Hi as a temporary fix only when the shutdown pops up , Click start at bottom left , Click run, the type cmd and ok. When dos screen appears type after the c:/ documents and settings type shutdown.exe -a make sure there is a space between exe and -a and then press enter. This will abort shutdown then you can minimize it. Hope this helps then you can get on internet.
Andy
[Edited on 6-9-2004 by Albie]