Shut down problem

With Windows 98, when I wanted to shut down, I could turn the computer off simply by pressing the power switch. With Windows XP installed, the power switch has some effect (I can hear something stop - perhaps the hard drive) but something is still running (perhaps the fan), and the only way I can come to a dead stop is by unplugging the power cord. That doesn't seem right. How can I change it?

 

http://aumha.org/win5/a/shutcut.php

 

Thanks for your help, Whiskeyman. I did what you suggested: Control Panel/Performance & Maintenance/Power Options/Advanced. There was no Power Button section under the Advanced Tab, so, as you say, my computer evidently does not have the capability. I accept that. However, there still seems to be something wrong, because of two things. First, I can't shut down completely without disconnecting the power cord, and second I have to disconnect and re-connect the power cord before I can start up again (by pressisng the start switch). Also, as I said in my original message, with Windows 98, the computer, in fact, did shut down completely when I clicked on that option, and I could start it back up with the start switch - no unplugging the power cord.

What could be wrong?

Sam

 

or the capability is disabled in CMOS

Did you go into your BIOS settings and see if power management was disabled there?

 

Can't disable Power Management in CMOS

Newt, there appears to be no way of disabling Power Management in the BIOS. In fact, I found nothing in any of the Setup Menu selections that relates to the problem I am having. I'm still in a quandary as to what might be causing this. It doesn't make sense (at least not to me) that there would be an intentional shut-down mode that involves pulling the plug before you can completely shut down and restart. Once Windows says it's safe to shut down, I would like to be able to shut down from the power switch, and then start up from the power switch. I would welcome further suggestions.