Reinstall Windows ME

[bt]

Hello,

I have a HP Pavilion PC, Model XT856 that I need to reinstall Windows ME. That is what came with it. Fortunately I have the operating cd's when I purchased it. I hear now-a-days, you don't always get the system cds.

After using the computer for a few months, we found out how unstable the program was. The restore feature now goes back to 1908. It got slower and slower, I ended up finding a newer computer at a Pawn Shop that has Windows, XP, and use that as my main computer.

My question is, how hard is it to reinstall Win ME? Should I reinstall with windows XP?

I have reinstalled win 95 / 98 several different times. Not familiar with ME.

Thanks
NOTE: I will look through past posts and see if someone has already answered this question.

THANKS AGAIN!

[Budfred]

I have reinstalled WinME many times and it is not much different that any other version of Windoze. If it hangs during the install, the main thing is that you may have to cold boot to get it to finish. Once it is installed, you may want to use winconfig to strip it down and speed it up. I have very few programs running background and it generally moves pretty good. You may also need to defrag regularly, but that would be true of any Windoze version.

Good luck,
Budfred

[papertech]

Windows ME was supposed to be an enhancement to W98. It was really more of a marketing ploy, but also was the end of the W9x (dos based) o/s'es. Therefore, reinstall has the look and feel of what you're used to. Budfred gave some good tips.

Here's a link that might also help:

www.burzurq.com/forum/format_reinstall.html (http://www.burzurq.com/forum/format_reinstall.html)



Are you sure your previous problems were really o/s related? What actual problems were you having with the original install?

[YODA74]

I wouldn't even waste my time with W/ME, If you can go ahead with XP Unless you just want the experiance of installing W/ME.

[rahulkothari]

bt, Microsoft has released an update to fix a problem with Windows Me System Restore. This update resolves an issue with the System Restore date-stamping functionality that may cause System Restore to date-stamp snapshots that are taken after September 8, 2001 incorrectly. This can prevent System Restore from locating these snapshots and can cause the system restore process to fail. (http://www.windows-help.net/windowsMe/sysresupd.html)

Also, check out this page (http://www.windows-help.net/windowsMe/) for winME installation, upgrading, tips etc...

[papertech]

I've heard that there are limitations as to the number of times you can reinstall xp. (Although I just did a quick search and could not find any supporting documents.)

Also, might you run into licensing issues if you install xp on two machines at once? (Assuming you don't already have additional seat licences.)

[Paul Komski]

How much RAM do you have. Both ME (which I really like) and XP need "more than the minimum".

[bt]

Thank you ALL!

I went ahead and used the system CD's for Windows ME. It was actually easier than any other install I've done to date! Step by Step.

I am now downloading the fix for the restore problem. THANK YOU!

Also checking with Microsoft for any updated drivers, etc.

I am going to be selling this computer so wanted it all cleaned up. Yes, I thought I better put back on what came with it due to licensing, etc.

After I got this computer, I found out how much RAM the ME operating system took. I was dissappointed in that. 128mb at that time sounded like alot. I added an extra stick so I have 128 + 256 = 384 (but the system shows 383 total. (?)

The problems I was running in to, the mouse just would drag, drag, drag. Pages wouldn't open up. I previously paid for a calendar program (xReminder Pro)which I had to download. It had several updates recently. I think that may have been what was bogging it down. I am not installing it any more on my new machines. I think I saw MS had a calendar program somewhere... anyway..

Thanks for all your help! I am going to the tip jar, This site has helped me so many times in the past!

Keep up the good work!