When you try to shut down a computer that is running Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, or Windows 2000, the computer may stop responding

On a computer that is running Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows XP, or Microsoft Windows 2000, a program is running, and you have not saved the changed data in the program. When you try to shut down the computer, you receive a message that prompts you to save changes in the program. If you leave the computer running for a long time while this message is present, the computer may stop responding.

This behavior occurs because the shutdown process stops if you do not save changed data before the shutdown process starts. This behavior prevents data from being lost.

To work around this behavior, save the changed data in every program. Then, exit all programs before you shut down the computer.

If a confirmation message appears, follow the instructions in the message.

If Windows stops responding, turn off the power to the computer.

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