Computer doesn't shut down - Help!

[ahmunmun]

Guys, I have a problem. Please help me! Whenever I want to shut down my computer (Start -> shut down), it doesn't shut down but instead the on/off light just blinks slowly. The screen would just have this "Windows is shutting down" message. This could last for hours. I know this because one time, I thought my computer was shut down but after a few hours when I checked back, the on/off switch was still blinking with that screen message. I had to close the screen cover again to get it to shut down. Sometimes that doesn't work and I have to unplug it to get it to shut down.

Does anyone know how to resolve this issue?

FYI, my laptop is an Intel Pentium. I always plug my laptop in an outlet when using it so it always says "fully charged". If you require more information, let me know. I am a computer dummy but if you tell me how I can find the answer I will get you the answer.

 

[paul1149]

1.
Which version of Windows? If it's 7, there's a hotfix that might work:
You cannot make a computer that is running Windows 7 shut down or sleep

2.
Otherwise, try going into Safe mode by pressing F8 right after the initial BIOS screen at boot up (you can start pressing while the bios screen is still up). See if it shuts down clean from Safe Mode.

If it does, go back in, hit Winkey-r (or Start Menu / Run), type MSCONFIG, hit enter, then either go to the Boot tab if there is one and select Clean Boot, or go to the Startup tab and disable everything there. Click Ok and then try rebooting. If it works, go back to msconfig and reenable half the startup items at a time, rebooting in between. When the problem resurfaces, the cause is among the last items you reenabled (keep track on paper).

3.
If this began recently, you may have a Restore Point you can revert to. Restore Points are accessible via Start / accessories, system tools, system restore if you're in 7.

4.
Or if you know what changes were made recently you can undo them manually at control panel / programs and features in 7.

(Edit) Also check Installed Updates there. There have been quite a few bad updates this year.

 

[Okano]

Are you closing the laptop before it completely shuts down? If you close it before it fully shuts down then it will go into sleep mode instead.

 

[paul1149]

Also, the first thing I would do is make sure your data is backed up, especially before doing a system restore. It's not supposed to affect data, but it's not worth chancing.

 

[ahmunmun]

Are you closing the laptop before it completely shuts down? If you close it before it fully shuts down then it will go into sleep mode instead.

I was starting to worry that I wouldn't be able to follow the instructions to fix the issue, but it looks like you identified the issue. Last night I resisted the urge to close my cover and waited for that "windows is shutting down" message to disappear and after waiting awhile, it finally shut down. Then I closed the cover. Of course, that was only one day. I hope it will work today too. Thank you bro.

Thank you Paul as well. You took time to reply to me and I appreciate it. I am sorry I couldn't understand what you wrote. It's not you. It's just my computer knowledge is very limited so I am glad that this one is fixed (or at least, I think it's fixed) with one simple solution. If I run into any more problems again, I'll come back to this thread and maybe I can ask you some questions.

 

[Okano]

I was starting to worry that I wouldn't be able to follow the instructions to fix the issue, but it looks like you identified the issue. Last night I resisted the urge to close my cover and waited for that "windows is shutting down" message to disappear and after waiting awhile, it finally shut down. Then I closed the cover. Of course, that was only one day. I hope it will work today too. Thank you bro.

Thank you Paul as well. You took time to reply to me and I appreciate it. I am sorry I couldn't understand what you wrote. It's not you. It's just my computer knowledge is very limited so I am glad that this one is fixed (or at least, I think it's fixed) with one simple solution. If I run into any more problems again, I'll come back to this thread and maybe I can ask you some questions.

You're welcome. I'm glad Paul and I were able to help you.

 

[Christian Networking]

I'm a computer virus removal specialist here in Honolulu Hawaii. So tracking cookies, spyware and viruses are my first thought.

You can find these programs for free

Run Ccleaner
Run Superantispyware remover
Run your virus scan

Make sure your antivirus software is up to date

If you require free antivirus software I recommend

Microsoft Security Essentials
Be sure to download this only from the Microsoft site

Rick