Kernel versions after 3.19.0.25 causes shutdown to 'hang'; how do I triage?

[SimonC <simonc462@gmail.com>]

Hi,

I have been trying to resolve this for a while and have not been able to 
solve the issue.

The problem is simple, since the kernel was upgraded from 3.19.0.25 the 
computer will not shutdown properly. It starts the sequence then halts 
after 6-10sec -- it does not poweroff the computer, it seems to stop at 
a higher running state with the logoff screen still visible. To shutdown 
the computer I have to press the power button until the computer 
actually powers off. As a work around I have reverted back to kernel 
version 3.19.0.25 and at each new kernel upgrade tested again. Despite 
multiple upgrades this problem has not disappeared.

I have read many many blogs and posts on related issues but nothing that 
has been suggested works. It appears to me that it was about this time 
that the Upstart system was changed for the Systemd system, and this 
somehow has made the kernel incompatible with my hardware. I have tried 
reinstalling my distro "Ubuntu 14.04 LTS with the Mate Desktop", changed 
various desktop environments and moved to the latest Ubuntu release or 
different 'flavours' -- essentially if the distro has the latest kernel 
my shutdown does not work.

Can anyone suggest how I can proceed? What information is required to 
get help? What log will tell me what is going on?

As a side question -- what happens if I fix the kernel at 3.19.0.25?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks Simon