I figured out how to post a question to this site... 

I have a Dim3000 with XP also having shutdown problem:  when I hit shutdown (no matter how I do it), the computer closes some programs (saw this via task manager), but otherwise totally ignores the request to shut down.  I have to hit shutdown again, then it shuts down no problem.

I first noticed this problem after installing some software (voice recorder/USB and other USB device software).  The problem is, I don't know which software installation did it, and I haven't a clue how to fix the problem (short of uninstalling stuff).  I am guessing that XP is running programs in case I plug in one of my USB devices, but it is interfering with my shutdown.  It is a real pain having to shutdown twice every time.

Any help would be great.
btw- I tried Microsoft's website -- totally useless.

Thanks