How to Increase Shutdown Time For Services To Close Properly

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.51 and 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.51 and 4.0

SUMMARY

Windows NT versions 3.1 and 3.5 allow all services to shut down in 20 seconds. In Windows NT 3.51 and 4.0, the WaitToKillServiceTimeout value name in the registry allows you to specify a length of time that the service control manager must wait for services to complete the shut-down request.

MORE INFORMATION

To specify the wait time, do the following:

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

1. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe) and locate the following Registry subkey in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE subtree:

         \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control
   

2. On the Edit menu, click Add Value.

3. Enter the following:

         Value Name: WaitToKillServiceTimeout
         Data Type:  REG_SZ
         String:     <In milli-seconds; default is 20,000>
   
      NOTE: Try not to increase the shut-down time. For example, if you lose
      power, it is possible that your UPS cannot provide backup power for the
      computer long enough to allow all the services to shut down properly as
      well as the Operation system.
   
   

4. Click OK and then quit Registry Editor.

5. Shut down and restart Windows NT.