SYMPTOMS
On a Windows 98 Second Edition-based computer that is using networking 
software that is implemented as a Network Driver Interface Specification 
(NDIS) intermediate driver, one of the following symptoms may occur: 


The computer may stop responding (hang) during startup or shutdown. 



Your network throughput and overall network performance may gradually 
decrease, sometimes to the point that the computer hangs or becomes 
completely unresponsive to network requests. 



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CAUSE
This problem can occur if the NDIS intermediate driver code is preempted by 
the operating system when it is not safe to do so. As a result, a "race" or 
"deadlock" condition may occur, causing the operating system to hang. 




RESOLUTION
A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to 
correct the problem described in this article and should be applied only to 
systems experiencing this specific problem. 


To resolve this problem immediately, download the fix as instructed below or 
contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the fix. For a complete 
list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information on 
support costs, please go to the following address on the World Wide Web: 



http://support.microsoft.com/directory/overview.asp 


NOTE : In special cases, charges that are normally incurred for support calls 
may be canceled, if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a 
specific update will resolve your problem. Normal support costs will apply to 
additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific 
update in question.