For some reason, my pc refuses to shut down, log off, or go into DOS. I've tried to create a shortcut on desktop, but I get the message - Error in shell 32 missing entry SHExitWindowsEX. I'm running win98 if that's any help. Also, i'm told one of my programs is running when I try DOS - but i've closed them all!! Can anyone help??

Are you running a virus protect software? Some of these scan on shutdown and will lock the system up.

Thanks for your reply!! Yep- I do have Norton running, but I just disabled it and nothing's happened. Also, ctrl+alt+del don't work, either!!

Run Scandisk and System File Checker.

Boot to safe mode. In safe mode click on Start, then Run, type msconfig in the space and click OK. You should see a box titled "System Configuration Utility." Click on the startup tab at the top. MAKE A NOTE OF EVERYTHING THAT IS CHECKED. Remove the check mark from everything EXCEPT ScanRegistry, SystemTray, LoadPowerProfile, TaskMonitor and VSHwin32.exe. Restart your computer and see if that works. If it does, go back to the startup tab under System Configuration Utility and put back the check marks that you removed, one at a time. Restart the computer after putting back EACH check mark to find out if there is a startup application that is causing the problem.

Run msconfig and go into *advanced* and make sure DISABLE FAST SHUTDOWN has a tick in the check box beside it.

It could be a registry problem or shell32.dll is wonky ... Will either of these work from the Start -> Run dialog box? runonce.exe -q // reboots after 15 seconds OR rundll32.exe shell32.dll,SHExitWindowsEx n where n is: 0 - LOGOFF 1 - SHUTDOWN 2 - REBOOT 4 - FORCE 8 - POWEROFF "Also, i'm told one of my programs is running when I try DOS - but i've closed them all!!" ... Probably the program that is running is Win98 itself! I think you might need to look at the shortcut that you are using to run your dos program - it might be forcing MS-DOS mode rather than "suggesting MS-DOS mode".