mac pro won't shut down

don't know if this is a hardware or software problem but, I'll try it here.

the problem is my mac pro, running 10.4, will not shut down. from the apple menu, I choose shut down, the computer starts to shut down but stops at the point where all desktop items and the dock are gone yet I still see the desktop. I can still see and move the cursor from the mouse.

I tried

logging out and back in
zapping the pram / vram(?)
ran diagnostic on the drive which came back okay
checked permissions which found and corrected problems

still the only way to shut down the computer is to hold the on/off button. don't know what is going on with this. any suggestions would be appreciated. thanks

R. Fink said:

still the only way to shut down the computer is to hold the on/off button.

Click to expand...

You can pull the plug as well! ;D

pigoo3 said:

You can pull the plug as well! ;D

Click to expand...

thanks.... bump.

Same Thing happened to me. I literally had to wait almost ten minutes before it would shut down. It's only happened to me like twice though, so if it's a recurring thing for you I would just take it in to get looked at. Try leaving it for ten minutes, and if that doesn't work then you can hard boot. Don't ever pull the plug.

Download a little utility called Applejack, install and run it in single user mode. Print and read the directions.

SourceForge.net: AppleJack:Troubleshooting Tool for Macs

Happens on my MBP from time to time as well. No idea what it is, but it seems harmless. When I directly cut the power and then reboot, I notice that there is a folder in my trash bin called Recovered Files. Generally there is nothing in it. I have also found that if I leave it for 5 or 10 minutes it shuts down.

I had the same problem. Did as Harryb2448 said and problem is gone.
Thanks Harryb2448

No problems svcaramia and my pleasure. Great little utility. Also try using MainMenu from time to time for maintenance chores, cleaning and running scripts.

Santa Software | MainMenu

Have you tried a fresh install of Tiger?