I have written a script that acts as a front end for some computer based training. There was a need to track usage of the programs. The script prompts the user for a username, stores it, then displays a basic menu for the user to select which training CD they want to access. Based on the selection, it then uses the Shell command to execute the appropriate programs EXE. After they exit the training, they are returned to the CD selection menu so they may select another CD or Exit.

The problem I am having is with the GETS command. The first time the script runs, everything works perfectly. The user is prompted for a name, they enter something, press Enter and are presented with the list of CDs. After running the training and returning to the script menu, they can exit the script.

However, when the script is run a second and subsequent times, the user is never prompted for a username. It's as if the GETS command isn't pausing and waiting for input. The value of the variable associated with the GETS command ($myname) ends up with what looks like content from the script itself.

The problem doesn't occur on all computer systems, the script works fine on most (in that the GETS command pauses and waits for input). There is something specific about this type of computer that is causing the problem.

The computer is based on a PCCHIPS 748 motherboard. I have tried both 3.61 and 2001 versions of KiXtart. Both do the same thing. Rebooting the system seems to reset the issue so the script runs fine one time, but again fails after that. All the computers are running Windows 98 SE.

I'm hoping someone else has seen this or a similar issue with the GETS command and can help point me to whatever it is about this computer that is causing this issue. We have 4 computer system based on this motherboard and they all fail. I am in the process of updating the drivers on the systems, but don't like to fix something if it's not broke. If anyone has a good idea on which driver I should start with, please help me out here.

Thanks!
Don

[ 21 November 2001: Message edited by: Don.O ]