slow shutdown on Win 7 - need help reading Shutdown trace results

[dodobird]

Hi all,

I've downloaded the Windows SDK to create an trace file to pinpoint what is holding up my laptop shutdown.

Unfortunately I'm having trouble reading the results so would appreciate anyone whom has experience with the software help me identify what is holding up shutdown.

Shutdown now takes 30secs on an i7 sony laptop ssd 8gb ram, it use to take only around 5 seconds.
It would seem there is only activity at the start and end of the shutdown process and a dead spot with little cpu activity for about 20 seconds.

Only thing I can see is the process lifetime seems to be extended for a handful of processes.

The file is HUGE so i'll just upload some screenshots of the results.
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.
dodo.

 

[GokAy]

Until someone that can read the above comments, see if this will help http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/717-shut-down-speed-up.html

 

[dodobird]

Thanks GokAy,

That's actually the thread that led me to register and ask the question. Tried all the regedit options and nothing worked.

Cheers,
dodo

 

[MarkP15]

Have you tried this registry edit?

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management

In Memory Management, look for a DWORD called "ClearPageFileAtShutdown" and see if it's value is 1. If it is, change it to 0 and see if anything improves.

Basically, if "ClearPageFileAtShutdown" is set to 1, Windows clears the Page File by writing over it with zeros. This improves security because programs on your PC can store uncrypted passwords, emails and usernames in the page file, so in order to prevent them being read by anyone but you, Windows wipes it. However, it drastically increases shutdown time, and it's default value is 0 anyway, so changing it to 0 won't make any difference as long as no one steals you're hard drive

I know it sounds dodgy, but my PC went from 5 seconds to shutdown to over 3 minutes, and I couldn't figure out why; tried absolutely everything, then as a last attempt, did the above and it worked.

Hope it helps,

Mark

 

[dodobird]

Hi Mark,

Have tried this also - unfortunately still no success.

Thanks,
Dodo

 

[GokAy]

Mark, that was a nice recommendation, I should try to remember in the future. Sorry to hear it didn't work for OP.

 

[MarkP15]

Have you tried safe mode? If you haven't, let me know and I'll guide out through if you don't know what to do.

 

[Ztruker]

Please fill out your System Specs:

See here: How to See Your System Specs with "System Info"

Also, did you make any changes around the time this started happening? Add or remove software or hardware?
Modify themes (uxtheme.dll)? Install a different printer?

Try disconnecting everything except mouse, keyboard and display then see how shutdown works.

 

[optiplex gx520]

is an extra 30 seconds something to worry about??? if you are shutting it down it wont affect how you use your pc

 

[MarkP15]

is an extra 30 seconds something to worry about??? if you are shutting it down it wont affect how you use your pc

It does when you enjoy a PC you put a lot of money and effort into...

 

[dodobird]

Mark,

In safe mode - windows shuts down in about 7 seconds from press of the button (normal start up would shut down in about 10 seconds

Ztruker,
I've filled in my specs now.

I don't have any peripherals attached and still the same delayed shutdown.
I often install software for various reasons then uninstall them (when I remember to) once I've used them for their purpose. I can't remember if there was anything specific that I installed at around the time I noticed the stalled shutdown. I was hoping that the SDK software would help me pin point the programs but the screenshots I provided here seem to show a great deal of potential programs (during that 20 second gap in the middle)

thanks,
Dodo

 

[GokAy]

Try uninstalling your AV.

 

[dodobird]

GokAy,

Tried uninstalling. Still no success.

 

[MarkP15]

Dodo, that's brilliant. The fact you've started it in safe mode and it shuts down normally (or faster than normal) can eliminate any hardware problems. You've also said you install a lot of software, so I think software is causing the problem. Therefore, I'd recommend using msconfig.exe to stop any non-windows and unimportant services and programs starting when your computer boots up. If your computer boots up normally when only Microsoft services are running, start enabling the other services and programs one by one, then restart your pc after each one is enabled so you can see what causes the problem. There are lots of guides on how to do this, but if you're stuck I can walk you through.

Cheers,

Mark

 

[GokAy]

Hmm, a clean startup is a usual diagnostic step, I have totally skipped it in this thread

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...ation-conflicts-performing-clean-startup.html

 

[MarkP15]

Hmm, a clean startup is a usual diagnostic step, I have totally skipped it in this thread

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...ation-conflicts-performing-clean-startup.html

Which is what I just said...

 

[GokAy]

Yep yep, you reminded me, sorry for not mentioning that. I cut my posts short, pain to write from iPhone.

 

[dodobird]

All,

I was trying to avoid the trial and error method - but had to do so in the end.

So an few hours later it turns out the service "ActiveDelayDeviceService" (the manufacturer is listed as Sony as I have a Sony VAIO laptop) seems to be the problem.

When I disable it - the computer shuts down fine. The only problem now is that that service seems to be linked to my wireless network card somehow. When I disable it my 'Intel(R) Centrino(R) Advanced-N 6230' card doesn't show up in device manager nor is there the wifi icon in the system tray. When I enable it - my wifi works fine, and shutdown is again slowed down.

So do you think the above service is actually the problem or perhaps a precursor to the true culprit?

 

[dodobird]

Before someone asks...

I've tried to find updated network card drivers, and it seems my drivers are already the latest.
Also can't find any info on the "ActiveDelayDeviceService" anywhere.
thanks,
dodo

 

[MarkP15]

The above service is most likely the problem, but Sony need to address it. Try going to their support and opening a case?...