Here's a few things to try ...
Go to Add/Remove Programs, and attempt to uninstall Internet Explorer. Instead of actually removing the browser, choose to repair the installation.
If a simple repair doesn't work ... re-download all the components, including the ones that don't appear to need updated.
Next ... if you haven't done this already, download and install the Windows 98SE Shutdown Fix.
<A HREF="http://www.microsoft.com/windows98/downloads/contents/WURecommended/S_WUFeatured/Win98SE/Default.asp" target="_new">http://www.microsoft.com/windows98/downloads/contents/WURecommended/S_WUFeatured/Win98SE/Default.asp</A>
You may also need this update:
<A HREF="http://www.microsoft.com/windows98/downloads/contents/WUCritical/q273017/Default.asp" target="_new">http://www.microsoft.com/windows98/downloads/contents/WUCritical/q273017/Default.asp</A>
It's possible that the system may be refusing to shut down due to a file running in the Taskbar or Startup folder that Windows has difficulty closing when shutting down. This same issue could also apply to an outdated driver for a hardware device, or even a damaged .wav file that plays before the operating system finishes the shutdown process.
You can locate the files running in the background on the Taskbar by running MSCONFIG at the Start\Run line.
A good troubleshooting method, if you suspect a file is hanging up the shutdown process, is to use Ctrl+Alt+Del, bring up the Task Manager Window, and begin turning off running programs before restarting Windows. (With the exception of Explorer and Systray.) Turn off each file, one at a time, restarting in-between. This is a trial-and-error method of locating which of the files are causing the problem. Once you locate the culprit, you can turn it off permanently using MSCONFIG.
If the file is related to a program that you need or wish to run in the background on a regular basis (such as an Anti-Virus program), that might signify a need to upgrade the associated program.
You'll probably find several programs running in the background that are not needed, redundant, or just plain useless. Turn them off, and save your system resources.
It's also a good idea to install updated drivers for your hardware, if possible, just in case this is the source of the problem.
Finally ... sometimes the best fix is a reinstallation of the operating system. Not necessarily a clean installation on a formatted partition, but just going through the installation process, and allowing Windows to repair itself. Often, after installing different programs, system files for the the operating system can be overwritten (such as .dll's). Win98/Win98SE doesn't have much in the way of "protection" for it's own core files. This can cause odd behavior ... even major crashes. A reinstallation can replace those overwritten files. Afterwards, using Windows Update to install the latest patches and security fixes for the OS is normally a good idea.
Of course, the last resort is to format and reinstall the OS. Then you apply all patches, fixes, security updates ... and upgrade your software to the newest versions, including drivers.
If none of this works ... write back.
Toejam31
<font color=red>My Rig:</font color=red> <A HREF="http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.html?rigid=6847" target="_new">http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.html?rigid=6847</A>
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<font color=purple>"Procrastination on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part."</font color=purple>
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