My macbook won't shut down

[clouty]

On a macbook 13" late 2011, running 10.8.5

Help! I've scoured the web, and can't find an answer. Holding down the power button doesn't work, regular shutdown won't work, nothing except Firefox is working or even launching - not even preview or notes. I can't empty Trash, not even using Opt+secure delete. I can't get into Finder now.

Immediately prior to these problems starting I attempted to launch Skype which had updated in the previous session. Skype was the first thing not to launch

How long before Firefox dies too? Rhetorical question.

Would it be destructive to disconnect the battery while the computer's on? Because that's the only way I can think of to force a shut down now. I have a spare hard drive with Snow Leopard installed... and a time machine back up.

I don't have enough knowledge to play with Terminal. If there is something I can do in there, then please give idiot proof instructions.

Thanks for looking.

 

[GGJstudios]

On a macbook 13" late 2011, running 10.8.5

Help! I've scoured the web, and can't find an answer. Holding down the power button doesn't work

You're not holding it down long enough.

 

[Fishrrman]

Hold down the power-on button and count slowly to 15.

What happens?

 

[clouty]

I get the window up with the blue shut down button almost instantly, but clicking on that does nothing but close the window. I went and did something else for ten minutes, still no dice. No shut down.

 

[GGJstudios]

I get the window up with the blue shut down button, but clicking on that does nothing. I went and did something else for ten minutes, still no dice. No shut down.

You don't need to click on anything. Just press and hold the power button for a full minute. Don't let go of the power button until it shuts down.

 

[clouty]

And I thought you just clicked the confirmation. Dur.

ETA and that did it. I'm an idiot, and in your debt GGJ studios. My computer seems to be functioning normally.

 

[Natzoo]

the computer misses you . If you do hold the power button it shuts it down