Basically what the title says. I switch to runlevel 1 to update some stuff, then when I try to switch back to runlevel 3, I can't log in. It basically leaves me with: when I try to exit as root and log in as a normal user. This is on -current64 and it's current as of today. Anyone else having this issue?

Not sure what you changed but to go from one level to another in single mode.
telinit 3 type it. so your stuck in maintenance mode ok your in telinit 1 you need to type telinit 3 now your going to login as root. or a user telinit 5 takes you to your kdm and then log in. what this does it tells the system to run the telinit 3 scripts.

I understand how runlevels work, that's why I went to runlevel 1. I installed some security patches then went back to runlevel 3. When I did that, that's when I don't get my prompt back. It's like something is hanging but I don't know what. In order to start X, I have to go to a different vt. And this happens every time, not just after one update.

you and I both look like we have been using Slackware a long time. I never had to patch or try to install as telinit 1 single mode. I have done some other stuff. I also run current in 32 bit and 64 bit and I had no issues yet. That said and done I know this does not help. I wish you luck I will keep working on this issue.

I can partially verify the problem. I have noticed through the past few years that when I (tel)init to run level 1 and then return to run level 3, I don't see a shell prompt. I always have to press the Enter key once to update/refresh the screen. I never had any other issues, just annoying that the prompt does not return.

Not exactly the same as you described but somewhat similar.

I never have had to toggle to a different terminal to log in after changing run levels. I have seen the terminal screen freeze like you describe, which then required trying a different terminal, but only once in a great while.

Perhaps there is something in your bash startup scripts causing the problem?

I have noticed the lack of prompt, too. The prompt is actually displayed, but some other messages from init wipe over it so it is no longer seen. This happens fast. Press ^C and/or Return/Enter to see what happens. If you can open another VT, go there and see if for some reason telinit is still running if you still can't get the prompt back. Is the default run level still the same in /etc/inittab ?