Microsoft KB Archive/305788

= How To Increase Shutdown Time So That Processes Can Quit Properly in Windows XP =

Article ID: 305788

Article Last Modified on 7/15/2004

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition
 * Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

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This article was previously published under Q305788



IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

IN THIS TASK
Summary
 * Prolonging the Time-Out Period



SUMMARY
When Windows shuts down, each running process is given 20 seconds to perform cleanup work by default. If a process does not respond within this time-out period, Windows displays the &quot;Wait, End Task, or Cancel&quot; dialog box for the process, which prompts you to wait for another 20 seconds, stop the process, or cancel the shutdown process.

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Prolonging the Time-Out Period
WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To prolong this time-out period, you can modify a registry value. The default time-out value (20 seconds) is stored in the WaitToKillAppTimeout value in the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

This value is expressed in milliseconds. You can use Registry Editor to modify this value and then restart the computer for the change to take effect.

NOTE: In general, it is best to refrain from increasing the shutdown time. For example, if your computer loses power, your uninterruptible power supply (UPS) may not be able to provide backup power for the computer long enough to allow all the processes, as well as the operating system, to shut down properly. back to the top

Keywords: kbhowto kbhowtomaster KB305788

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