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Fix "End Program Microsoft.Shar" Error on Windows Shutdown: A Simple Guide

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Microsoft Shar Error

Encountering errors during the shutdown process of your Windows computer can be frustrating and disruptive. One such error that users sometimes face is the “End Program Microsoft.Shar” message. This error typically indicates that Microsoft SharePoint, often referred to as Microsoft.Shar in processes, is not responding and is preventing Windows from shutting down smoothly. The error message usually prompts you to either wait for the program to respond or to forcefully end it, potentially leading to data loss if there are unsaved changes associated with SharePoint or related applications.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and resolving the “End Program Microsoft.Shar” error encountered during Windows shutdown. We will explore several effective solutions, ranging from simple fixes to more advanced troubleshooting steps, ensuring you can efficiently address this issue and restore a seamless shutdown experience on your Windows system.

Understanding the “End Program Microsoft.Shar” Error

The “End Program – Microsoft.Shar” error message is a system notification that appears when Windows is attempting to shut down and encounters a program that is unresponsive. In this specific case, the program identified is “Microsoft.Shar,” which is associated with Microsoft SharePoint. SharePoint is a web-based collaborative platform integrated with Microsoft Office. Organizations commonly use it for document management, storage, and team collaboration.

The error message itself typically looks like this:

End Program – Microsoft.Shar

This program is not responding.

To return to Windows and check the status of the program, click Cancel.

If you choose to end the program immediately, you will lose any unsaved data. To end the program now, click End Now.

This message indicates that the SharePoint process is stuck or is taking an unusually long time to close, thus delaying the entire shutdown process. Choosing “End Now” will force the application to close, and while this will allow your computer to shut down, it could lead to loss of unsaved work if any documents or processes are still active within SharePoint or related Microsoft Office applications. Understanding the potential causes and effective solutions is crucial for maintaining system stability and preventing data loss.

Troubleshooting “End Program Microsoft.Shar” Error

When faced with the “End Program Microsoft.Shar” error during shutdown, it is essential to approach troubleshooting systematically. The following solutions are ordered from the simplest and least intrusive to more complex methods. It is recommended to try them in the sequence presented to efficiently resolve the error.

1. Save Progress and Terminate Microsoft SharePoint Process

The most immediate step you can take is to ensure that all your work is saved. Since SharePoint is primarily an online platform, most changes are usually saved automatically. However, it’s always a good practice to double-check and manually save any documents or files you might be working on that are related to SharePoint or Microsoft Office applications.

Once you’ve confirmed that your work is saved, the next step is to manually terminate the Microsoft SharePoint process using Task Manager. Task Manager provides a real-time view of all running processes on your Windows system.

Steps to Terminate SharePoint Process:

  1. Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously to open Task Manager directly. Alternatively, you can right-click on the Taskbar and select “Task Manager” from the context menu.
  2. Locate Microsoft SharePoint Process: In the Task Manager window, navigate to the “Processes” tab. Look for processes that are labeled “Microsoft SharePoint” or potentially related to “Microsoft.Shar.” Sometimes, it might be listed under its executable name or a broader Microsoft Office application name.
  3. End Task: Once you find the SharePoint process, or any process that seems related and unresponsive, right-click on it. From the context menu, select “End task.” This will forcefully close the selected process.
  4. Proceed with Shutdown: After terminating the process, attempt to shut down your computer again. Check if the “End Program Microsoft.Shar” error still appears.

Terminating the process manually can resolve the issue if it’s a temporary hang-up or if the SharePoint process is stuck in a loop preventing normal shutdown. If this solution is effective, but the error recurs, it might indicate a need for a more permanent solution, such as preventing SharePoint from automatically starting up.

2. Disable Microsoft SharePoint from Auto Startup

If the “End Program Microsoft.Shar” error persists across multiple shutdowns, disabling Microsoft SharePoint from automatically starting up with Windows can be a viable solution. This prevents SharePoint from running in the background unnecessarily, which can sometimes contribute to shutdown issues. If you only use SharePoint occasionally or manually when needed, disabling auto-startup is a practical approach.

Steps to Disable SharePoint Auto Startup:

  1. Open Task Manager: Open Task Manager using Ctrl + Shift + Esc or by right-clicking the Taskbar.
  2. Navigate to Startup Tab: In Task Manager, switch to the “Startup” tab. This tab lists all applications configured to launch automatically when Windows starts.
  3. Locate Microsoft SharePoint: Look for “Microsoft SharePoint” or any similarly named entry in the list of startup programs. The name might also reflect a related Microsoft Office application if SharePoint is launched as part of a suite.
  4. Disable SharePoint: Once you locate the SharePoint entry, right-click on it. Select “Disable” from the context menu. The “Status” of the SharePoint entry should change to “Disabled.”
  5. Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

After disabling SharePoint from startup, it will no longer launch automatically when you turn on your computer. You can still manually open and use SharePoint whenever you need it. This solution is particularly useful if you suspect that the auto-startup process of SharePoint is contributing to the shutdown error. You can also apply this method to other Microsoft 365 applications like Teams if they are not essential for immediate startup and you suspect they might be contributing to shutdown problems.

3. Reregister OneDrive

While the error message specifically mentions Microsoft SharePoint, issues with related Microsoft services, such as OneDrive, can sometimes indirectly cause conflicts or errors during shutdown. Reregistering OneDrive can help resolve potential conflicts and ensure that its integration with Windows is functioning correctly. This process involves modifying registry settings, so it’s crucial to back up your registry before proceeding.

Backup Registry (Important):

  1. Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box. Type regedit and press Enter.
  2. Export Registry: In Registry Editor, go to “File” > “Export.”
  3. Save Backup: Choose a location to save the backup file, give it a descriptive name (e.g., “RegistryBackupBeforeOneDrive”), and click “Save.” This backup can be used to restore your registry to its previous state if anything goes wrong during the process.

Steps to Reregister OneDrive:

  1. Unlink OneDrive and Terminate Process: Before making registry changes, it’s best to unlink your OneDrive account and terminate the OneDrive process. To unlink, right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray, go to “Settings,” then “Account,” and click “Unlink this PC.” After unlinking, terminate any running OneDrive processes using Task Manager as described in Solution 1.
  2. Open Registry Editor: Open Registry Editor again (if closed) by typing regedit in the Run dialog (Win + R) and pressing Enter.
  3. Navigate to OneDrive Registry Key (User): In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path using the left-hand pane directory tree: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft
  4. Delete OneDrive Folder (User): Locate the “OneDrive” folder under the “Microsoft” key. Right-click on the “OneDrive” folder and select “Delete.” Confirm the deletion when prompted.
  5. Navigate to OneDrive Registry Key (Run): Next, navigate to this path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  6. Delete Microsoft.list Entry (Run): Look for an entry named “Microsoft.list” or similar that might be related to OneDrive startup. Right-click on it and select “Delete.” Confirm the deletion.
  7. Uninstall OneDrive: Uninstall OneDrive from your system. Open Settings (Win + I), go to “Apps” > “Installed apps” (or “Apps & features” in older versions of Windows). Search for “OneDrive,” click the three dots (or OneDrive entry), and select “Uninstall.” Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall OneDrive.
  8. Reboot Your Computer: Restart your computer after uninstalling OneDrive.
  9. Reinstall OneDrive: After rebooting, download a fresh copy of OneDrive from the official Microsoft website or through the Microsoft Store. Install OneDrive on your system.
  10. Log in to OneDrive: Launch OneDrive and log in with your Microsoft account credentials.

Reregistering OneDrive ensures a clean installation and proper integration with Windows. This can resolve issues that might be contributing to the “End Program Microsoft.Shar” error, especially if the error is related to background synchronization or file management processes.

4. Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State

A Clean Boot environment starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps to isolate whether a third-party application or service is causing the “End Program Microsoft.Shar” error. By starting in a Clean Boot state, you can systematically identify if software conflicts are contributing to the issue.

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Steps to Perform a Clean Boot:

  1. Open System Configuration: Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter to open the System Configuration utility.
  2. General Tab Configuration: In the “General” tab, select “Selective startup.” Ensure that “Load system services” and “Use original boot configuration” are checked. Uncheck “Load startup items.”
  3. Services Tab Configuration: Go to the “Services” tab. Check the box “Hide all Microsoft services” at the bottom of the window. This is important to avoid disabling essential Windows services. After hiding Microsoft services, click “Disable all.” This will disable all remaining third-party services.
  4. Startup Tab Configuration: Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
  5. Disable Startup Apps in Task Manager: In Task Manager’s “Startup” tab, disable all startup items one by one by right-clicking on each item and selecting “Disable.”
  6. Apply and Restart: After disabling all startup items and third-party services, go back to the System Configuration window, click “Apply,” and then “OK.” Click “Restart” when prompted to restart your computer in Clean Boot mode.

After your computer restarts in Clean Boot mode, observe if the “End Program Microsoft.Shar” error occurs during shutdown.

  • If the error does not occur in Clean Boot: This indicates that a third-party application or service that was disabled is the likely cause of the problem. You can then systematically re-enable services and startup programs in small groups, restarting and checking for the error after each group is re-enabled, to pinpoint the exact culprit.
  • If the error still occurs in Clean Boot: This suggests that the issue is likely related to essential Windows services or Microsoft services, or potentially a deeper system problem. In this case, proceed to the next troubleshooting step, repairing Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 installation.

Reversing Clean Boot to Normal Startup:

Once you have finished troubleshooting in Clean Boot mode, you can easily revert your system back to a normal startup:

  1. Open System Configuration: Run msconfig again.
  2. Normal Startup: In the “General” tab, select “Normal startup.”
  3. Apply and Restart: Click “Apply” and then “OK.” Restart your computer. Your system will now start in normal mode with all services and startup programs enabled.

5. Repair Office or Microsoft 365 Installation

If none of the previous solutions have resolved the “End Program Microsoft.Shar” error, the issue might be related to a corrupted or faulty installation of Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365. Repairing your Office installation can fix underlying problems with application files and configurations that might be causing SharePoint or related components to malfunction during shutdown.

Steps to Repair Microsoft 365 or Office Installation:

  1. Open Settings: Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.
  2. Go to Apps: Navigate to “Apps” > “Installed apps” (or “Apps & features” in older versions of Windows).
  3. Find Microsoft 365 or Office: Search for “Microsoft 365” or “Microsoft Office” in the list of installed applications. The exact name might vary depending on your version.
  4. Modify Installation: Click on the three dots next to “Microsoft 365” (or Office) and select “Modify.”
  5. Choose Repair Option: You will be presented with two repair options:
    • Quick Repair: This option is faster and attempts to fix the most common issues without requiring an internet connection. Try “Quick Repair” first.
    • Online Repair: If “Quick Repair” does not resolve the issue, or if you suspect a more significant problem, use “Online Repair.” This option is more comprehensive, requiring an internet connection to download and replace potentially damaged files. It takes longer than “Quick Repair” but can resolve more complex issues.
  6. Start Repair Process: Select your chosen repair option (“Quick Repair” or “Online Repair”) and click “Repair.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process.
  7. Restart Your Computer: After the repair process is complete, restart your computer.
  8. Test Shutdown: After restarting, try shutting down your computer to see if the “End Program Microsoft.Shar” error is resolved.

Repairing your Microsoft 365 or Office installation can often resolve a wide range of issues, including problems related to application stability and shutdown errors. If the error persists even after trying both “Quick Repair” and “Online Repair,” it might indicate a more systemic issue that requires further investigation or potentially professional technical support.

Additional Information: Windows Shutdown Issues

How do I fix Windows shutting down unexpectedly?

Unexpected shutdowns in Windows can be caused by various factors, including hardware problems, software conflicts, overheating, or power supply issues. If your Windows system is shutting down unexpectedly without any error messages, consider these troubleshooting steps:

  • Check Power Connections: Ensure all power cables are securely connected, both to your computer and to the power source. Loose connections can cause intermittent power loss leading to shutdowns. For laptops, check the battery health and ensure the AC adapter is properly connected and functioning.
  • Monitor System Temperature: Overheating is a common cause of unexpected shutdowns. Ensure your computer’s cooling system is functioning correctly. Clean dust from fans and vents. Monitor CPU and GPU temperatures using monitoring software to see if overheating is occurring, especially during demanding tasks.
  • Check for Hardware Issues: Faulty hardware components, such as RAM, hard drive, or power supply, can cause system instability and shutdowns. Run hardware diagnostics tools to check for errors. Windows Memory Diagnostic can test RAM, and Check Disk utility can scan for hard drive errors.
  • Review System Logs: Windows Event Viewer logs system events, including errors and warnings. Check the System and Application logs in Event Viewer for error messages or critical events that occurred just before the unexpected shutdown. These logs can provide clues about the cause.
  • Update Drivers: Outdated or corrupted device drivers can sometimes lead to system instability. Ensure your device drivers, especially for graphics card, network adapter, and chipset, are up to date. Download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
  • System Restore: If the unexpected shutdowns started recently, you can use System Restore to revert your system to a previous state when it was working correctly. This can undo recent system changes that might be causing the issue.

If you are unable to identify the cause of unexpected shutdowns, seeking professional technical support may be necessary to diagnose and resolve potential hardware or complex software issues.

How to fix “Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer”?

The error message “Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer” typically indicates a serious hardware or system problem that Windows detected and shut down to prevent further damage. This message often points to issues such as overheating, hardware conflicts, or critical system errors.

To troubleshoot this error:

  • Remove New Hardware/Software: If the error started after installing new hardware or software, try removing the recently added components. Newly installed hardware might be incompatible or faulty, causing system instability. Recently installed software might have conflicts with existing system components.
  • Check for Overheating: Ensure your computer is not overheating. Clean dust from fans and vents to improve cooling. Check if fans are working properly. Consider reapplying thermal paste to the CPU and GPU if you are comfortable doing so and suspect inadequate thermal transfer.
  • Run Hardware Diagnostics: Run comprehensive hardware diagnostics tools to check for issues with RAM, hard drive, CPU, GPU, and other components. Use manufacturer-provided diagnostic tools or general system diagnostic utilities.
  • Clean Boot Troubleshooting: Perform a Clean Boot as described in Solution 4 to rule out third-party software conflicts. If the error does not occur in Clean Boot, systematically re-enable services and startup programs to identify the conflicting software.
  • Check Power Supply: Ensure your power supply unit (PSU) is adequate for your system’s power demands and is functioning correctly. A failing or insufficient PSU can cause system instability and shutdowns, especially under load.
  • Seek Professional Help: If you are unable to identify the cause and resolve the “Windows has been shut down to prevent damage” error, it is advisable to seek professional technical support. This error often indicates a serious underlying hardware or system issue that might require expert diagnosis and repair.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can effectively address the “End Program Microsoft.Shar” error and other common Windows shutdown issues. Remember to proceed methodically, starting with the simplest solutions and progressing to more advanced troubleshooting as needed.

If you found these solutions helpful or have additional insights or experiences with the “End Program Microsoft.Shar” error, please share your comments below! Your contributions can assist other users facing similar challenges.

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