Linux Lite Forums

I have had exactly the same problem with my Dell Inspiron 1501 with both Debian and Ubuntu based distros.

Up to Debian and Ubuntu 14.04 no problem provided you do not stray beyond kernel 3.16
Debian 9 no shutdown
Ubuntu 16.04 - LL 3.6/3.8 OK but not after that

Normal shutdown just hangs - 'Reached target Shutdown' or similar
industrial strength commands - no difference - power button is the only choice.

As far as I can tell this is down to a combination of kernel config, BIOS and ACPI not getting together properly.
I have tried all the various grub and shutdown suggestions on all the fora - it's just one of those things.
Hopefully by 2021 I'll have a new laptop

my laptop is a Toshiba Satellite L50-B-1UV

Thanks Robinc, that helps a bit to know I am not alone!

Try the 4.13 HWE kernel.

TC 

I have the 4.4 kernel - how would I even change that

Go in the Lite Tweaks / Install Kernel / Choose the one you want and install.
Gotta love Linux Lite!

Cheers!