Restarting Computer While Holding Down SHIFT Key Hangs Windows (186925)

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315854 Windows 98 and Windows Me Error Message Resource Center

SYMPTOMS

When you restart Windows 95/98 while you are holding down the SHIFT key, Windows 95/98 may stop responding (hang), or you may receive an invalid page fault error message.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if either of the following conditions exists:

Your computer contains a bus-mastering network adapter that does not respond properly to Windows 95/98 shutdown procedures.
Your computer contains a program, driver, or other hardware device that does not respond properly to Windows 95/98 shutdown procedures.

RESOLUTION

To work around this behavior, use either of the following methods:

Method 1

Do not hold down the SHIFT key while you are restarting your computer.

Method 2 (Windows 98 Only)

Disable fast shutdown. To do so, follow these steps:

Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System tools, and then click System Information.
On the Tools menu, click System Configuration Utility.
On the General tab, click Advanced.
Click the Disable Fast Shutdown check box to clear it, click OK, and then click OK again.
Click Yes when you are prompted to restart your computer.

Method 3

If you are using a bus-mastering network adapter, contact the adapter's manufacturer to inquire about the availability of updated drivers.

MORE INFORMATION

On some computers, you can hold down the SHIFT key to cause Windows 95 to restart without restarting your computer. This functionality is not supported in Windows 95/98.