Member Avatar for charlie-s

I reinstalled xp/ home. When I shut down the computer, windows logs off then the computer tells me it is now safe to turn off the computer. I have to press the power button.
It never did this before, it would shut down and turn off all at once.
Where do I find the controls to this? I have looked in control/power options and it doesnt look the same as my other computers, some stuff missing.

thanks, charlie

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Brief expert recap and what that message means: saw Windows log off but stop at the message that the user must manually power the machine down. That indicates Windows did not perform the hardware power-off step. In XP this is almost always a power-management/firmware mismatch (ACPI vs legacy APM / wrong HAL) or missing vendor drivers, not a random UI bug. 's suggestion resolved the immediate symptom, but knowing the root causes helps avoid the problem after future reinstalls.

How to confirm the underlying cause (safe checks)

  • Look in Device Manager under the "Computer" entry. If it shows a non-ACPI entry (for example "Standard PC"), Windows is not using the ACPI HAL and cannot turn the power off itself.
  • If the entry is an ACPI type but the system still does not power off, check for missing chipset or vendor power-management drivers and BIOS power/APM/ACPI settings.

Remedies and cautions

  • Enable ACPI in the BIOS if it is turned off, then reinstall Windows so the correct HAL is detected during setup. In-place HAL switching is risky and can make the system unbootable, so avoid manual HAL swaps unless following a proven procedure and having full backups.
  • Install the latest motherboard/chipset drivers and any manufacturer power-management utilities (especially on laptops).
  • If problems persist, consider a BIOS update from the board vendor (follow their instructions exactly).
  • Always back up data before reinstalling or flashing firmware.

Quick checklist

  • Backup data.
  • Verify Device Manager "Computer" shows an ACPI HAL.
  • Enable ACPI in BIOS if needed.
  • Install/update chipset and vendor power drivers.
  • Update BIOS only if vendor notes power-related fixes.

This covers the usual causes and safe next steps for XP systems that log off but do not power down.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

right click on the desktop/properties/screensavers/power in ther you will find power options ,or you may need to do it in the bios

Member Avatar for charlie-s

fixed it, thanks!!

Member Avatar for caperjack

fixed it, thanks!!

your welcome

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