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I'm running XP Pro. When I shut down or restart Windows I get the error message: "dwin.exe Initialization Failed". "The application failed because windows station is shutting down.
My Norton virus checker is up to date and my PC seems to be running fine. I did run SpyBot a few times lately and deleted some spyware. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Mike
I don't have an answer yet, but I'm having the same problem you are.
I can't find any information directly relating to that message, but here are some excellent articles that should help:
Eradicate WinXP Shutdown Problems
Windows XP hangs during shutdown
Troubleshooting XP Shutdown Issues
XP Shutdown Issues
Shutdown & Restart Troubleshooting
Thank you "SuperSparks" for your posted suggestions.
My problem appears to be fixed now. The steps I took were these: manually edited my registry to completely remove all traces of Norton System Works that I had uninstalled some time ago (Norton is not easily removed); Used "System Mechanic 5" to remove folders and files left over from recent Roxio Easy CD Creator uninstall; finally, ran "PC Rescue" which found registry, active X and other miscellaneous errors (12 errors total).
My restarts are now smooth and error free.
Excellent. Thanks for posting back with the fix :)
OOPS!!! I thought the problem was gone, after several successful restarts, but now it seems to be back again. I'm puzzled, but I will continue my qwest to find the solution to this error.
I found that Dwin.exe relates to a M$ hotfix in kb821253.
This is due to a new feature added to the error reporting. I found it in my system.ini which in conclusion it coincides with the dwin.exe file.
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;821253
If thats not the problem: I researched a few other tech websites with people having the same problem and those techies told them to search for what programs/services are running before you shutdown. Possibly shut off all things running in the startup tab on msconfig just for trouble shooting purposes.
Start->Run-> type: Msconfig <enter>
Goto the Startup Tab
choose disable all
reboot.
boot back up to windows and shutdown, see if you still have the error or you can narrow it down to what software/desktop enhancement it can be related too.
If its not anything in your startup go ahead and turn them back on.
Here is a list of services you can go by that what you might want to try in your Quest if you should accept it.
Start->Run->Type: Services.msc <enter>
http://theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm#Services