Running a shutdown command from a batch file causes the system to repeatedly try to kill, then re-open the DOS emulator in XP or NT. Create the file as a shortcut link to the shutdown command:
shutdown -s -t xx -c "message"
will shut the system down with a delay of xx and show the message.
shutdown -r -t 01 -f
will restart the system, forcing current running apps to close.
Command list (for WinXP):
-a: Abort shutdown
-c "message": Display message during shutdown
-f: Force currently running applications to shut down
-L: Log off current user
-r: Restart
-s: Shut down system
-t xx: Delay xx seconds before implementing shutdown command