Hello,
I enjoy the Forum. On two Forum sites of which I am a member, my log in details are rejected as an Error and I am taken back to the log in blank fields to begin the log in process over again.Thanks goodness it didn't happen with Bleeping Computers. I have contacted Admin on the Forums, and it is confirmed I am using the correct user name and password. They tell me the problem is my end. I have friends who are members and they log in no problem. This has only just happened to me. It is only on two Forums. They can log into using my details from their end.

My User Name and Pass Word are correct for the two sites.

I use the same URLs I have always used
I have even resorted to typing in the URLs

When I get to the site I click Refresh, just in case

I can get to the site, but when I type the user name and password (which is correct) the computer goes click click and I am taken back to blank log in fields again

My Browser is Internet Explorer 7 Version 7.05730.11. Have never had a problem with it.

I have not installed new programs since the last time I could log in

I have deleted cookies, stored passwords etc and Restarted computer

I run a paid for anti virus firewal and anti spam package

I manually run Adaware SE Personal, Sybot Search and Destroy and sometimes Ewido. I have no virus nor spyware on my computer according to scans

I run CCleaner. I disk clean, defrag and scan disk. Occassionally I run RegEscrub

Any suggestions? I'm stumped.
Thanks,
dannie

to BC danny.
I assume that you in an earlier stage tried to log in with this version of IE?
Did the forum changed anything? Can you give us he links of these two forums?
You did not make any changes as far as accepting cookies over the past two weeks?Which safety package are you talking about? Which version of Java do you have?

Wonder if this is totally IE related?
Try downloading Firefox and see if you can log into the Forums on that browser.

And presumably you remembered to activate via your e-mail message, if that was their system? If you forgot to fill in the e-mail, then , of course, you will have to start over.

Fozzie,
When I clicked Quote to reply to your question I got the message Error Returned, Not Permission to reply to this Topic, Not Logged in, even though I had been logged in already. I logged in again, and was returned to this Reply page.

I am new to computers, which will be obvious to you, but I am capable of learning. Technically I know very little.

I have always logged in before with Internet Explorer 7. I've never had a problem with IE 7
The Forum didn't change anything
The two links are http://www3.griffith.edu.au/03/u3a/ and http://www.penfriends.com.au/webdate/
I haven't made any changes as far as accepting cookies , and I assume I would have had to go in and tick/untick boxes to do that. I haven't.
Safety package McAfee paid for anti virus firewall and anti spam. I have not had a problem with them
Which Version of Java? Fozzie I don't know how to access this info. Pls tell me,.
It's 4.20 am here, and this problem has kept me thinking and awake. I'll head off to bed soon , and check in when I surface.
Many thanks, dannie

Yes Uhaligani all was activated via email , and I have been logging in for almost a year now on these two sites.
Regards, dannie

Hi TMack,
I like the anti-phishing on IE 7, I've had no problems, and I have been able to previously log into these two sites.
I am a member of other Forums and I am able to log in. I'm stumped, and being new to computers doesn't help.
thanks for your advice, dannie

One thought that occurs to me: are you blocking persistent cookies, perhaps through a third party security program? I know that if you block persistent cookies - one with an expiration date some distant time in the future - with BC, every time you open a new page the site will say that you are not logged in.

Another thought just occured to me: If you have set your privacy settings to custom in IE, have you checked the site list to make sure that you haven't blocked cookies, accidentally perhaps, from the sites you need to allow?

Orange Blossom

Since Firefox and IE can co-exist together I would like yu to install Firefox on your system to see whether this relates to IE at all.

Also our Orange Blossom made a point there, whether you are blocking with any of your safety measures cookies?

Alternatively you can again try to log in and if it refuses again, go to START RUN type evntvwr and look for the red crosses in any of the 3 sections you see there and post them here.

As far as Java is concerned please go to CONTROL PANEL Add/Remove Programs and look for entries with Java and post what you see here.

Sorry to see it has kept you awake...

Have already tried that route.....

Thanks Orange Blossom.
As I am new to computers, I will ask a lot of questions, despite my embarrassment. I hope this Topic will help someone is a similar situation, I'll take comfort from that thought.
Being "a babe in the woods", I may send you back too much information, but bear with me on this one please. Step by Step instructions are good for me at this stage.

Am I blocking persistent cookies........I've never looked into cookies, as I have had no problems surfing around. I do delete them when I run cCleaner, they've all been level 3, and have had no problems with that.

Third Party security program.........can you tell me how I can check that? I've just let McAfee anti virus anti spy and firewall run away, with no problems at all. I don't know how to check that out.

Cookies...One with expiration date .......Above my head Orange Blossom. pls tell me how to check this one out too.

If you have set your privacy settings to Custom in IE............ I've never gone there. I just gingerly peeped
and:
Tools>Options>Privacy Tab - Settings for Internet Zone is High
Pop-Up Blocker - box is ticked, Turn on pop-up blocker) and I have never had a problem here. I have one site I have just allowed access by clicking Temporarily Allow Access on the IE Tool bar. This is fine.
s
Tools>Options>Settings - Custom Settings. I see two buttons Custom and Default. Neither is greyed out, so I have no idea what I am on there. I noticed the Reset All Zones to Default, but I am not game to click anything until I check back with you.

What's my next move?
Many thanks,
dannie

[quote]QUOTE(TMacK @ Feb 23 2007, 12:31 PM) *

Wonder if this is totally IE related?
Try downloading Firefox and see if you can log into the Forums on that browser.


Hi TMack,
I like the anti-phishing on IE 7, I've had no problems, and I have been able to previously log into these two sites.
I am a member of other Forums and I am able to log in. I'm stumped, and being new to computers doesn't help.
thanks for your advice, dannie[/quote]
[/quote]


Have already tried that route..... TMack. I'm a green one here, was this remark addressed to me or were you responding to Orange Blossom. Sorry, to bug you.
dannie

Fozzie,
Here I am again. Came straight to the computer. Haven't eaten yet, wanted to reply to you good people first. I have explained I am "green" as far as computers go, but hope my experience helps another member in the future. I will work through your reply:



Since Firefox and IE can co-exist together I would like yu to install Firefox on your system to see whether this relates to IE at all............... I thought I would wait for Orange Blossom to respond to my post back to her.

Altrnatively... go to Start Run. Thank goodness I can do this.
Did it, but got the message back saying Windows cannot find evntvwr. Make sure typing is correct. Which I did, and it was correct, and I also copied your text into the Run field, but still got the same message back.
No results there. What's next?

As far as Java is concerned......... I went to Control Panel, Add/Remove programs, I looked at the Currently Installed Programs and Updates list, but couldn't see the word Java in the entries. Is this right?

Bear with me, I know very little about the technical side. I must go and eat now Fozzie. Thanks so much to you and other members.

What's the next move?
Regards,
dannie (Australia)

It is possible that Microsoft JVM is still present on your computer.Check this as following: Start -- Run and type cmd. In the blac window type jview and ENTER. If Microsft JVM is present you will get version notification. If not present you wil get an error.

Hi dannie:

Let's see if I address everything here.

Cookie control in IE7: Click on Tools --> Internet Options --> Privacy tab. About halfway down you will see 4 buttons: Sites, Import, Advanced, and Default. Okay, if you have altered the cookie settings from the default, above those buttons you will see in bold face the word Custom. Mine says that because I use advanced settings. It is also possible that one of your security programs has also altered it by putting a list of blocked sites in the site list. Spybot and SpywareBlaster both do this keeping me from being pestered by prompts about most tracking cookies. I don't know about McAfee because I don't use that program.



I think you've misidentified the tab here. "Internet Zone" is on the Security tab second from the left. The Privacy tab is third from the left.

Now my advanced settings are these: Click on the Advanced button, then put a check by Override automatic cookie handling. Under Third Party Cookies, put a green dot in the circle by Block by clicking on the circle. In my experience, this has never caused any problems in surfing. Under First Party Cookies I put a green dot in the circle by Prompt. If you wish, you may put a check mark by Always allow session cookies, which will reduce the number of prompts you get. I don't do that as I block all cookies excepting those I absolutely have to have. Click the Okay button when you have the settings as you want.

Now, when you get a cookie prompt, you will see a button that says More information. Click on that, and you will find out whether it is a session cookie or has an expiration date far into the future. Note: if you have chosen to place a check by Always allow session cookies, I suspect that all your prompts will be for persistent cookies. Google tends to have expiration dates at least a decade into the future if my memory serves me correctly. These cookies are called persistent cookies. BleepingComputer uses persistent cookies. You may choose to accept or block the cookie, and you also have the option to have IE remember the decision. Pardon my lack of specific wording about the prompts, but I usually use Firefox; additionally my firewall is set to block all cookies unless I tell it to allow them.

Now when you have IE remember the decision, that site will be added to the sites list. I think it would be a good idea for you to explore this list to see 1) if you have anything there either added by yourself or by your security programs and 2) to see if the sites you are having problems with have been added to the Block list. To do this click on the Sites button on the Privacy tab. A new little window will open up. Halfway down, you will see Managed Sites and underneath that two columns: Domain and Setting. If you click on Domain, the sites will arrange themselves in alphabetical order, either A-Z or Z-A depending. If you want it the other way, just click on it again. If you click on Setting, the sites will arrange by Block and Allow. Either Block will show up first, or Allow will be on top. Click on Setting again to reverse it. Organize it however you wish. Here is where you can see if the sites you need access to have had their cookies blocked. If so, click on the site name and either click on the Remove button or click on the Allow button. You will find these buttons on the right hand side. You can also reverse the settings for allowed sites to blocked if you need to.
-----------
As for 3rd party software blocking cookies, first I need to know what security programs you have installed. Let's see, your McAfee is a security suite: firewall, AV and AntiSpyware? What other security programs have you installed? Do you have any add-ons to your browser? If so, what are they? It might be that one of those has cookie control powers.

I use the Kerio Personal Firewall, paid version which allows me to block JavaScripts, Ads, Popups, Cookies - categorized by 3rd party, persistent, and session, VB scripts (I don't know what those are.), Active X and other stuff. You can see what other security programs I use in my signature.

Orange Blossom

The reason you had trouble with this, is because you need to type in eventvwr,then click okay.

Of course you aren't "bugging" me dannie, is important to know that you've tried Firefox without any any success.

Hi fozzie,
I've managed to get back to the Forum to check.
I actually managed to do your above instruction, this is what came up:

jview is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

Overnout, thanks dannie

The reason you had trouble with this, is because you need to type in eventvwr,then click okay.

Of course you aren't "bugging" me dannie, is important to know that you've tried Firefox without any any success.
[/quote]

Thanks TMack. I typed the above, and got this in the Event Viewer (Local)
I must leave the site for the time being, tea time over here. Thanks so much, this is an ordeal for me, but thanks for your patience. If I knew what I was doing all this for...... Great learning curve, hope it helps someone else one day...... Thanks dannie

Application Log Application Error Records 512.0kb

Security Log Security Audit Records 512.0kb

System Log System Error Records 512.0kb

Internet Explorer Log Custom Log Error Records --

[quote name='Orange Blossom' date='Feb 23 2007, 11:11 PM' post='459491']
Hi dannie:


Hi Orange Blossom, A QuestionI have checked in again, and will study your instructions in detail so I can answer in one hit. My printer has just expired, but that is not as bad as the computer. Very inconvenient because I could curl up and read your printed off post.

I hang my head in embarrassment here, but when you asked me this:

Do you have any add-ons to your browser? If so, what are they? It might be that one of those has cookie control powers.

What is an add-on? Is it a tool that adds a function to your browser? If so, 1 day ago I downloaded McAfee Site Advisor. I had these two problems well before that. I love the site advisor. I haven't noticed any difference to my accessing my usual sites.

Orange Blossom, if I have guessed correctly,no need to reply, I'll get on with digesting and answering your post in one hit like I said. It's evening here in Aussie Land, so may be some hours before I get back to you.

I appreciate the time you have taken on this "newbie".
Thanks, dannie



I

No need to be embarrassed. 5 years ago, I didn't know what the right click on a mouse was much less a lot of other computer related stuff.

Anyway, you have correctly identified what an add-on or extension is. McAfee SiteAdvisor is an excellent add-on (extension in Firefox), and I wish to assure you that it is not responsible for the log-in issues you are having. I have that extension on my Firefox browser.

I've been up wa-a-a-a-ay too long. It's nearly 4 a.m. where I am. Ugh.

Orange Blossom

Hi Orange Blossom,
Thanks for your kind words. If I wasn't a stoic country woman, I'd probably have a good bawl. I will answer all your questions re your other posting. Glad I got the add on correct.

Here's the situation:
Still have the original problem re not being able to log into two sites
Printer had a fatal heart attack.
Cursor is flickering and jumping when I type
Computer won't turn off at Start>Turn off computer etc

I suppose I switch the computer off at the wall then.
I just know it won't come on in the morning,

To all of you, don't think I have given up on you if I don't respond. It will be because I can't.
However, you might all give up on me after reading this list of ailments.
So far I have enjoyed the frights I've had whilst trying out the steps you've got me to do.
Does this mean the dreaded Restore Point? I've never done it.

To-morrow is another day, so will see. Good-night from Australia.
regards, dannie

The answer you got means that there is no JVM installed on your computer. Sorry I mislead you with the wrong command Can you still check whether there is any mention of Java in Add/remove programs

Thanks fozzie. I read the list in >Control Panel > Add/remove programs and assume I was looking for the word Java? I didn't spot the word Java anywhere. dannie

Your version of Java is outdated and needs to be updated to take advantage of fixes that have eliminated security vulnerabilities.
Updating Java:

* Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6.0
* Scroll down to where it says "Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6
* Click the "Download" button to the right.
* Check the box that says: "Accept License Agreement".
* The page will refresh.
* Click on the link to download Windows Offline Installation, Multi-language and save to your desktop.
* Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser.
* Clear Java Cache
To Clear the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) cache, do this:

* Click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
* Double-click the Java icon.
-The Java Control Panel appears.
* Click "Settings" under Temporary Internet Files.
-The Temporary Files Settings dialog box appears.
* Click "Delete Files".
-The Delete Temporary Files dialog box appears.
-There are three options on this window to clear the cache.
o Delete Files
o View Applications
o View Applets
* Click "OK" on Delete Temporary Files window.
-Note: This deletes all the Downloaded Applications and Applets from the cache.
* Click "OK" on Temporary Files Settings window.
* Close the Java Control Panel.

You can also view these instructions along with screenshots here.


* Go to Start > Control Panel double-click on Add/Remove programs and remove all older versions of Java.
* Check any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE) in the name.
- Examples of older versions in Add or Remove Programs:
o Java 2 Runtime Environment, SE v1.4.2
o J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0
o J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 6
* Click the Remove or Change/Remove button.
* Repeat as many times as necessary to remove each Java versions.
* Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.
* Then from your desktop double-click on jre-1_6_0_10-windows-i586-p.exe to install the newest version.

Can you check in your control panel whether there is any icon for Java?

[quote name='fozzie' date='Feb 24 2007, 07:32 AM' post='459687']
Your version of Java is outdated and needs to be updated to take advantage of fixes that have eliminated security vulnerabilities.

Fozzie, thank you for this. This is a learning curve for me, so I have a few questions before I proceed.

My Version of Java? I haven't been able to find any sign of Java through Start>ControlPanel>Add/Remove,
nor can I see an icon for Java.

Since reading your post I've figured that Java is a programming language for use on the Internet.

Because I am a "newbie", I went to Start>Search and typed in Java. The Search Results showed a number of entries, one a Java Folder in C/Windows and another a Java Script Folder in C/Program FilesAdobe/Acrobat. I figured these are waiting "to receive info."

I searched the same way for Java Virtual Machines and there is a Configuration Settings Folder in C/Documents &Settings. Now I know where I am supposed to be heading and for what reason.

Your Post - Updating Java:
I can handle it down to here *Clear Java Cache To clear the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) cache do this:

At this stage I will mention that I run Windows XP SP2 Home Edition 2002

From this point now, I can't get on the same track as your instructions:

Your *Click Start>Settings>Control Panel, Double-click the Java icon.I can go to Start, I can't see a Settings. On the control panel I can't see a Java icon. But I feel this is not the path you want me to take.

However, if I go to C/Documents & Settings..... I'm still none the wiser. I can't find the path as per your instruction above.

Is there a way for me to send a screen shot? I've combed through Members Info. about Posting etc, but can't see that.

Fozzie, I'll leave it at this tonight, because again it is the early hours of a new morning. Thank you, I appreciate this. dannie. p.s. If I am too much for you, I understand.

You can scrape them from my previous instruction. Sorry to have confused you. Simply install Java and try again.

Hello again fozzie,

Let me see if I understand.

I am to install Java from the site you gave me? To my desk top? Now here's where I'm unclear.

From the desktop do I just double click, and it's a case of following instructions? I don't have to go digging as per your previous instructions?

Another question. Why is it that some people shy away from installing Java?
thanks, dannie

Yes all default. After installing reboot.

I would not know actually
Some info from Wikipedia

Hi dannie,
The reason you are not able to see your version of Java is because your Control Panel is in Category View.

Open your Control Panel and on the left hand side click on Switch to Classic View.
Now you should be able to see the Java Icon, it is a coffee cup.
Double click on it, then click on About to find out what version of Java you are running.

T Mack,
I'm sure I'm not going nuts....I am in Classic View, the first icons are Accessability Options, Add hardware, Add/Remove Programs.......... and I cannot see a coffee cup nor anything that says Java???????

I run Windows XP SP2 Home Edition 2002. Browser IE 7.

thanks, dannie

The Problem is solved (I hope)

. I plucked up the courage to go

Tools
>Options
>Privacy tab
>Sites button
>and in the Per Site Privacy Actions I typed the two problem URLs
clicked Allow button
clicked OK
clicked OK

I am now able to log in......... If I knew the reason why after a year of logging into those two sites, and I was suddenly not able to .........

My thanks fozzie
TMack
Uhaligani
Orange Blossom. I will study your Posts Nos 8 and 15

I must praise you all for your kindness and encouragement. I shall return, I'm sure. But first, I must find that Java coffee cup...... 3am Sunday morning here.
dannie

Glad you got your problem worked out dannie!


Just try clicking where it says Switch to Classic View and see what happens.

You would only be be seeing the options you described in Category View.

Hi dannie:

Re Java control panel: If you are in category view, which means that you will see up at the top the words Pick a Category you can navigate to the place where you would see the Java Icon in this way. On the left hand side, you will see the words See Also. If you don't see anything under that, click on the little drop-down arrow just to the right. You should now see the following choices: Windows Update, Help and Support, and Other Control Panel Options. Click on this last, and if Java is indeed in your control panel, you will see it here. There will be a picture of a coffee cup or tea cup with steam rising from it. However, in certain instances Java does not show up in the control panel, and I'm not sure why. Mine didn't for a very long time, perhaps because I didn't allow it to install as a browser helper object, BHO for short. BHO's are another type of add-on.

Re Java name in Add/Remove programs: You aren't necessarily looking for the word Java. Look also for something that looks like these: JRE Runtime Environment, J2SE Runtime Environment, and possibly JDK (I don't know what follows the initials).

Re Finding Event Viewer: Right click on My Computer, then click on Manage. Under System Tools, you should see Event Viewer. Click on the little plus sign just to the left if you don't. Now click on the little plus sign just to the left of Event Viewer, and you will see a menu which includes: Application, Security, and System. On mine, I actually have 5 options. For now, look under System and Application for any yellow triangles which are warnings, and red circles with x's which are errors. Right click on the entry, which will be in the large pane to the right, and click on properties. Here you will see information about the error: time, program, etc. In order to post the information as fozzie suggested in post 9, click on the third button down on the right, it looks like a pair of over-lapping pages. This will copy the text to the computer clipboard. Now, click on the spot in the reply area you wish to paste it, and press down the Ctrl button on the keyboard. While holding it down, press the V key. In computer shorthand the directions for that look like this: Ctrl + V. The error information will now be pasted into your reply.

Re Why some folks don't install Java: While I have Java installed, I don't have it enabled in my browser unless I absolutely must have it for a site to run. Thus far, I have only a handful that actually needed Java enabled in order to function. Java can be a security risk itself because malicious content can indeed be downloaded via Java, which is one reason why it is important to keep it up-to-date and to clear the Java cache on a regular basis. Potential malicious content downloads are not as prevalent as the malicious content that can be installed via ActiveX, but it still happens.

One other note: Javascript and Java are two different things.

Orange Blossom

[quote name='Orange Blossom' date='Feb 24 2007, 05:45 PM' post='460040']
Hi dannie:

Re Java control panel: If you are in category view, which means that you will see up at the top the words Pick a Category you can navigate to the place

Hello Orange Blossom,

Thanks for this wonderful article on Java. Definately tutorial material. It is in my file now.

As I had heard mutterings about Java, I never went near it being a "newbie". I want to find out more about this enabling of Java. What type of sites are you allowing Java to run on? I understand it would be one you trusted, and yes I run McAfee Site Advisor. What does Java actually do on a site, if it has to be enabled?

then there's Javascript........

Again, pardon my questions, the only way to learn I'm afraid.
thanks,
dannie

TMack,
thanks for writing in again. I am in Classic View I do not have the icons displayed "group in Category icon".
I see Orange Blossom has kindly responded too, so will settle down soon and try and solve this mystery.

This is a "dumb" question I know, but seeing I have never dabbled in Java nor downloaded anything, would I still have an icon ready there on the control panel? I must I suppose if there are folders on the computer "waiting to receive" as I stated in fozzies post when he asked me to search for Java.

I must have a normal day today. I must get to bed early tonight. No need to reply TMack, I feel I have used too much of everyones' time.
thanks,
dannie

Hi dannie:

I think there's been a miscommunication of some sort. To clarify, I'm posting a couple of screen shots.

Here's a shot of part of the control panel in category view. I've boxed in the text Pick a category in red, and the Other Options link in purple.



And here's a shot of part of the control panel in classic view. I've boxed the Java Icon in purple. The icon for the older versions is slightly different, but not by much.



Hmm. Enabling Java or disabling it is done through the browser. I've had to enable it only to do some on-line security scans. Java uses something called applets. I really don't know what those are. It's easy to disable and enable Java in Firefox. I'm not as clear on how to do so in IE as I don't use it all that much; just for Windows Updates, on-line scans, and the occasional website that doesn't print out properly in Firefox.

Javascripts, however, are needed much more frequently. Scripts are used to copy and paste, resize images, go to another page by clicking on a button etc. I've got my system set up so that Javascripts function only on the sites I need them to, because once again there are malicious scripts that can infect the computer. I do that through my paid Kerio firewall. Firefox also has a free No-Scripts extension I'm thinking of trying out instead of using the firewall blocking. Basically you put the sites that you use that need javascripts in a white list. All others are blocked.

By the way, I don't have any sites in my trusted zone. There's too much chance that a phishing site might slip through that way.

Orange Blossom

[i][quote name='Orange Blossom' date='Feb 24 2007, 11:32 PM' post='460268']
Hi dannie:

Hi Orange Blossom and everyone,


[
Thanks for the screen shots. Wish I could send one back. Right, there is still no Java icon on my Classic View.
[b]Let me explain. On your shot you have the icons for Game Controllers, Java and Keyboard in alphabetical order, and on my screen in classic view -

I have the icons for Game Controllers, Intel ® GMA Driver for Mobile (what ever that is?), Internet Options and Keyboard. There is no Java in alphabetical order on my screen.

Orange Blossom, thanks for the step by step to find the red crosses on the Event Viewer. There are red crosses on my screen against entries (Application Hang) How do you deal with that?

[/b] Would it be best if I open new Topics on this Event Viewer and the red crosses and Java?
I downloaded Java as per fozzie, but got the message Installer cannot proceed with the current Internet Connection proxy settings.Please check the installation notes for more information.

My computer still won't turn off, so I am staying in Stand By mode for the time being.
My Printer is lifeless, and I do miss it.
thanks everyone,
dannie

Hi dannie:

The application hang means that the application is not closing down properly. This is likely the cause of your inability to shut down. I've had that happen in the past.

Here's what I do when that happens:

I manually close all open browsers and windows one-by-one. I open the Task Manager, do this like this: Cntrl + Alt + Delete and first click on the applications tab to make sure that everything is closed. Then I click on the Processes tab to make sure I don't have any processes related to those programs running. If you don't know what a process is, research it on the internet and take notes for future reference. BleepingComputer has a good file database that you can use as a research tool. Thunderbird sometimes takes a while to close, and sometimes it won't close but hangs, so I end the process related to it. Then I disconnect my internet connection. Then I manually shut down my security programs. These often will hang. I'll go see if any of their processes are still running, and if so, I'll end those processes one-by-one. Then I try to shut down. Usually it works at this point. I'd keep the computer off for at least several minutes before starting back up.

I'd not be over-concerned at the lack of the Java icon in your control panel. Like I said, it didn't show in mine for a very long time. Have you checked your add/remove programs for Java applications? Make sure you look for entries like this also: J2SE Runtime Environment

Orange Blossom