This is not to condone or encourage the use of 'pirated software' but it
*may* help you get running again :-

Normally, when installing Me from a MS retail CD, it copies the whole
installation setup folder to windows\options\instal. But with (some?) OEM
CD's, it copies them to windows\options\cabs. Other OEM's don't even bother
at all.

You will need to look for one or other folder which should contain some 150
MB of files (i.e. about 25 .CAB files and including the setup exe.file). If
there, copy the whole folder to a CD and you will then have made an
installation CD.

However, under the circumstances, you should take a look at (and print out)
the "cleanhd.txt" file in the above folder. You can also view the "Windows
Millennium Edition Cleanhd.txt File Contents" at:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;271673

Study it carefully and be sure you have a note of the existing product key
code (the 25 digit code that was supplied with the CD) and - if the WinMe CD
was an 'upgrade' version (rather than a 'full version') - some proof of a
'previous version' - e.g. a Win95 or 98 CD (N.B not required for OEM)

BTW - you can find your product key by using Belarc Advisor from
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Also, don't try over-installing WinMe (as alluded elsewhere) as you are very
likely to end up with a 'soup' and therefore in a far worse state than you
already are.

Mart


"Catin Dehat" wrote in message
...
Ernie, thanks - you've spotlighted the cause of the problem. WinME was not
installed (or even re-installed). The HD (with WinME) was simply
transplanted form one computer to another. Since I recollect my friend
(owner of the HD which was transplanted into my old computer) once saying
his OS was pirated, it's not likely he has an installation CD. It would
seem we're at a dead end, unless, we somehow obtain a WinME installation
CD and THEN we can invoke pj switch.