When I go to SHUT down system it just gives me the message "Windows is now shutting down" and stays like that for hours, it won't shut down anymore.  I know I am not supposed to do this but I have just been pulling the plug.  Help!What version of Windows?  How long have you had this problem?

You can probably turn off the power by holding your power button in for 4 to 6 seconds.Sounds like an APPLICATION is hanging at shutdown.  

Like Soybean asked...What operating system are you using?  If XP, go the Run command (Start / Run) TYPE msconfig / go to the Startup tab and deselect everything / choose OK / reboot.

If may hang, do as Soybean suggests to shut down.  

Start the computer, let it completely BOOT, then when it's finshed, reboot.  If it DOESN'T hang then one of the applications that's running is causing the problem.  You'll then have to go back one at a TIME and turn on each one to see who the culprit is.

Alan <><  You may want to check Power Management in your BIOS.Thanks Everyone.  I will try your suggestions.  I am not tech savvy at all so the help is appreciated.  I have XP.  It's been doing this for a while.