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WinME Reinstall: Seek Advice on advisability doing this



 
 
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  #1  
Old January 28th 06, 06:34 PM posted to microsoft.public.windowsme.general,microsoft.public.windowsme.setup
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default WinME Reinstall: Seek Advice on advisability doing this

I am hoping Noel Paton, Koldbear or someone much more savvy that me can
provide some common sense and tech advice to prevant me from melting
down my old Compaq Presario 5000 desktop.

Backstory: My WinME operating system, as currently configured, is
continually melting into increasingly frustrating states of disrepair.
System Restore hasn't functions in forever; The sound system only works
if I delete the sound device and reboot the machine; I habitually boot
the machine to discover ScanDisk running, no mouse function and the
SafeMode display limited to 16 colors and 640x480 resolution. (I am
currently in this safemode state and can't figure out how to fight my
way out. If I do a normal bootup I have no mouse function.)

If you search this group for WinME posted by beezer000@gmail or
bdz000@hotmail, you'll see the whole woeful story.

I am wondering if a reinstall of WinME over the current WinME OS will
clean up the conflicts and errors in the registry or wherever that have
me teetering on the edge of extinction.

If necessary, I am willing to reinstall all of my applications and
updates, and the drivers for the firewire, usb and dsl ethernet cards
I installed.

What I want to maintain are the data files (be they MSExcel/word, jpg,
MP3, etc) on the internal harddrives.. These files are saved under 4
User names on 2 internal hard drives.

I have also read that reinstalling can make the data on the slave hard
drive inaccessable, and would hope to prevent this phenomenon. (The
primary drive is subdivided into C:LOCAL and D:SYSTEM_SAV. The slave
is E:HardDrive2. C:uses 23/27GB, D:uses 2.5/3GB, E:uses 47/80GB.)

I understand that IE6 (and OE6?) needs to be removed before doing such
a reinstall.

I see there have been several discussions of reinstall in the Group.
However, I cannot put together a clear picture of how to move forward
from these postings (each has its own tweaks), so I am throwing myself
on the mercy of the Group.

My questions (finally) a
## Does this make sense as a strategy for reaming out the gremlins in
my system?
## Is it possible to save the data files, especially on my E: drive?
## Are there levels of invasiveness I should work through in attempting
a fix?
## What is the best way to go about this?

I do have a WinME OEM CD-ROM. I also see the BASE2.CAB cabinet under
C:Windows/Options. And I once heard that Compaq supposedly stashed
some restoration functionality under D:SYSTEM_SAV.

Thanks for any advice, perspective or warnings.

Brian


  #2  
Old January 28th 06, 07:09 PM posted to microsoft.public.windowsme.general,microsoft.public.windowsme.setup
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default WinME Reinstall: Seek Advice on advisability doing this

Given your problems I think the last thing I would want to do would be to
reinstall Win Me over itself but instead I would probably bite the bullet,
save my data, and start all over with a clean install.
--
Mike Maltby



BrianZ wrote:

I am hoping Noel Paton, Koldbear or someone much more savvy that me
can provide some common sense and tech advice to prevant me from
melting down my old Compaq Presario 5000 desktop.

Backstory: My WinME operating system, as currently configured, is
continually melting into increasingly frustrating states of disrepair.
System Restore hasn't functions in forever; The sound system only
works if I delete the sound device and reboot the machine; I
habitually boot the machine to discover ScanDisk running, no mouse
function and the SafeMode display limited to 16 colors and 640x480
resolution. (I am currently in this safemode state and can't figure
out how to fight my way out. If I do a normal bootup I have no mouse
function.)

If you search this group for WinME posted by beezer000@gmail or
bdz000@hotmail, you'll see the whole woeful story.

I am wondering if a reinstall of WinME over the current WinME OS will
clean up the conflicts and errors in the registry or wherever that
have me teetering on the edge of extinction.

If necessary, I am willing to reinstall all of my applications and
updates, and the drivers for the firewire, usb and dsl ethernet cards
I installed.

What I want to maintain are the data files (be they MSExcel/word, jpg,
MP3, etc) on the internal harddrives.. These files are saved under 4
User names on 2 internal hard drives.

I have also read that reinstalling can make the data on the slave hard
drive inaccessable, and would hope to prevent this phenomenon. (The
primary drive is subdivided into C:LOCAL and D:SYSTEM_SAV. The slave
is E:HardDrive2. C:uses 23/27GB, D:uses 2.5/3GB, E:uses 47/80GB.)

I understand that IE6 (and OE6?) needs to be removed before doing
such a reinstall.

I see there have been several discussions of reinstall in the Group.
However, I cannot put together a clear picture of how to move forward
from these postings (each has its own tweaks), so I am throwing myself
on the mercy of the Group.

My questions (finally) a
## Does this make sense as a strategy for reaming out the gremlins in
my system?
## Is it possible to save the data files, especially on my E: drive?
## Are there levels of invasiveness I should work through in
attempting a fix?
## What is the best way to go about this?

I do have a WinME OEM CD-ROM. I also see the BASE2.CAB cabinet under
C:Windows/Options. And I once heard that Compaq supposedly stashed
some restoration functionality under D:SYSTEM_SAV.

Thanks for any advice, perspective or warnings.

Brian


  #3  
Old January 28th 06, 09:10 PM posted to microsoft.public.windowsme.general,microsoft.public.windowsme.setup
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default WinME Reinstall: Seek Advice on advisability doing this

Hi,
I agree with Mike that this may call for the Restore Disk. Can you save data
to CDs or an external drive?

But, without knowing what you've posted previously or what's been tried, I'd
be happy to toss out a few suggestions if you really want to avoid the clean
reinstall. ;-)

System Resto http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/quiktipsr.htm

Scandisk at each startup:
ScanDisk Runs Even Though Windows Shut Down Correctly
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[LN];Q273017

290342 - The PS-2 Mouse May Not Work After You Upgrade to Windows Millennium
Edition: http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;290342
Describes how to remove the mouse from Device Mgr without using the mouse.

Over the top (dirty) reinstall of ME (even on a Compaq)
http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/reinME.htm
I've done this...
"Boot into Safe Mode
Go to the Folder where you found BASE2.CAB
and double-click on SETUP.EXE"
It worked. Yes IE6 should definitely be removed first.

I'm not sure what will happen WRT the 2nd HD. It shouldn't (I think) be
touched by the reinstall but you may have to help ME find it.

Hope this helps,
Don
[MS MVP- IE]


"BrianZ" beezer000[at]gmail.com wrote in message
ups.com...
I am hoping Noel Paton, Koldbear or someone much more savvy that me can
provide some common sense and tech advice to prevant me from melting
down my old Compaq Presario 5000 desktop.

Backstory: My WinME operating system, as currently configured, is
continually melting into increasingly frustrating states of disrepair.
System Restore hasn't functions in forever; The sound system only works
if I delete the sound device and reboot the machine; I habitually boot
the machine to discover ScanDisk running, no mouse function and the
SafeMode display limited to 16 colors and 640x480 resolution. (I am
currently in this safemode state and can't figure out how to fight my
way out. If I do a normal bootup I have no mouse function.)

If you search this group for WinME posted by beezer000@gmail or
bdz000@hotmail, you'll see the whole woeful story.

I am wondering if a reinstall of WinME over the current WinME OS will
clean up the conflicts and errors in the registry or wherever that have
me teetering on the edge of extinction.

If necessary, I am willing to reinstall all of my applications and
updates, and the drivers for the firewire, usb and dsl ethernet cards
I installed.

What I want to maintain are the data files (be they MSExcel/word, jpg,
MP3, etc) on the internal harddrives.. These files are saved under 4
User names on 2 internal hard drives.

I have also read that reinstalling can make the data on the slave hard
drive inaccessable, and would hope to prevent this phenomenon. (The
primary drive is subdivided into C:LOCAL and D:SYSTEM_SAV. The slave
is E:HardDrive2. C:uses 23/27GB, D:uses 2.5/3GB, E:uses 47/80GB.)

I understand that IE6 (and OE6?) needs to be removed before doing such
a reinstall.

I see there have been several discussions of reinstall in the Group.
However, I cannot put together a clear picture of how to move forward
from these postings (each has its own tweaks), so I am throwing myself
on the mercy of the Group.

My questions (finally) a
## Does this make sense as a strategy for reaming out the gremlins in
my system?
## Is it possible to save the data files, especially on my E: drive?
## Are there levels of invasiveness I should work through in attempting
a fix?
## What is the best way to go about this?

I do have a WinME OEM CD-ROM. I also see the BASE2.CAB cabinet under
C:Windows/Options. And I once heard that Compaq supposedly stashed
some restoration functionality under D:SYSTEM_SAV.

Thanks for any advice, perspective or warnings.

Brian


  #4  
Old January 28th 06, 09:44 PM posted to microsoft.public.windowsme.general,microsoft.public.windowsme.setup
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default WinME Reinstall: Seek Advice on advisability doing this

Sorry to have to bring reality into this, but Koldbear has been 'elsewhere'
for two years - If you wish to contact him, please see your local medium


A reinstall of ME over-the-top will do absolutely nothing for system
stability, and is likely to mean that you will be unable to access the
Internet.

I cannot (until tomorrow, at least) answer your questions in respect of the
'clean' reinstall - but please hold fire until I come back, as I see some
things that do need to be answered (perhaps in a new web page? - but
certainly before you attempt this procedure!)

To quote a well-known actor....." I'll be baaaack!"
Until then, please do nothing of any significance!

--
Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2006, Windows)

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
http://www.crashfixpc.com/millsrpch.htm

http://tinyurl.com/6oztj

Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's
"BrianZ" wrote in message
ups.com...
I am hoping Noel Paton, Koldbear or someone much more savvy that me can
provide some common sense and tech advice to prevant me from melting
down my old Compaq Presario 5000 desktop.

Backstory: My WinME operating system, as currently configured, is
continually melting into increasingly frustrating states of disrepair.
System Restore hasn't functions in forever; The sound system only works
if I delete the sound device and reboot the machine; I habitually boot
the machine to discover ScanDisk running, no mouse function and the
SafeMode display limited to 16 colors and 640x480 resolution. (I am
currently in this safemode state and can't figure out how to fight my
way out. If I do a normal bootup I have no mouse function.)

If you search this group for WinME posted by beezer000@gmail or
bdz000@hotmail, you'll see the whole woeful story.

I am wondering if a reinstall of WinME over the current WinME OS will
clean up the conflicts and errors in the registry or wherever that have
me teetering on the edge of extinction.

If necessary, I am willing to reinstall all of my applications and
updates, and the drivers for the firewire, usb and dsl ethernet cards
I installed.

What I want to maintain are the data files (be they MSExcel/word, jpg,
MP3, etc) on the internal harddrives.. These files are saved under 4
User names on 2 internal hard drives.

I have also read that reinstalling can make the data on the slave hard
drive inaccessable, and would hope to prevent this phenomenon. (The
primary drive is subdivided into C:LOCAL and D:SYSTEM_SAV. The slave
is E:HardDrive2. C:uses 23/27GB, D:uses 2.5/3GB, E:uses 47/80GB.)

I understand that IE6 (and OE6?) needs to be removed before doing such
a reinstall.

I see there have been several discussions of reinstall in the Group.
However, I cannot put together a clear picture of how to move forward
from these postings (each has its own tweaks), so I am throwing myself
on the mercy of the Group.

My questions (finally) a
## Does this make sense as a strategy for reaming out the gremlins in
my system?
## Is it possible to save the data files, especially on my E: drive?
## Are there levels of invasiveness I should work through in attempting
a fix?
## What is the best way to go about this?

I do have a WinME OEM CD-ROM. I also see the BASE2.CAB cabinet under
C:Windows/Options. And I once heard that Compaq supposedly stashed
some restoration functionality under D:SYSTEM_SAV.

Thanks for any advice, perspective or warnings.

Brian




  #5  
Old January 28th 06, 09:55 PM posted to microsoft.public.windowsme.general,microsoft.public.windowsme.setup
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default WinME Reinstall: Seek Advice on advisability doing this


"Noel Paton" wrote in message
...
Sorry to have to bring reality into this, but Koldbear has been

'elsewhere'
for two years - If you wish to contact him, please see your local

medium


A reinstall of ME over-the-top will do absolutely nothing for system
stability, and is likely to mean that you will be unable to access the
Internet.

I cannot (until tomorrow, at least) answer your questions in respect of

the
'clean' reinstall - but please hold fire until I come back, as I see some
things that do need to be answered (perhaps in a new web page? - but
certainly before you attempt this procedure!)

To quote a well-known actor....." I'll be baaaack!"


'Governor' Schwarzenegger, perhaps?

Until then, please do nothing of any significance!

--
Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2006, Windows)

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
http://www.crashfixpc.com/millsrpch.htm

http://tinyurl.com/6oztj

Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's
"BrianZ" wrote in message
ups.com...
I am hoping Noel Paton, Koldbear or someone much more savvy that me can
provide some common sense and tech advice to prevant me from melting
down my old Compaq Presario 5000 desktop.

Backstory: My WinME operating system, as currently configured, is
continually melting into increasingly frustrating states of disrepair.
System Restore hasn't functions in forever; The sound system only works
if I delete the sound device and reboot the machine; I habitually boot
the machine to discover ScanDisk running, no mouse function and the
SafeMode display limited to 16 colors and 640x480 resolution. (I am
currently in this safemode state and can't figure out how to fight my
way out. If I do a normal bootup I have no mouse function.)

If you search this group for WinME posted by beezer000@gmail or
bdz000@hotmail, you'll see the whole woeful story.

I am wondering if a reinstall of WinME over the current WinME OS will
clean up the conflicts and errors in the registry or wherever that have
me teetering on the edge of extinction.

If necessary, I am willing to reinstall all of my applications and
updates, and the drivers for the firewire, usb and dsl ethernet cards
I installed.

What I want to maintain are the data files (be they MSExcel/word, jpg,
MP3, etc) on the internal harddrives.. These files are saved under 4
User names on 2 internal hard drives.

I have also read that reinstalling can make the data on the slave hard
drive inaccessable, and would hope to prevent this phenomenon. (The
primary drive is subdivided into C:LOCAL and D:SYSTEM_SAV. The slave
is E:HardDrive2. C:uses 23/27GB, D:uses 2.5/3GB, E:uses 47/80GB.)

I understand that IE6 (and OE6?) needs to be removed before doing such
a reinstall.

I see there have been several discussions of reinstall in the Group.
However, I cannot put together a clear picture of how to move forward
from these postings (each has its own tweaks), so I am throwing myself
on the mercy of the Group.

My questions (finally) a
## Does this make sense as a strategy for reaming out the gremlins in
my system?
## Is it possible to save the data files, especially on my E: drive?
## Are there levels of invasiveness I should work through in attempting
a fix?
## What is the best way to go about this?

I do have a WinME OEM CD-ROM. I also see the BASE2.CAB cabinet under
C:Windows/Options. And I once heard that Compaq supposedly stashed
some restoration functionality under D:SYSTEM_SAV.

Thanks for any advice, perspective or warnings.

Brian






  #6  
Old January 28th 06, 10:02 PM posted to microsoft.public.windowsme.general,microsoft.public.windowsme.setup
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default WinME Reinstall: Seek Advice on advisability doing this

Noel Paton wrote:
Sorry to have to bring reality into this, but Koldbear has been
'elsewhere' for two years - If you wish to contact him, please see
your local medium


vbg I suspect he'd have found that amusing too. So quote Noel Paton,
Koldbear or someone much more savvy that (sic) me /quote - I guess we can
agree that KB is *not*, indeed, savvy-er than anyone these days. It's a
harsh judgement on you though, Noel.

Shane


  #7  
Old January 28th 06, 10:05 PM posted to microsoft.public.windowsme.general,microsoft.public.windowsme.setup
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default WinME Reinstall: Seek Advice on advisability doing this

To quote a well-known actor....." I'll be baaaack!"

'Governor' Schwarzenegger, perhaps?


Well, it's more credible than 'actor', wouldn't you say Harry?

Shane


  #8  
Old January 28th 06, 10:05 PM posted to microsoft.public.windowsme.general,microsoft.public.windowsme.setup
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default WinME Reinstall: Seek Advice on advisability doing this

I am standing by. There is clearly a lot going on here about which I
know less than nothing. I would move data onto a flash drive and over
to a different machine, if I could get SafeMode to "see" the flashdrive
(Device Manager sees a usb wheelmouse plugged into one, but not the usb
mass storage device plugged into the other front usb port.)

Sorry to learn of Koldbear. I just today encountered his posts; but he
seemed to have a good grip of these issues back in 2002.

  #9  
Old January 28th 06, 10:19 PM posted to microsoft.public.windowsme.general,microsoft.public.windowsme.setup
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default WinME Reinstall: Seek Advice on advisability doing this

More details, which may or may nothelp:

I ran msconfig in safe mode:
Under the check Selective Start:
Process system.ini file = checked
Process win.ini file = checked
Load static VxDs = checked
Load environment variables = checked
Load startup group items = gray check

System.ini tab+
top item is checked and shows only the letter "I"
then there are many blank lines, followed by numerous Password List
folders, boot folders and 386Enh folders, all of which are checked

Win.ini items are all checked
VxD items are all checked
Environment items are all checked
Startup items are partially checked, according to the scheme I have
established for this computer. However, as the end are 2 items I do
not recognize:
POWERR~2.EXE is checked
POWERR~1.EXE is not checked.

Don't know if this helps, but perhaps it doesn't hurt.

Brian

  #10  
Old January 28th 06, 10:29 PM posted to microsoft.public.windowsme.general,microsoft.public.windowsme.setup
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default WinME Reinstall: Seek Advice on advisability doing this

Brian:

For "knowing less than nothing" you are doing quite well.
I'm sure your supplied info will be very helpful.

Harry.


"BrianZ" wrote in message
oups.com...
More details, which may or may nothelp:

I ran msconfig in safe mode:
Under the check Selective Start:
Process system.ini file = checked
Process win.ini file = checked
Load static VxDs = checked
Load environment variables = checked
Load startup group items = gray check

System.ini tab+
top item is checked and shows only the letter "I"
then there are many blank lines, followed by numerous Password List
folders, boot folders and 386Enh folders, all of which are checked

Win.ini items are all checked
VxD items are all checked
Environment items are all checked
Startup items are partially checked, according to the scheme I have
established for this computer. However, as the end are 2 items I do
not recognize:
POWERR~2.EXE is checked
POWERR~1.EXE is not checked.

Don't know if this helps, but perhaps it doesn't hurt.

Brian



 




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