IMac will not shutdown or restart

This issue has been more noticeable since the installation of 10.5.3 but I do not know whether it is related or not.
When I issue a Logout or a Shutdown command from the Apple menu, the system will close all my applications, hide the grey menu bar across the top of the screen, and then stop. The Dock remains visible and accessible at all times.
From this point I am able to open an application to restore the grey menu bar, and repeat the process. This is commonly followed by an error message "Logout has timed out because application XXX is still running"
This behaviour also persists when I manually close the applications I have open, and then issue a Logout or Shut Down command.
Pressing the power button on the rear simply sends the machine to sleep in it's current form (no apps running; no grey menu bar; just the Dock showing). Pressing the power button again wakes it up into the state described. Pressing and holding the power button for 15 seconds to get the machine to beep at me appears to be the only way to reset and restart the machine at present.
Any pointers/advice/trouble shooting you can offer would be great.
Cheers,
David

Two things:
1. Forcing the machine to shutdown by holding the power button is like disconnecting an external drive without ejecting it first-- it causes directory damage. Of coarse if it's locked up this may be your last resort but now you have to check the volume for damage. Start by opening up Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility select your hard drive on the left then under the First Aid tab click Verify Disk. If the Verification fails then you will need to boot up to your install Disk in order to run Repair Disk. Or you can purchase a third party utility like Disk Warrior which will do a better job than Disk Utility anyway. Also while you have Disk Utility open go ahead and Repair the Disk Permissions on your drive as well. This is important to do periodically especially after installing Apple updates.
2. Try unplugging any and all external devices like hard drives, printers, scanners, ipods, and flash drives. Often times an external device may be drawing power through the data cable causing the computer not to respond. If this fixes the problem plug in only one device at a time to try and figure out which one is causing the issue. Also try un-mounting any network devices such as an iDisk. If you have an iDisk try disabling the auto connect feature.
George

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Zap the PRAM and reset the CMS
A small amount of your computer’s memory, called “parameter random-access memory” or PRAM, stores certain settings in a location that OS X can access quickly. The particular settings that are stored depend on your type of Mac and the types of devices connected to it. The settings include your designated startup disk, display resolution, speaker volume, and other information.
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Turn on the computer.
Immediately press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.Continue holding the keys down until the computer restarts, and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
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Shut down your Mac.
Disconnect your Mac portable from its MagSafe connector.
Remove the battery.
Press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds.
Release the power button.
Re-install the battery.
Reconnect the MagSafe connector.
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Mac portables with non-user-removable batteries (MacBook Air and some late 2009 MacBook Pro models):
Shut down your Mac.
Connect the MagSafe power adapter to your Mac and to a power outlet.
On the built-in keyboard (this will not work from an external keyboard), simultaneously press and hold the left shift, control, and option keys while you press the power button. Release all keys at the same time.
Press the power button to start your Mac.
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Shut down your Mac.
Unplug your Mac's power cord.
Press and hold the Mac's power button for 15 seconds.
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Reconnect your Mac's power cord.
Wait five seconds.
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Unplug the Mac's power cord.
Open the Mac Pro's side access panel.
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You may try booting your Mac in Safe Boot, as it can resolve many issues that may prevent a successful login.
OS X: What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode?
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564
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Casey Burns
Casey Burns Illustration and Design
http://CaseyBurns.com

I'd call Apple support at this point. You'll need
to put this issue on the record.
Call U.S. iPod and Mac technical support: 1-800-APL-CARE (1-800-275-2273)
The wait may be long for an agent to come on the line
so expect that and have some other stuff to do in the meantime.
If you have the applecare protection plan, I'd ask about "onsite"
service.
I like your work ! Good luck !
Slim
Message was edited by: slimpikkunz

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Hi there—
This reply doesn't seem to take into account the query.
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Hi,
Thanks.
It is running 10.5.8.
I am trying to boot up an external drive with 10.5.8 on it. It works on my Macbook Pro which is running 10.5.8, runs on my IMAC running SL. But doesnt work on the mac mini?
It had been running SL, however there are a number of programs I have like Windows Live Sync which are not yet compatable with SL so i downgraded to 10.5.6 which came with the Mac Mini then loaded all updates.
It seems to just go into an auto reboot as soon as i click on it.
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I have reset the PRAM.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

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IMac will not shutdown or restart

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