The cause of this problem has been identified by brute force.
I wiped the drive clean and reinstalled the software, testing the shutdown operation after each driver and update install.
Here's what I learned and the (Shutdown Behavior):
Win7 SP1 installed (Shutdown OK)
LAN utility (supplied by Intel) installed (Shutdown OK)
22 Win7 Important updates installed (Shutdown OK)
3 Win7 Important updates installed (Shutdown OK)
13 Win7 Optional updates installed (PROBLEM - Shutdown causes Reboot)
I used System Restore to rollback the updates (Shutdown OK)
Next I reinstalled the 13 Win7 Optional updates 1 by 1.
The Shutdown problem emerges after installation of the Intel HD Graphics Family Update (31.8 MB) 03/25/2011 8.15.10.2342.
This file is served up by Windows Upgrade.
I have since found 3 versions of this driver and related software. All three versions cause the problem.
1. DVD supplied with Motherboard: Version 8.15.10.2279
2. Software served up by Windows Update: Version 8.15.10.2342
3. Updated driver downloaded from Intel Website: Version 8.15.10.2361
So that's what I know. It is amazing that no one else has reported this yet.
What is the next step?
Do the Intel administrators routinely scan this forum?
Thanks for that info LeonardiCL. I have the exact same problem. Its been driving me crazy. I RMA my motherboard but same problem with new one till reading this.
Like you I'm amazed no one else is having this problem. Maybe its an issue with GPU part of our cpu's. Who knows?
I am and it's totally crazy it's not fixed! http://communities.intel.com/message/132763#132763 so removing those drivers will fix it perhaps.. I'll see and report back..
Hi all! I am experiencing the same problem with DH61BE + i5 2400 combo. I have tried selective update (driver) installation and have noticed the same situation that other people are reporting - after installing any available HD Graphics driver, shutdown stops functioning. No blue screens or any other error in the event viewer. System shuts down, but powers up again after a couple of seconds. I do a normal shutdown. I haven't tried shudown from safe mode yet.
I sat down yesterday and put a DH61BE together with Windows 7 Professional 64-bit. I started but downloading all the Windows 7 drivers from Intel. I have been running WIndows Updates ever since 
but have not seen a video driver update come across. Have you tried downloading the most recent from Intel to see if it corrects the problem?
Hi
This problem has been assigned an Intel Case # 8000269193 AND an Intel System Identification Utility Reference Number 0050 9708
There are 3 video driver updates that cause the shutdown problem.
1. DVD supplied with Motherboard: Version 8.15.10.2279
2. Software served up by Windows Update: Version 8.15.10.2342
3. Updated driver downloaded from Intel Website: Version 8.15.10.2361
I suppose it is possible that Windows update has stopped serving up #2 or it is not appropriate for all installs.
All of my systems involved 32bit Win 7.
Regardless, these files cause the problem in 6 of my systems.
As I write this today, I am unaware of any other (read: newer) drivers that are available.
Best regards,
Craig
Hi Craig. I checked the version on mine. 8.15.10.2361 That is probably why I didn't see any updates. I wish I could help further but my DH61BE is not exhibiting the problem. Then too it is 64-bit. Good luck!
I should add that I'm using a Nvidia Quadro FX 1800 as the graphics (nothing onboard) and a different motherboard (DX58OG) than you guys, but same problem 
I've tried removing drivers of other things no graphics related too but to no avail.
@ZiggyStardust: I also tried Intel's latest HD Graphisc driver 2361 and the result was the same. I am using only i5 gpu without an external graphics adapter. What is your configuration?
Mine is a "stock" DH61BE. i3-2100, 4GB memory, 250GB hard drive, 64-bit Windows 7 Professional. The board is revision B3.
Now I've tested shutting down in safe mode as well and it works like it should.
Yes. That has been a consistent finding.
Safe mode --> No issue.
Generic VGA Drivers --> No Issue
Intel graphics drivers --> Shutdown-Restart
There is one report that Win7 64bit does NOT exhibit the problem.
Can anyone else confirm that finding?
Win7 64bit DOES exhibit the problem. That's what I'm having the issue with.
Well, the Intel folks have been unable to duplicate this Shutdown --> Restart issue.
I have 6 machines that exhibit the problem.
We appear to be at an impasse.
Given the fact that all 6 of my very simple computers exhibit the behavior, I am surprised that it can't be dupicated.
Does anyone have a suggestion?
For example, has anyone ever shipped a misbehaving computer to Intel for inspection?
