bootlog.txt file date ?

I'm trying to isolate a shut down problem in Windows 98 SE and wonder if my bootlog.txt file is being updated each time I shutdown either voluntary or involuntary. Both the bootlog.txt and .prv files have the date of 3/22/02 (year & 1/2 + ago). Does Norton's or some other utilities program take over this operation with another file name? I have done a search for the file and they only comes up in c:\ & c:\backup. thanks denny

 

I don't have either file on my computer. Maybe something I should look in to. Nevertheless, what's your shut down problem?

-John

 

drhans2

You've probably got BootMenuDefault=1 or no entry in Msdos.sys.

Ensure that you have BootMenuDefault=2 and you should get a new log at each boot.

 

drhans2--I think it is your option to create bootlog.txt files when you think you are having a start up problem. Usually done by holding F8 at boot and then choosing Option 2, Logged.

 

Jim

BootMenuDefault=2 is option 2. I've used this when I know I've had a problem - allows me to get a cup a tea instead of hanging around finger poised.

Gamma

 

gammaepsilon--Thanks for the insight. Been a long time since I did it. Does that mean Option 1 creates a Bootlog.txt just the next startup, which might explain why drhans2's Bootlog.txt is so old?

 

I guess I was way off base with this file and what it does. Some of the help files I've read say's to view the end of the bootlog.txt file for shutdown problems. From what you all saying, am I to understand that this file is created at start up and is for the current session, start to finish? (if I choose the option to create it). It would than overwrite the information it recorded for the session that ended with a shutdown problem? Can I also assume that the file I realy need to look at would be the bootlog.prv? Make's sense now. Thanks for the help. denny

Added info about my shutdown problem is:

My computer sometimes freezes when I shut down, mostly at the times that I use my speakers (Harmon Kardon HK-595) I have a normal bootup, than turn on the speakers for a short time than turn them off. When I shut down the computer it will sometime freeze. I've checked for drivers updates but found no fix related to the shut down problem.(or newer drivers) My system is as follows. Dell Dimension XPS B866r, Bios is A02, Windows 98SE with the latest updates. The shutdown problem also happens at times that I don't turn on the speakers, but rarely. I have noticed that when during shutdown everything goes ok, unless I don't hear the floppy being accessed during the shutdown process. (no floppy disk used during the session) Could there be something else causing this problem? thanks denny

 

I'm wondering if any of your startup programs are not closing properly upon shutdown. Probably a long shot here but I had the problem way back when I was a beginner but I can't remember now how I solved it. I know you can close all your programs before you shut down, then shut down to see if it makes a difference. At least you'll be able to determine if you get the "Program not responding" box when you do close the programs manually.

Just a thought.

-John