Win98SE shutdown - Upgrade to XP?

Hi All,

I've searched this forum's archives and found a link to solve the issue of Win98SE hanging at shutdown. Naturally, after several days of trying, the download page (after agreeing to the license) on the MS web site is still unavailable ("You are not authorized to view this page ...").

So. .. I've had it with 98SE locking on shutdown and having to abort Scandisk on every bootup. (100 gigs of HD space takes a LONG time to scan!)

Can I run XP Home comfortably on my box? The other alternative is a fresh format/install of "The Old Standby", Win95.

-- Celeron 450 w/64 meg ram, Gigabyte mobo w/latest updated BIOS. 32 meg AGP Nvidia video, one 40 gig IDE, one 60-gig IDE, CD burner ... The machine was built by me to next-to-top specs just after 98 came out.

I know I should add at least another 128 meg of ram ... are there any other issues?

Many TIA,
-- RJ

 

I don't know that installing XP will solve any problems intrinsic to windows. I think that it would be beneficial to hear from XP users if they experience the same difficulties. It never made any sense why windows would hang trying to shut down. What in the world could be involved that stopping could not be done?

 

Here's the basics, straight from Windows XP site:
System Requirements:
Sounds like you have everything you need, except the RAM. I'm guessing you have DRAM? You can get it cheap just about anywhere now (check this post for some good deals on hardware.

Good luck!

 

And to answer Chris, yes, XP is 10x's more stable than 95/98/SE/ME. I can't say about 2k, since I've only used it very temporarily.

I do have to agree with Chris about installing a new OS too, if you do so on top of a bad installation, you are just asking for trouble. Try to get 98 fixed before you upgrade (even if it means the dreaded call to MS - uhh.)

 

I wouldnt recommend xp on that puter. Sure, it will probably work, but might be alot slower than you hoped for. You don't have the win 98se disk anymore?I would just hate for you to be disapointed with xp, it's a great os.(so is 2000)
here is the microsoft article. Maybe you can get to it ?http://support.microsoft.com/default...NG=ENG&SA=PER&
It says:
Problems Shutting Down Windows 98 Second Edition
The information in this article applies to:
Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition

This article was previously published under Q238096
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SUMMARYThis article describes how to troubleshoot shutdown and restart problems in Windows 98 Second Edition specifically, not Microsoft Windows 98. For additional information about troubleshooting Windows 98 shutdown problems, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
202633 How to Troubleshoot Windows 98 Shutdown Problems

The following topics are discussed in this article:
Windows 98 Second Edition Shutdown Supplement
Troubleshooting

Common Causes of Shutdown Problems
Known Issues

IRQ Steering
Functions Performed During the Shutdown Process
MORE INFORMATIONWhen Windows 98 Second Edition does not shut down properly, it may appear to stop responding (hang) for several minutes while the following message is displayed on the screen:
Please wait while your computer shuts down

Or, you may see only a blank screen and a blinking cursor, or your computer may restart instead of shutting down.
Windows 98 Second Edition Shutdown Supplement
Microsoft has released the Windows 98 Second Edition Shutdown Supplement that addresses shutdown issues on computers with specific hardware and software configurations running Windows 98 Second Edition. These issues include computers restarting when shutting down and computers hanging on shutdown.

Microsoft recommends following the troubleshooting steps that are outlined in this article. If, after following the steps that are outlined in this article, the computer continues to exhibit shutdown problems, Microsoft suggests applying this update. For additional information about how to obtain the Windows 98 Second Edition Shutdown Supplement, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
239887 Availability of Windows 98 Second Edition Shutdown Supplement

NOTE: After you apply the Windows 98 Second Edition Shutdown Supplement, the Disable Fast Shutdown option is no longer listed on the Advanced tab in Msconfig.exe.

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Troubleshooting
For information about troubleshooting Windows 98 Second Edition shutdown problems, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
202633 How to Troubleshoot Windows 98 Shutdown Problems

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Common Causes of Shutdown Problems
Shutdown problems in Windows 98 Second Edition can be caused by any of the following issues:
The Fast Shutdown registry key is enabled.
There is a damaged Exit Windows sound file.
A program or terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR) program may not close correctly.
An incompatible, damaged, or conflicting device driver is loaded.
There is an incompatible Advanced Power Management (APM) or Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) setting.
There is an incompatible Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) configuration setting.
The computer contains incorrectly configured or damaged hardware.
There is a video adapter that is not assigned an IRQ in real mode.
NOTE: Windows 98 Second Edition includes the latest updates for ACPI, OnNow, and APM. In addition, the Fast Shutdown code that was implemented with the initial release of Windows 98 has been removed to support these new features.

Although Windows 98 Second Edition includes many new drivers, not all third-party manufacturers have had a chance to update their hardware drivers. Some existing computers or devices may require an updated BIOS or device driver to fully support Windows 98 Second Edition.

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Known Issues
IRQ Steering
This option allows several PCI devices to share the same interrupt request line (IRQ). If the BIOS is not fully compliant, this option may cause your computer not to shut down properly, even if two or more devices are not sharing an IRQ. To disable PCI bus IRQ Steering, follow these steps:
Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click System.
On the Device Manager tab, click System Devices.
Double-click PCI Bus, and then click to clear the Use IRQ Steering check box on the IRQ Steering tab.
Click OK, click OK, and then restart your computer.
After you restart the computer, attempt to shut down your computer again.
If your computer shuts down successfully, you may need to change the BIOS configuration or you may need a BIOS update. For information about how to do so, contact your BIOS manufacturer.
Resume on Ring and LAN
Disabling the "Resume on Ring and LAN" feature in the computer's BIOS may solve some shutdown-related issues. For information about how to do so, contact your computer or BIOS manufacturer.
Plug and Play BIOS
In some cases, the BIOS and Windows may not be communicating properly with the computer hardware during the shutdown process. You can configure Windows 98 Second Edition to ignore the presence of a Plug and Play BIOS and communicate directly with the hardware.

NOTE: Use this method for testing purposes only. Leaving the Plug and Play BIOS disabled may cause some hardware to stop working.

To configure Windows not to use the Plug and Play BIOS:
Restart your computer, and press and hold CTRL until you see the Windows 98 Startup menu.
Choose Command Prompt Only.
Type the following line at the command prompt:
cd \windows\system

Rename the Bios.vxd file to Bios.old.
Restart your computer.
After the computer restarts, attempt to shut down Windows.
If the computer shuts down correctly, the system BIOS is likely to be contributing to the shutdown problems. Contact the motherboard or BIOS manufacturer for a possible update.

For additional information about your computer's BIOS, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
299697 General Computer Basic Input/Output System Overview

NVRAM/ESCD
There are specific settings for how the BIOS and Windows interact during the startup and shutdown processes. To check this, disable the NVRAM/ESCD updates feature to determine if doing so resolves the shutdown problem. To do this, follow these steps:
Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click System.
On the Device Manager tab, double-click System Devices.
Click Plug and Play BIOS, and then click to select the Disable NVRAM / ESCD updates check box on the Settings tab.
Click OK, click OK, and then restart your computer.
After you restart the computer, attempt to shut down your computer again.
Fast Shutdown Registry Key Is Enabled
WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

The Microsoft System Configuration utility includes an option to disable Fast Shutdown. If this option is not set in Windows 98 Second Edition, your computer may reboot instead of shutting down. To resolve this issue, change the FastReboot data value from 1 to 0 in the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Shutdown

NOTE: After you apply the Windows 98 Second Edition Shutdown Supplement, the Disable Fast Shutdown option is no longer listed on the Advanced tab in Msconfig.exe.
Antivirus Program
If you have an antivirus program that is configured to scan your floppy disk drive when you shut down your computer, your computer may stop responding. For additional information, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
231666 Antivirus Program Causes Computer to Stop Responding When You Shut Down

Replacing the Configmg.vxd File
Microsoft has become aware that some customers have replaced the Windows 98 Second Edition version of the Configmg.vxd file with the Windows 98 version to address shutdown issues. Microsoft strongly recommends that you not do this. This is an untested scenario that could result in fatal error messages, CPI errors, and hardware failures. The Windows 98 Second Edition Shutdown Supplement detects whether the appropriate version of the Configmg.vxd file is installed, and replaces any earlier version with the Windows 98 Second Edition version.

Functions Performed During the Shutdown Process
Windows 98 Second Edition tries to perform many functions during the shutdown process, including:
Completion of all disk write functions.
Flushing the disk cache.
Running the Close Window code to close all currently running programs.
Transitioning all Protected-mode drivers to Real mode.
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Keywords: kbenv kbinfo KB238096

 

Shutdown problems are quite common for all versions of Windows. They can be caused by driver issues, compatibility problems with programs running in the background (i.e. virus scanner), etc.

A good troubleshooting Web site is:
http://www.aumha.org/a/shutdown.htm

Good luck.

 

Thanks, KC.

Tae, I can get to that page. It's the download link that's broken. ( sigh ) Thanks for posting it.

Also, I wouldn't upgrade -- I would do a format/fresh install. XP wants to use NTFS anyway ...

Yes, DRAM is cheeep. I've been meaning to toss in a couple hundred more meg anyways.

Heck, I'll try it out. If it doesn't work, I can always get a new mobo and proc for a couple hundred $$.

Thanks again.

 

there's always the other option of having dual operating systems on your computer. I actually have 98se, 2000pro and XP pro on my computer and if you have problems with one operating system ...you can just boot-up on the other.
Personally, XP is the best and I have no problems with 2000pro either.
good luck!

 

I'm doing that with 98SE/95 on the two HDs. In fact, the only reason I loaded that dog (98) on the machine was because some of the vendors stopped supporting their 95 drivers for some of the "legacy" pro sound & video apps I'm using. (Necessary because of having to archive client-based materials.)

Hmmm ... a third HD with XP ... Sounds like the best bet to me.

BTW, I choose my boot drive by booting into the BIOS. That extra step removes the PITA of having Windoze try and identify all the programs on both drives. C becomes D and vice versa.

As long as the BIOS holds its settings, I'm golden.