Several people have reported that when they try to shutdown their computer, they receive a pop-up window/error that says Base2PaneForm is shutting down. What is this mysterious file?

There isn't a lot of information out there on this subject, but the error seems to stem from HP software that was badly written. If you have a HP-brand digital camera, printer, scanner, or other imaging device, then this is definitely the cause of the problem.

So how do you fix the Base2PaneForm error? The first thing to try is to disable any HP programs from running when your computer starts up.

Using the msconfig utility, find HP Image Zone Fast Start (hpqthb08.exe) or any other HP program that is listed in the msconfig Startup tab. If you are not sure on how to do this, read our tutorial on how to use the msconfig utility.

Once you have done that, reboot your computer. Then shutdown again and see if you get the Base2PaneForm error. If you do, try going to the Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs and get rid of any HP software you have installed recently.

Special thanks to PartieHonteuse for originally finding the solution to this problem in our Computer Help forum.