites dedicated to identifying startup items.

If you find that something is there that you don't need, UNCHECK it.  This is also helpful for keeping your computer free from a lot of startup junk.  Uncheck each item you don't need
then click

APPLY
OK

What programs are not responding and won't shut down without clicking "End Now"?  The end now dialog should tell you what program is having problems. Post that information then let's look at how to resolve the problem.

the program that won't shut down with out hitting "end now" is called "sample"
but it is not listed when I hit ctrl alt delete and review running apps or processes

Look in the following registry keys for any unusuall executable or batch files that may be running on startup:

START | RUN | REGEDIT
Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RUN

Or:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

If you find something you are not familiar with do the following.
CLick on the RUN key of the registry.
Click REGISTRY | Export Registry File
name the file and place it somewhere where you can easily retreive it.

Now remove the unwanted program that is starting.



Another location to look is:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

or:
C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\Start Menu\Programs\Startup


Also:

START | RUN | GPEDIT.MSC
Navigate to:
Computer Configuration | Windows Settings | Scripts | Starup/Shutdown

or

User Configuration | Windows Settings | Scripts | logon/logoff

I too have a Dell laptop with the Centrino chipsets and this problem.  All the advise here is generic and off the mark.  The solutions (found on Annoyances.org) are:
1. Reinstall the IntelProSet software
or
2. Restart the  "Spectrum24 Event Monitor" service
or
3. Totally remove the zero-configuration service.

See:
http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp/1074180478 

for more info.

While general suggestions are good, I would think that "Experts" would have tried many of the generic steps listed.

I was great to find someone who knew the answer.

-Steve

problem is caused by the Intel ProSet wireless utility. Uninstall the Intel Proset or disable the Windows Wireless Zero Config utility to avoid this.