How to Restore the Shutdown Button in Windows XP
Sometimes due to different problems, such as bad program installs or viral, Spyware and Malware infections, options that should normally be available on a computer will be inaccessible or just plain missing. One such problem is the Shut Down button disappearing from the Start menu. With this option gone, shutting down the computer from the power button or even pulling the cord out the wall are not viable alternatives. Neither is a recommended termination method and the Windows Operating system could have errors and problems upon restarting because it did not shut down properly. The instructions to resolve this issue are meant for a reasonably knowledgeable computer user familiar with the Registry Editor. Included are the steps to export a copy of the Registry for backup before beginning the fix for the missing shutdown button.
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Instructions
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1
Open the "Registry Editor." Open the "Start" menu, and click the "Run" command. Type "regedit." Click the "OK" button.
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Click on the "My Computer" entry on the top of the left panel in the "Registry Editor." This will ensure that the entire Registry is backed up. Then go to the "File" menu, and choose the menu item "Export." When the box opens, choose a directory to save the file in and then name the file. When finished, click the "Save" button. This completes the export.
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Now in the left pane navigate to the key:
"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer." If the value "NoClose" does not exist all ready in the right panel, right click the "Explorer" sub-key and then chose "New" and "DWord" value. Name the new value, "NoClose." -
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Right click "NoClose" (preexisting or just made) and choose the menu item, "Modify."
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Change the value data to 0. Click the "OK" button.
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Close the "Registry Editor." On the "File" menu, select "Exit."
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Log off or restart the computer and the "Shut Down" button should appear on your screen.
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Tips & Warnings
You can safely shut down your computer by using the Windows Security box. You can bring up the box by pressing the "Alt, Ctrl and Delete" keys on your key board all at once. In the box that comes up, the third button on the top row of buttons is a shutdown button.
The procedure provided is safe and resolves the issue, but Registry editing is for advance users. Incorrectly editing the registry might damage your Operating System to the point Windows may need to be reinstalled. Please back up any valuable data on the computer before making changes to the registry.
