Windows 7 shut-down problems

I can't shut down my Windows 7 (64bit) PC normally if I turn on my e-SATA external hard drive during a session --Windows will stick at the Logging Off screen and I have to turn off the PC manually. Next time I boot I get the 'Windows didn't shut down normally message', but can boot normally with no apparent ill effects.

The external HDD is connected to an eSATA port controlled by the motherboard Intel disk/RAID controller. Previously the shut-down problem would occur if I turned off or disconnected the drive before shutting down Windows. Now (last few days) it occurs even if I leave the drive on. I use the drive at the end of each day for back-up and prefer to keep it off at other times as the enclosure fan is noisy. As far as I'm aware I have made no significant changes to my system recently.

Any help would be appreciated.

You haven't told us who manufactured your computer or your external hard drive so it's rather difficult to point you in the right direction.

As the problem appears to be related to your e-sata external hard drive I'd be inclined to check for any updated e-sata drivers. Lengthy shut-down periods often relate to a buggy driver.

As for the hot shut-down of the drive, you might want to check which of these settings you're using.

Thanks for the help. I traced the problem to Trusteer Rapport, the malware detector increasingly promoted by banking websites. They have now released an upgrade which seems to resolve the problem. It was their Rapport process which was preventing Windows shutdown.

OK, pleased to hear your problem is solved.