HELP! Computer won't shut down...

[MIDIman]

Specs:
WinXP Pro SP1, Abit IC7 max3, P4 2.8ghz, 3 Seagate HDs, NEC 3500a, ATI 7000, Zalman 300w.

I generally leave this computer on ALL the time, downloading or compiling someting multimedia related. Its been about a week since the last time that I've shut it down. Now, when I choose shut down -> turn off, it restarts. I've tried four times now.

What have I done this week that's been different? Let me know if any of the following might affect it:
- Installed Sony Acid 5 - includes .NET framework 1.1
- Installed the latest security update from Windows Update.
- Installed Norton Ghost 9 (wouldn't be surprised if this has something to do with it...I HATE Norton!!)

...hmmm, that's about all I can think of. Anyone? I know I can just pull the plug, but that doesn't solve the problem, let alone that it can't e good for it.

 

[Mrvile]

Even when you hold the power button?

EDIT: I had that happen to me once. It turned out to be just an accidental change of Control Panel > Power Options > Advanced > "When I press the power button on my computer." Dunno if yours is that simple though.

 

[JonnyDuke]

Well I am not familiar with Acid....but a quick search found numerous hits about several patches and upgrades that you need for it to play nice with XP, you may need to install SP2....could be it, but it could also be as simple as your BIOS settings not enabling ACPI management or something like that. I am curious though.....are those Seagate drives any of the ones that they recalled a couple of years ago? I forget the model numbers.

 

[powerMarkymark]

Used to have the same problem on one of my rigs, turned out to be spyware.

 

[MIDIman]

Uninstalled Norton Ghost 9 - rebooted, then shut down. Sure enough it worked. I HATE Norton!!

Thanks the for the comments about Acid. It seemed to work OK, but I'm not using their new databasing feature.