Reader reports a problem with his Windows XP machine:
"When I attempt to turn off my computer, it will not power down all the way. Instead, it goes to the Windqws XP logo that says, 'It is now safe to turn off the computer.' Other PCs, including my wife's, turn off altogether. How do I eliminate this extra step?"

You didn't tell me the age of your machine, but I'm betting it's an older model. For starters, the next time you boot your system, hop into the BIOS settings and look for something called (or related to) Advanced Power Management. It needs to be enabled.

That step alone may solve your problem. If not, try the following: Click Start•Cantrol Panel•Power Options. (If you don't see Power Options, click Switch to Classic View.) Click the APM tab. (Don't have one? See below.) Select Enable Advanced Power Management support, and then click OK.

Now try to turn off your PC. If that didn't do the trick, you need to verify that your system is ACPI-compliant (meaning it supports Advanced Configuration and power Interface standards) and look for wayward device drivers messing with the shutdown sequence.

Microsoft has a detailed support page devoted to this issue . One of its remedies should resolve your problem. Just go through all the comprehensive solution provided as solutions. If you look hard enough you would robably find the solution you have been looking for and that too without having to resort to any third party's help.