Disable Shutdown Event Tracker

I have recently read a couple of blog posts that promote using Windows Server 2008 as a Workstation.  To avoid potential integration issues, I always think it's a good idea to build applications on an environment that mirrors test and production as closely as possible.  So when developing applications with differing deployment targets, for instance, IIS, BizTalk or even the Compact Framework, it's important to have different virtual Windows Server 2003 development images available.  There are other benefits to this approach which I'll list in a future post.

However, one annoyance with using multiple development environments is the shutdown event tracker which forces you to enter a reason for each system shutdown or restart.

To turn off the Shutdown Event Tracker in Windows Server 2003 or 2008, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Microsoft Management Console
2. Add the Group Policy snap-in
3. Under Administrative Templates expand System
4. Set Display Shutdown Event Tracer to Disabled