Shutdown.exe doesn't run due to lack of privileges

**SocialAbility** · 04-12-2004

I am trying to set timer for auto shutdown on my Windows XP running computer but facing some problem with the same. Whenever I run the command “shutdown.exe -r -f” in command line it ends up with an error message saying "A required privilege is not held by the client".

If it requires any GPEdit let me tell you that am not so pro in the same. But talking about privileges, I am logged in as Admin. I tried searching solution on Web and the only thing I found that is system use to have SP2 installed. Well, my system is also running with SP2. Than whats the problem? Any help would be appreciated?

**T.J.** · 04-12-2004

I have been through this problem earlier. After spending few hours on internet finally I managed to fix the problem through these steps:

Log in with the local Administrator account.
Go to Start, click RUN, Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter.
Navigate to the following location:
Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings \Local Policies\User Rights Assignment\
Now properly verify that these stuffs are listed here:
- Administrators
- Backup Operators
- Power Users
- Users

In case any of these groups is missing, that will be cause of problem. You can fix it by simply adding them.

**SocialAbility** · 04-12-2004

Thanks a lot for the help and solution T.J. I followed the step by step process as you said. But still the same problem.

Any other help please?

**ApPy10** · 06-12-2004

I too have experience the said error message (A required privilege is not held by the client) while running the command shutdown.exe -r –f. After struggling lot for the same, finally somebody suggested me to use VBScript/WMI solution that helped me to force reboot without any further problems.