Could shut Window but can't turn off the computer!

[T]

About 40% of the time when I either choose HIBERNATE or the standard SHUT
DOWN, the computer just keeps on running. Although it seems WINDOW has shut
down, the "ON" light is still on and I can hear the fan running.

When this happens I am left with no other option but to use the "emergency
shut down" method - pressing the ON button for more than 4 seconds (ASUS
laptop, using Vista Home Premium). Presumably this method would damage the
computer in some ways in the long run?

I assume WINDOW is shut down because the next time when I turn on the
computer it doesn't say the "WINDOW is not properly shut down".

So can any kind souls please help me with this annoying problem of turning
off the computer completely?

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

The hybrid sleep feature and the hibernation feature in Windows Vista may
become unavailable after you use the Disk Cleanup Tool :
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928897

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..

 

[Richard Urban]

If Windows has truly shut down but your computer is still powered up, just
turn off the computers power switch. You will NOT damage the computer or the
operating system at that time.

 

[T]

But is there a solution at all? I mean shutting down a computer should be one
of the most primitive and basic functions a computer should have have isn't
it?

And I scroll through many forums yet to find any users who have the problem
I encountered. I start to think this problem is rare.

I still believe that mechanically speaking, frequently using the "emergency
shutdown" method would ultimately shorten the lifespan of my laptop don't you
think?

 

[Malke]

But is there a solution at all? I mean shutting down a computer should be
one of the most primitive and basic functions a computer should have have
isn't it?

And I scroll through many forums yet to find any users who have the
problem I encountered. I start to think this problem is rare.

I still believe that mechanically speaking, frequently using the
"emergency shutdown" method would ultimately shorten the lifespan of my
laptop don't you think?

While the hibernate/sleep function of laptops under Vista is iffy, Windows
should shut down and you should find out why it isn't and fix it.

Shutdown issues are generally caused by a program and/or process that is
refusing to exit gracefully. The program and/or process can be from malware
or can be legitimate (such as an invasive antivirus like Norton or McAfee).
If you are using a Norton or McAfee product, uninstall it and replace with
a better program such as NOD32, Kasperksy, or Avast (free). The Windows
Firewall is adequate for most people. With Vista, shutdown issues can also
be caused by old/poorly written drivers so make sure all drivers are
updated. See Step B. below for general driver directions.

A.The first step is always to make sure your computer is virus/malware free.

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

B. Drivers - The First Law of Driver Updates is "if it ain't broke, don't
fix it". Normally if everything is working you want to leave things as they
are. The exception is that heavy-duty gamers will usually want to update
their video and sound drivers to squeeze every last bit of performance out
of the hardware to get the fastest frame rates. If you're not one of those
people, you don't need to update your drivers if there are no problems you
are trying to solve.

Never get drivers from Windows Update. Get them from:

1. The device mftr.'s website; OR
2. The motherboard mftr.'s website if hardware is onboard; OR
3. The OEM's website for your specific machine if you have an OEM computer
(HP, Dell, Sony, etc.).

Read the installation instructions on the website where you get the drivers.

To find out what hardware is in your computer:

1. Read any documentation you got when you bought the computer.
2. If the computer is OEM, go to the OEM's website for your specific model
machine and look at the specs (you'll be there to get the drivers anyway)
3. Download, install and run a free system inventory program like Belarc
Advisor or System Information for Windows.

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html - Belarc Advisor
http://www.gtopala.com/ - System Information for Windows

C. If the computer is virus/malware-free, drivers are current, and no Norton
or McAfee programs are installed, then do clean-boot troubleshooting to see
which program/process is the culprit:

How to perform a clean boot in Vista and XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/331796

D. If you need more information, here is an excellent shutdown
troubleshooter:

http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/shtdwnxp.htm

Standard caveat: If troubleshooting the issue is too difficult - and there
is absolutely no shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea - take the
machine to a computer repair shop. This will not be your local
BigComputerStore/GeekSquad type of place. Get recommendations from family,
friends, colleagues.

Malke

 

[Malke]

Hi!
Ive got exactly the same problem ( in my case it happens in 95% of the

(snippage)

Please make a new post including all your pertinent information. Unless you
have *exactly* the same hardware and software as the OP and installed Vista
in *exactly* the same way, you don't have "exactly the same problem". Or at
least there is no way to determine that.

So instead of inserting your information into his thread, please go ahead
and make a new one just for you. BTW, your English is perfect!

Thanks,

Malke