System Hangs When You Quit Windows with Heavy Network Traffic

 Last reviewed: November 14, 1995
Article ID: Q139623
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

When you are using a real-mode network client, such as the Novell VLM or NETX network client, or the Banyan Vines real-mode network client, the screen may turn black and leave the pointer flashing in the upper-left corner when you attempt to quit Windows. After several minutes, you may receive the following error message: 

   General failure reading device NETWORK
This problem occurs independent of the type of computer and network interface card you are using and independent of the real-mode network client you are using.

CAUSE

This is a known problem with Windows and Windows for Workgroups version 3.1 and later that occurs when network traffic is unusually heavy.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows versions 3.1 and 3.11 and Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1 and 3.11. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

The third-party products discussed here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

KBCategory: kbnetwork kberrmsg kb3rdparty kbbuglist
KBSubcategory: wfw wfwg win31
Additional reference words: 3.10 3.11 hang compaq black screen of
death drop bsod

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Last reviewed: November 14, 1995
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