Cannot install or uninstall program, shut down computer long

bori02082014 · 14 Sep 2018

A few days ago, my laptop that runs on Windows 7, when accessing the Internet runs slowly. Back then it was ok. And if I tried using other devices to access the Internet, the speed is ok.

After checking, I notice I cant open my antivirus Avast. So I uninstalled my antivirus. Now, I'm trying to install antivirus but cannot. I've tried installing Avast, AVG, Kaspersky. I installed the online downloader but after finished downloading, it stuck at the installation the program. I also tried to uninstall a program but fail.

Also when opening some program such as Excel, it will work for a short while but then it will get Not Responding.

And when I tried shutting down the laptop, it takes forever to shut down. Got stuck at the shut down blue screen, where the circle keeps rotating for more than 30 min. So I just plug the cable.

I have tried running the newest Malwarebytes but didnt find any threat. But I havent checked with other antivirus as Im not able to download them. Any troubleshoot or test that can be run to check?

file3456 · 14 Sep 2018

Do you have a system restore point prior to this happening?

You should use Revouninstaller when you remove a program. For anti-virus software, the developer, in this case Avast may have an uninstaller that you need to use.

Once you get that sorted, try Bitdefender Free. Better than nothing I suppose.

Paul Black · 15 Sep 2018

Hi bori02082014, welcome to Seven Forums,

bori02082014 said:

A few days ago, my laptop that runs on Windows 7, when accessing the Internet runs slowly. Back then it was ok. And if I tried using other devices to access the Internet, the speed is ok.

Which browser is slow?

bori02082014 said:

After checking, I notice I cant open my antivirus Avast. So I uninstalled my antivirus. Now, I'm trying to install antivirus but cannot. I've tried installing Avast, AVG, Kaspersky. I installed the online downloader but after finished downloading, it stuck at the installation the program. I also tried to uninstall a program but fail.

The best program/software uninstaller to use is Revouninstaller [FREE]. It can also scan for leftovers and get rid of them too. Click here > RevoUninstaller

bori02082014 said:

And when I tried shutting down the laptop, it takes forever to shut down. Got stuck at the shut down blue screen, where the circle keeps rotating for more than 30 min. So I just plug the cable.

Out of interest, have you got Windows Updates set to automatic? If you have, the Windows Updates will be downloaded while you are using your computer. Some updates however, need to be rebooted in order for them to take effect. This is obviously done during the shutdown process. This could be a reason for the slow shutdown process.

As @F22 Simpilot has pointed out, another option is to use a system restore point [if you have one] prior to this happening?

I hope this helps!

bori02082014 · 15 Sep 2018

Thanks for all the sugestions. Somehow the Internet was able to speed up again to normal after I keep rebooting. And managed to download the antivirus. But still have error with the shutdown process. It always takes too long in "Shutting down" or "Preparing to configure Windows. Do not turn off your computer. I waited 1 hour but the computer doesnt shutdown, so I pulled the plug. The circle on the left of the status still moves though.

After trying to find the solutions, I tried rebooting in Safe mode. In Safe mode, after I press shutdown, computer shutdowns properly. Then in Safemode, I used msconfig to disable all background software processes except Microsoft. I shutdown but again Im stuck at shutting down screen. So I suspect the problem lies between the processes running in Safe mode and Microsoft software.

Any ideas how to find out what is the cause for the error?

Paul Black · 15 Sep 2018

Hi bori02082014,

bori02082014 said:

Thanks for all the sugestions.

You are welcome!

bori02082014 said:

Somehow the Internet was able to speed up again to normal after I kept rebooting.

Do you run any system cleaners, such as CCleaner [FREE], Glary Utilities [FREE] etc, to clear Temporary Internet Files, Cookies etc?
If so, when did you do this last?

bori02082014 said:

But still have error with the shutdown process. It always takes too long in "Shutting down" or "Preparing to configure Windows. Do not turn off your computer. I waited 1 hour but the computer doesnt shutdown, so I pulled the plug. The circle on the left of the status still moves though.

The Preparing to configure Windows. Do not turn off your computer. message says to me that your system is being configured and updates are being installed. On occasions [depending on the specifications of your computer], it can take a long time. I suggest that you shutdown before you go to bed and leave it running overnight. Then see what the outcome is in the morning!

bori02082014 said:

Then in Safemode, I used msconfig to disable all background software processes except Microsoft. I shutdown but again Im stuck at shutting down screen.

One reason could be because you have disabled a process that is needed to configure Windows for the installation of updates!

I hope this helps!

bori02082014 · 17 Sep 2018

I tried System Restore in normal mode. From a list I got 3 dates and I tried all of them. But it always said the restore is not successful. I tried again in Safe mode and again it ended in failure. But somehow, now my computer works fine. My Microsoft Office that used to hang after a few min of opening is ok. My internet connection speed is ok. Although when shutting down I still manually shut it down, since it takes ages. So consider this solved.

Paul Black · 17 Sep 2018

Hi bori02082014,

bori02082014 said:

But somehow, now my computer works fine. My Microsoft Office that used to hang after a few min of opening is ok. My internet connection speed is ok. Although when shutting down I still manually shut it down, since it takes ages. So consider this solved.

I am glad you have got it sorted!