Windows XP pro failing to shut down

[BCChad]

I have recently purchased a new computer and am now discovering that it will not shut down. This problem has recently starting happening, I wonder if its a result of the heat? I have no clue at this point the only way to shut it off, is to hold the power button for more than 5 seconds. I would really appreciate some help and am able to provide any information you need, I just don't know what that would be at this point

[NooNoo]

BCChad Welcome to Windrivers

My first suggestion is you contact the vendor, did you get a warranty with this? Has it always shutdown in this manner?

If its a recent thing, think about any changes you made to the system, installations, updates, uninstalls?

Holding the powerbutton for 5 seconds is normal to get the hardware to shutdown without windows control.

Do you get the "its now safe to turn off your computer" message when you click, start, shutdown?

[BCChad]

Thanks for your Help. I still have a warranty on the computer
The OS is Windows XP Pro. What I have a complaint about is that when I go to leave my house and I click turn off the computer on the start menu, It goes to what almost seems like being off, only the fans are still running and the screen is blank. It hasn't always shut down in this manner when I first got it it never did this, but I also noticed this happened with my old computer, I have a feeling I am doing something wrong to all computers. I can't honestly remember a specific change that would have caused this. and is it unhealthy to shut down my computer by just holding the button? Thank you very much for your quick reply, I appreciate it.

[cabal]

If you leave it alone, do the fans eventually shut off? I have seen some motherboards that run the power and cpu fans for 5-10 minutes after you shut them off.