Win 98 SE shutsdown to black scrn w/blinking cursor

[3times2+1]

More Win 98 SE shutdown issues, this time on a different computer. I had Win 98 first edition running with no shutdown issues-click on shutdown, normal screens come up and the computer then turns itself off. I upgraded the 98 first edition to 98 Second Edition with the update patch from Microsoft-no errors or problems with the install, until I clicked on Shutdown. Then the screen "please wait while windows shuts down" zips by and then I get a black screen with a flashing cursor in the upper left corner. I have tried Microsoft's tech solutions for disabling fast shutdown, checked the registry key for this and it was correct, set the bios so acpi is off and disabled the power management in windows; tried disabling NVRAM/ESCD om Device Manager; set my Norton Antivirus to not scan floppy at shutdown;checked the exit sound file-found ok; I even loaded the Shutdown patch from microsoft and still no change. It seems that the files are being closed and everything that normally would be cleared at normal shutdown, because so far scandisk hasn't run on boot up nor have any errors shown up. I am configuring this system for my college bound son and without the auto shutdown that used to work under '98 first edition, I now have to power down with a power strip power off button. You folks came through before and I look forward to any other tips to fix this. Thanks in advance. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">

[Ferris]

i had a similar prob a week ago (blinking cursor after shutdown), and the patch located at
http://www.microsoft.com/windows98/downloads/contents/wurecommended/s_wufeatured/win98se/

worked for me. That said, have you tried using CTRL+ALT+DEL and removed any remaining programs in memory?

[3times2+1]

Hi Ferris:

Thanks for the suggestions. The file you referred to at the Microsoft site is the one I used and it didn't help. You say to Ctl-Alt-Del and shut down files....I thought that is what the system did when clicking shutdown. What would I be looking for? Plus, nothing changed from my Win 98 first edition, except I upgraded it to the Win 98 Second Edition and it shutdown fine before. There has to be something in SE that doesn't like my setup or something...Thanks again. <IMG SRC="smilies/confused.gif" border="0">

[Ferris]

try closing any running progs manually before shutdown, win may overlook some and not close down properly as in your case. just a suggestion <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[Sowulo]

Originally posted by Ferris:
<STRONG>try closing any running progs manually before shutdown, win may overlook some and not close down properly as in your case. just a suggestion <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"></STRONG>

Anti-Virus programs (especially configured to scan floppies on shutdown) and NIC drivers seem to be among the most common causes of Windows shutdown problems.

[Rigz]

This may be an old 1 and not what you want but have you tried this.

Create a new shortcut

Path =

C:\windows\rundll.exe user.exe,exitwindows

Otherwise

Make sure you have the correct drivers installed on your soundcard as this is known to create shutdown problems.

Rigz

[orange]

Had exactly the same problem on a system that i upgraded for someone. Put a new Gigabyte GA5AT mobo into an AT case, new proc, new mem, new gfx and new snd. Shutdown and get blinking cursor instead of "It is now safe to turn off your computer message" as is usual on an AT system. System would shutdown correctly if booted in Safe Mode so figured it was a driver problem. Updated all drivers - same. Pulled all hardware bar vid and HDD - same. Replaced mobo with another new - same. Changed PSU for an ATX (only one i had available) as that board also has an ATX connector - cured. Never did work out what the heck was going on and never had a problem with that model Gigabyte board before or since in any other AT system. Some things just don't make any sense <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">

I know this probably doesnt help your situation, but it may help someone else...

[3times2+1]

Thanks everyone for your excellent tips and responses. However, nothing so far has worked. So I am still digging for a solution. I am contemplating trying the IDE fix that is on Microsoft's site. I am hesitant because the situation I am experiencing is not quite what they say the fix is for and I don't want to make anything worse. So if anyone out there knows something else, I welcome any and all tips.
thanks...there's a fix out there somewhere!

[Anna]

If its a ATX system did you try setting in the BIOS under power managment,(shut off by PWRBTN) set shut down from instant off to 4 sec. In BIOS delay and give that a try.

<IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

[Kenteth420]

Disabling legacy usb support in the bios fixed that problem on my friends machine.

[wholeeo]

My system does it everytime. I just wait and, usually after a minute or two, it finally shuts down. Just have to be patient.

[scutterboy]

My first thought is as Sowulo mentioned about the Network Card. I see that quite often particularly when a 10/100 card is set to autodetect connection type.

[RH0RT]

I once did 25 installs of Win98 in a couple of days, and I traced this problem to TCP/IP. Just for a test, remove it and see if the problem continues.