The computer does not automatically shut down when the Shutdown.exe command is invoked

If a Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based server computer is configured to automatically shut down by running the Shutdown.exe command, the computer does not shut down as you expect. For example, if a scheduled task is set to run Shutdown.exe at a specific time, or if a script is configured to run Shutdown.exe when a particular event occurs, the computer is not shut down.

This problem occurs if an administrator logs on to the server and then locks the computer before Shutdown.exe is invoked. This problem does not occur if the computer is not locked when Shutdown.exe is invoked.

When the computer is locked, you can shut down the computer, if you run the Shutdown.exe command together with the -f option. However, if the computer is locked and if you run the Shutdown.exe command together with the -p and -f options, Shutdown.exe cannot shut down the computer.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

You do not have to restart your computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time tool in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003, 32-bit versions

Windows Server 2003, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2003, Itanium-based versions

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: