shutdown command needs help

[DINMAN@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Compaq Tru64unix ver. 4.0f , Patch Kit 1

ADVFS file systems.

Question
In both version 4.0b and now ver 4.0f, the shutdown command will not work
unless I copy dev null into /var/adm/utmp and /var/adm/wtmp.

EXAMPLE
I reboot once a week.  In my backup scripts, this will NOT work.
/sbin/shutdown

This WILL work
> /var/adm/wtmp
> /var/adm/utmp
/sbin/shutdown


Why?? This was also true on version 4.0b.  

Thanks for any ideas on this one.

I will summarize the replies/solution.

Dale Inman
UNIX Systems
Aladdin Industries
Nashville  TN  37210