Slow Return to MS-DOS If Keys Pressed on Exit

• Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a, 3.1

SYMPTOMS

If you type characters on the keyboard immediately after exiting Microsoft Windows 3.0 in enhanced mode, it may take 20-30 seconds to return to the MS- DOS prompt and the computer may seem to stop responding (hang).

Similar behavior may occur with Windows 3.1, if the keyboard buffer gets filled (beeping occurs) while Windows is exiting.

Sometimes, the shift state gets toggled incorrectly, so that the keyboard behaves as if the CTRL, ALT, or SHIFT key were being held down. Pressing the appropriate key a few times typically resets the state correctly.

Sometimes, the computer simply hangs, requiring a cold boot.

WORKAROUND

Avoid typing characters while enhanced mode Windows is exiting; wait until the MS-DOS prompt appears.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Windows versions 3.0 and 3.1. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.