Remove or Disable shutdown event tracker in Windows Server 2003 and XP

[TheGreatOne]

Shutdown Event Tracker

Shutdown Event Tracker is a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows XP and Vista feature that you can use to consistently track the reason for system shutdowns. You can then use this information to analyze shutdowns and to develop a more comprehensive understanding of your system environment.

Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003

By default, Shutdown Event Tracker is enabled for all Windows Server 2003 operating systems and for Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003.

To disable Shutdown Event Tracker on all Windows Server 2003 operating systems and in Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003, disable the Display Shutdown Event Tracker policy by using Group Policy. To do this by using Local Group Policy, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Type gpedit.msc, and then click OK.
3. Expand Computer Configuration, expand Administrative Templates, and then expand System.
4. Double-click Display Shutdown Event Tracker.
5. Click Disabled, and then click OK.

Windows XP Professional

By default, Shutdown Event Tracker is disabled in Windows XP Professional.

To enable Shutdown Event Tracker in Windows XP Professional, in Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, and in Windows XP Media Center Edition, enable the Display Shutdown Event Tracker policy by using Group Policy. To do this by using Local Group Policy, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Type gpedit.msc, and then click OK.
3. Expand Computer Configuration, expand Administrative Templates, and then expand System.
4. Double-click Display Shutdown Event Tracker.
5. Click Enabled.
6. In the Shutdown Event Tracker should be displayed box, click Always, and then click OK.

Shutdown Event Tracker is not a functional component in Windows XP Home Edition. Therefore, you cannot use Shutdown Event Tracker in Windows XP Home Edition.

Note Microsoft recommends that you do not enable the Shutdown Event Tracker in Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Tablet PC, or Windows XP Media Center Editions. Microsoft does not support the use of this component in these Windows XP environments.

[Itronix]

We can also bypass the Shutdown Event Tracker on any Windows Server 2003 system, without fuss:

Open CMD

Enter "shutdown -s -t 0" and hit RETURN.

To restart a server, use "shutdown -r -t 0"

[XDRoX]

Its simple if you just remember the following path:

Start -> Run -> gpedit.msc-> Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Display Shutdown Event Tracker -> Enable or Disable.