VISTA HM. PREM. 32bit. SHUT-DOWN ISSUE

scottbach · Jan 1, 2013

My computer will not shut down, not even when I hold the power button for several seconds. The only way I can shut down is to reach behind the computer and turn off the power supply switch. I have tried the power supply area, no luck, I've tried the shutdown -f -s -t0 with no luck, I have restored to an earlier date, no luck, ran virus scan (House call 32 bit) no luck! Can anyone help???

townsbg · Jan 1, 2013

If your power button doesn't work I am inclined to think that it's hardware. The wire to the power button could be loose but that shouldn't prevent windows from shutting it down. Have you tried safe mode? You can try a bootable version of Linux such as knoppix or ubuntu to further eliminate windows.

scottbach · Jan 1, 2013

I haven't tried any of your suggestions as of yet. What should I do in the safe mode? Simply try to shut down or is there something I should try to re-configure in the safe-mode?

townsbg · Jan 1, 2013

For now just try to shut down. If it works then there is probably a service preventing it from shutting down.

richc46 · Jan 1, 2013

Press Alt Cntrl and Delete at the same time. The task manager will pop up. Go to the process tab. Then one at at time shut down the process and then try to shut down the computer. You should be able to shut down and find the cause.
Be sure to check show process from all users, first.
You may want to end a few at a time to save time. Be sure you remember which ones were ended.
A Very Happy New Year to you.

townsbg · Jan 1, 2013

OP stated that not even the button is working when held down.

richc46 · Jan 1, 2013

Lets see what happens

roy69 · Jan 1, 2013

If the power button is connected to the mobo as all modern computers have then what rich said may work, when you hit the power button on most computers even laptops this send a signal to shut down, if there is something causing a problem with the OS then holding the power button may not have any effect. To add to what rich has said, if any processes hang the computer when you try to shut them down then report back.

scottbach · Jan 1, 2013

Thank you for all of the suggestions. I will be attempting to comply with them and will report back the results. Not sure I am going to attempt it right now as it is game time. HNY to all!

scottbach · Jan 4, 2013

regrettably, NO LUCK!

richc46 · Jan 4, 2013

Try creating a new user account and see how that works. Be sure that you boot before trying.

scottbach · Jan 4, 2013

Will try that. I just finished reformatting the drive and re-installing the operating system and it STILL won't shut down. Grrrrrr

scottbach · Jan 4, 2013

I fear that I am defeated! I am resigned to forever turn off the computer by reaching behind and manually turning off the power supply switch.

roy69 · Jan 5, 2013

Are there any options in your BIOS for the power switch. Have a look at your mobo to see if the switch connector has become loose. Boot into the bios and try turning off from there using the power switch. Does the reset button reset the computer?

scottbach · Jan 6, 2013

Everything has been tried. Computer still won't shutdown without reaching behind the tower and manually turning off the power supply. Tried another user acct., checked all wire harness', tried BIOS Power settings, checked hard drive, re-installed operating system, tried shutdown.exe -f -s -t00, Nothing can cure the dreaded power dilemma!

roy69 · Jan 6, 2013

With the power on (do this at your own rick) short out the two pins on the mobo that the switch is connected to, or try a different switch. It may be as simple as the switch is broken.

Cytherian · Jan 6, 2013

The switch not working would be a definite hardware problem IF you could shut down normally by other means. In this case, it may not be the button at all. I surmise that you've clicked "Start--> Shutdown" and this didn't work, seeing as you've even gone so far as to launch "shutdown.exe" with command parameters.

The fact that you've completely formatted your hard drive and installed Windows fresh should completely eliminate any software issues. The only thing I can think of is that there is indeed a hardware fault, but not with the power button. It may be something to do with the motherboard and the circuitry involved with controlling the hardware.

Some other questions:

Can you put the computer into sleep mode or even hibernate mode?
I take it things were working fine for a long while and then this problem cropped up just recently. Can you remember ANYTHING that happened around the time the problem began? Like a power outage or some unexpected fault with the computer (like it freezing up)? Did you install any new software or additional hardware, like new memory?
What is your computer brand/model? Have you tried visiting the maker's website and checking for an updated BIOS?

townsbg · Jan 6, 2013

Cytherian said:
The fact that you've completely formatted your hard drive and installed Windows fresh should completely eliminate any software issues. The only thing I can think of is that there is indeed a hardware fault, but not with the power button. It may be something to do with the motherboard and the circuitry involved with controlling the hardware.

I agree although it would be worth checking to ensure that the wire is snug and on correctly. As for a BIOS update not even the OP's problem would give me a desire to do one because if it goes wrong he could have nothing more than a paperweight. :confused:

I am curious as to the reset switch. Also if this is a laptop perhaps there is a hot key combination that would help. Have you tried a bootable version of Linux as a further test as I suggested in my first post?

scottbach · Jan 6, 2013

Ahhh! Thanks, but no thanks (lol) I think I will live with simply turning off the rig manually. I don't think I would know how to "deliberately" short something out anyway. I am rather good at when I don't mean to however! Thank you to everyone who offered suggestions.

Scott

Cytherian · Jan 6, 2013

^ But by using the power supply switch, you're performing an abnormal shut down. This is not good practice. Could you reply to the questions I posed? It may help shed some light on the possible cause of the problem.

VISTA HM. PREM. 32bit. SHUT-DOWN ISSUE

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