Member Avatar for itsluy

Basically, when I shut down this Gateway computer from a client, it keeps running. Windows is gone, and the is no display but keeps sending a signal to the monitor. The fan also stays on.

Only way to shut computer down compltetely is by unplugging it...
please help

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A concise, prioritized checklist to help isolate the cause when a system appears to shut down but fans keep running and video remains active. This builds on 's prompt to identify the exact model and to test shutdown behavior from alternate boot media, and gives firmware- and hardware-focused steps that separate OS/driver problems from PSU or motherboard faults.

  • Record exact model and BIOS/UEFI revision (sticker on the case, system information, or motherboard label). These are needed before any firmware update.
  • Enter BIOS/UEFI, load defaults, then review Power Management: disable Wake-on-LAN, wake-by-USB and scheduled RTC wake options; check ACPI suspend type (ensure proper S5/power-off behavior). Save and reboot.
  • Test shutdown from non-native media (Live USB/DVD) to determine if the OS/drivers cause the issue. If shutdown is clean from alternate media, update chipset drivers and NIC/USB drivers in the native OS.
  • Remove all external peripherals (network cable, USB devices, cards) and repeat shutdown to rule out peripheral wake sources.
  • Check the front-panel power switch and wiring: with mains unplugged, reseat or temporarily disconnect the case PWR connector; briefly short the two PWR pins on the board to simulate the switch (only if comfortable doing so).
  • Suspect PSU or motherboard if the main rails never drop: swap with a known-good PSU or have the unit tested. Fans running on 5VSB alone are normal; main-rail persistence is not.
  • Only flash BIOS after confirming correct model and reading vendor notes; follow vendor instructions exactly.

Safety note: unplug AC and take anti-static precautions before opening the case. Providing model and BIOS revision narrows down vendor-specific fixes.

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Member Avatar for raybay

Model & OS?
Does this still occur when you disconnect HDD, and boot to a floppy?

Member Avatar for itsluy

Model & OS?
Does this still occur when you disconnect HDD, and boot to a floppy?

thanks 4 the reply raybay, i'm not sure on the model of th pc (will have to check and get back to you), but it's running windows xp.

i haven't tried disconnecting the HDD and there is no floppy drive on the machine.

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