Windows shuts down, Computer stays on

CtChile · 19 Jul 2011

My Issue:

I shut down windows 7, and it seems to, but the computer fans / lights / drives /Ram all still have power. I've read through the posts and it seems there were some interesting ideas back in 09 on how to fix it, I tried searching my power options and making sure everything was set properly, etc. I even re-flashed my bios. I didn't make any major changes like add new hardware / software, only some windows updates that I've now rolled-back. Did anyone actually resolve this issue? It looks like one or two people just had to adjust a power setting, but that does not seem to be my issue. I don't want to re-install windows because I've been reading other forums where people have tried that and it didn't fix anything...

My rig:

Windows 7 64 Pro
Asus M4A79XTD EVO
AMD Althlon II x 3 435
4.0 Gigs Crucial Ram (1600)
WD Caviar .5 tb drive
LG Combo drive
Mouse / Keyboard through a starview KVM switch (swap from work and home pc's)

SlasherIT · 19 Jul 2011

Hmmm... I'm not sure if this is the fault of Windows or not. To found out if it is or not, could you please do the following.

1. Download Ubuntu 11.04 iso image. Download | Ubuntu The link gives you instructions on how to burn the iso to a CD with Windows 7. Download the 64 bit version of Ubuntu.

2. Burn the iso to a CD, and keep the CD in the disk drive.

3. Shut down from Windows. When Windows 7 appears to be shut off, but the power of the computer is still on, just pull the plug to disconnect the power.

4. Plug the power back on, turn on the computer.

5. Open the BIOS and make sure that the computer will boot off the CD.

6. Boot Ubuntu from the Live CD and it will load files a bit. It will then come with a screen giving two options. One saying something like Try Ubuntu, and the other Install Ubuntu. Just select Try Ubuntu. Wait for it to load to the desktop. Once you are in the desktop, shut off the computer from Ubuntu. You can do so from the very top right corner of the screen. Once Ubuntu shuts off, check to see if the computer power is still on or is off. Report back here when you have done so.

CtChile · 19 Jul 2011

Thanks! I saw where you were going with that and used a disk I already had laying around with KNOPPIX on it, and booted to linux, and shut down... same problem. So thank you, now it seems like I need to try to figure out what hardware issue I am having... thoughts?

CreepinJesus · 19 Jul 2011

BIOS power settings perhaps? I don't know much about those, I'm afraid, but I believe you can set various options for the different power states (S0-5). May be worth having a nose round in the BIOS or do some research.

CtChile · 19 Jul 2011

I've been running this machine for over a year, and this just started a few days ago. Seems more like a failure of some kind. I already re-flashed the BIOS so it seems that since I didn't have to do anything special the first time around, that a BIOS setting, while it would be a convenient fix, seems unlikely. Anyone ever heard of a power-supply causing issues like this?

SlasherIT · 19 Jul 2011

Hmmm it could have to do with something with the PSU. I was wondering, do you have an old desktop or something like that?

CtChile · 20 Jul 2011

The desktop is a year old, built it myself. The only thing I borrowed from an older machine is the coolermaster 500w psu, which is probably about 4 years old now. I've been disconnecting peripherals / fans / cards to try to troubleshoot. So far no luck

SlasherIT · 20 Jul 2011

Can you put the PSU back into the old computer and see if the old computer will have the same problem or not?

CtChile · 20 Jul 2011

No, that would be cool though. Maybe I'll abuse a computer at the office.

Thanks for all the help.

SlasherIT · 20 Jul 2011

Lolno prob. Just test the PSU on another computer and see if you get the same issue or not. I wouldn't use an office computer, depending on how high in rank you are in your job, messing with business computers could get you into serious trouble from your boss (implying if you have one).