ME CAB files

Hello

I have inherited a computer. It was one of a redundant batch of computers
given out to employees of a company that were changing to XP, and she gave
it to me. She said it had been wiped disked and there is a CD with it that
has "ME CAB files" written on it. She said it was company policy to wiped
disked the computers before they leave. The computer itself has the
Microsoft ME verification code on a sticker on the side of the case.

Explorer says there is 307MB on the CD. There is a folder called Windows.
Under this there is another folder called OPTIONS and then there is a folder
called Cabs. Inside the Cabs folder there 172MB of stuff. This includes
Setup.txt and lots of .CAB files along with other stuff.

The Setup.txt document tells me I can boot from my Win 98SE emergency disk
and run Setup.exe from the command line. I know how to change directory (CD)
and issue commands. However, there is no Setup.exe in the Cabs folder. The
only Setup.exe I can find is in "D:\Windows\OPTIONS\SBSI".

In the Setup.txt document is says "After you have access to your CD-ROM
drive, you can switch to the drive containing the Windows Me CD and type
SETUP. Setup should now continue." My questions are these:

Do I need to format the hard drive before I do anything because it has been
wiped disked?

Does 172MB seem to be enough to have ME in there?

Should I run the Setup.exe in the D:\WindowsOPTIONS\SBSI folder?

Sorry about asking so many questions, but I just don't know. This computer
might be redundant, but it is better than the one I am using. I hope I have
given enough information, and any help would be appreciated.

James

Do I need to format the hard drive before I do anything because it
has been wiped disked?

The disk needs to be formatted before you can install Win Me. You can
check whether this is the case by booting to DOS using a boot floppy and
determining whether a drive C:\ exists or not. You may also want to run
FDISK from the DOS prompt to determine how the disk is partitioned
remembering to click Y for large disk support when asked.

Does 172MB seem to be enough to have ME in there?

Yes, in fact this seems a trifle large, a on a Win Me CD the folder is
around 153MB plus a sub-folder so it may include a few hotfixes..

Should I run the Setup.exe in the D:\WindowsOPTIONS\SBSI folder?

Are you sure there is no file setup.exe in Windows\Options? Microsoft
Win Me CDs have no SBSI folder however this folder is sometimes included
by computer manufacturers and usually contains a program called Microsoft
Interactive Training. The setup.exe in the SBSI folder will be used to
install this application.
--
Mike Maltby
MS-MVP Windows [2001-2006]



James wrote:

Hello

I have inherited a computer. It was one of a redundant batch of
computers given out to employees of a company that were changing to
XP, and she gave it to me. She said it had been wiped disked and
there is a CD with it that has "ME CAB files" written on it. She said
it was company policy to wiped disked the computers before they
leave. The computer itself has the Microsoft ME verification code on
a sticker on the side of the case.

Explorer says there is 307MB on the CD. There is a folder called
Windows. Under this there is another folder called OPTIONS and then
there is a folder called Cabs. Inside the Cabs folder there 172MB of
stuff. This includes Setup.txt and lots of .CAB files along with
other stuff.

The Setup.txt document tells me I can boot from my Win 98SE emergency
disk and run Setup.exe from the command line. I know how to change
directory (CD) and issue commands. However, there is no Setup.exe in
the Cabs folder. The only Setup.exe I can find is in
"D:\Windows\OPTIONS\SBSI".

In the Setup.txt document is says "After you have access to your
CD-ROM drive, you can switch to the drive containing the Windows Me
CD and type SETUP. Setup should now continue." My questions are these:

Do I need to format the hard drive before I do anything because it
has been wiped disked?

Does 172MB seem to be enough to have ME in there?

Should I run the Setup.exe in the D:\WindowsOPTIONS\SBSI folder?

Sorry about asking so many questions, but I just don't know. This
computer might be redundant, but it is better than the one I am
using. I hope I have given enough information, and any help would be
appreciated.

James

Mike
there is an other file _Setup.exe in the
Cabs folder. By copying it as Setup.exe may
install the WinMe.

"Mike M" wrote in message
...
Do I need to format the hard drive before I do anything because it
has been wiped disked?

The disk needs to be formatted before you can install Win Me. You can
check whether this is the case by booting to DOS using a boot floppy and
determining whether a drive C:\ exists or not. You may also want to run
FDISK from the DOS prompt to determine how the disk is partitioned
remembering to click Y for large disk support when asked.

Does 172MB seem to be enough to have ME in there?

Yes, in fact this seems a trifle large, a on a Win Me CD the folder is
around 153MB plus a sub-folder so it may include a few hotfixes..

Should I run the Setup.exe in the D:\WindowsOPTIONS\SBSI folder?

Are you sure there is no file setup.exe in Windows\Options? Microsoft
Win Me CDs have no SBSI folder however this folder is sometimes included
by computer manufacturers and usually contains a program called Microsoft
Interactive Training. The setup.exe in the SBSI folder will be used to
install this application.
--
Mike Maltby
MS-MVP Windows [2001-2006]



James wrote:

Hello

I have inherited a computer. It was one of a redundant batch of
computers given out to employees of a company that were changing to
XP, and she gave it to me. She said it had been wiped disked and
there is a CD with it that has "ME CAB files" written on it. She said
it was company policy to wiped disked the computers before they
leave. The computer itself has the Microsoft ME verification code on
a sticker on the side of the case.

Explorer says there is 307MB on the CD. There is a folder called
Windows. Under this there is another folder called OPTIONS and then
there is a folder called Cabs. Inside the Cabs folder there 172MB of
stuff. This includes Setup.txt and lots of .CAB files along with
other stuff.

The Setup.txt document tells me I can boot from my Win 98SE emergency
disk and run Setup.exe from the command line. I know how to change
directory (CD) and issue commands. However, there is no Setup.exe in
the Cabs folder. The only Setup.exe I can find is in
"D:\Windows\OPTIONS\SBSI".

In the Setup.txt document is says "After you have access to your
CD-ROM drive, you can switch to the drive containing the Windows Me
CD and type SETUP. Setup should now continue." My questions are these:

Do I need to format the hard drive before I do anything because it
has been wiped disked?

Does 172MB seem to be enough to have ME in there?

Should I run the Setup.exe in the D:\WindowsOPTIONS\SBSI folder?

Sorry about asking so many questions, but I just don't know. This
computer might be redundant, but it is better than the one I am
using. I hope I have given enough information, and any help would be
appreciated.

James

Hello Mike

"Mike M" wrote in message
...
Do I need to format the hard drive before I do anything because it
has been wiped disked?

The disk needs to be formatted before you can install Win Me. You can
check whether this is the case by booting to DOS using a boot floppy and
determining whether a drive C:\ exists or not. You may also want to run
FDISK from the DOS prompt to determine how the disk is partitioned
remembering to click Y for large disk support when asked.

I will FDISK and format the drive. (I presume that FDISK allows me to devide
the drive into C: and D: - I will keep it just as C

Does 172MB seem to be enough to have ME in there?

Yes, in fact this seems a trifle large, a on a Win Me CD the folder is
around 153MB plus a sub-folder so it may include a few hotfixes..

I have held down the control key and highlighted all the files that are the
same date, namely 08-06-00 (English date presentation) and Explorer tells me
that it adds up to 153MB. Perhaps some other programs have been storing
files there when they were being installed on the computer.

Should I run the Setup.exe in the D:\WindowsOPTIONS\SBSI folder?

Are you sure there is no file setup.exe in Windows\Options?

Positive. I have selected the appropriate options in Explorer to view all
the files. I can clearly see my hidden and system files on my own computer.
I can see their equivilent on the CD, eg, IO.SYS.

Microsoft Win Me CDs have no SBSI folder however this folder is
sometimes included by computer manufacturers and usually contains
a program called Microsoft Interactive Training. The setup.exe in
the SBSI folder will be used to install this application.

Yes, there is a text file in there that pertains to training.

Perhaps this is too much to ask, you have been very helpful already. Would
it be possible for you to ZIP a copy of the Setup.exe file if it is the same
date, ie, 8th June 2000. My address will work if you remove the capital
letters. It would not be difficult for me to copy the contents of the CD to
my current computer, copy the Setup.exe file to the folder and then burn a
new CD. I have searched to see if it is possible to download this anywhere
and I have been unable to find it.

James
James wrote:

AAH wrote:

there is an other file _Setup.exe in the Cabs folder.

AAH,

Do we know that? Perhaps James can confirm.

A Microsoft Win Me CD has no _setup.exe file in the Win9x folder (the
contents of which is then copied to either windows\options\cabs or
windows\options\install when installed).

By copying it as Setup.exe may install the WinMe.

If James has such a file and it is dated 8 June 2000 and is 5,712 bytes or
thereabouts then your suggestion is worth trying. I'm not sure however
about the size since this file can vary between Microsoft and OEM media.
--
Mike

Explorer tells me that it adds up to 153MB. Perhaps some other
programs have been storing files there when they were being installed
on the computer.

James,

As I mentioned these files are likely to include hotfixes for Win Me that
were subsequently installed on the system before it was cleared down.
Keep them in the folder and they will automatically be installed when you
install Win Me. This will save you having to download them from the
Windows Update site although there are many others that you will still
need to download and install.

Best of luck,
--
Mike Maltby
MS-MVP Windows [2001-2006]



James wrote:

Hello Mike

"Mike M" wrote in message
...
Do I need to format the hard drive before I do anything because it
has been wiped disked?

The disk needs to be formatted before you can install Win Me. You
can check whether this is the case by booting to DOS using a boot
floppy and determining whether a drive C:\ exists or not. You may
also want to run FDISK from the DOS prompt to determine how the disk
is partitioned remembering to click Y for large disk support when
asked.

I will FDISK and format the drive. (I presume that FDISK allows me to
devide the drive into C: and D: - I will keep it just as C

Does 172MB seem to be enough to have ME in there?

Yes, in fact this seems a trifle large, a on a Win Me CD the folder
is around 153MB plus a sub-folder so it may include a few hotfixes..

I have held down the control key and highlighted all the files that
are the same date, namely 08-06-00 (English date presentation) and
Explorer tells me that it adds up to 153MB. Perhaps some other
programs have been storing files there when they were being installed
on the computer.

Should I run the Setup.exe in the D:\WindowsOPTIONS\SBSI folder?

Are you sure there is no file setup.exe in Windows\Options?

Positive. I have selected the appropriate options in Explorer to view
all the files. I can clearly see my hidden and system files on my own
computer. I can see their equivilent on the CD, eg, IO.SYS.

Microsoft Win Me CDs have no SBSI folder however this folder is
sometimes included by computer manufacturers and usually contains
a program called Microsoft Interactive Training. The setup.exe in
the SBSI folder will be used to install this application.

Yes, there is a text file in there that pertains to training.

Perhaps this is too much to ask, you have been very helpful already.
Would it be possible for you to ZIP a copy of the Setup.exe file if
it is the same date, ie, 8th June 2000. My address will work if you
remove the capital letters. It would not be difficult for me to copy
the contents of the CD to my current computer, copy the Setup.exe
file to the folder and then burn a new CD. I have searched to see if
it is possible to download this anywhere and I have been unable to
find it.

James
James wrote:

Many thanks Mike

I never imagined I would get so far so quickly.

There are no files in the folder beginning with an underscore.

Someone else must have been reading this header and they also sent me the
file. Whoever you are, the file is exactly the same as the one Mike sent (I
tried to send a personal thankyou but it bounced).

Thank you all here. It is now late were I am. I will try this out tomorrow.

James

James wrote:

Many thanks Mike

I never imagined I would get so far so quickly.

There are no files in the folder beginning with an underscore.

Someone else must have been reading this header and they also sent me
the file. Whoever you are, the file is exactly the same as the one
Mike sent (I tried to send a personal thankyou but it bounced).

My email address was correct so the problem could be with the NTL mail
server. I'm receiving plenty of mail to that address at the moment (from
a couple of lists to which I belong) and no-one else is reporting bounces.

Thank you all here. It is now late were I am. I will try this out
tomorrow.

Given that we are both in the UK the time here is the same as your own.
:-)
--
Mike Maltby

Hello Mike

"Mike M" wrote in message
...
James wrote:

Someone else must have been reading this header and they also sent me
the file. Whoever you are, the file is exactly the same as the one
Mike sent (I tried to send a personal thankyou but it bounced).

My email address was correct so the problem could be with the NTL mail
server. I'm receiving plenty of mail to that address at the moment (from
a couple of lists to which I belong) and no-one else is reporting bounces.

I received your attachment okay. Rather than clutter your personal mailbox I
thanked you in the group. I was referring to someone else who also sent me
the file.

I am writing this message on my 98SE computer because I havn't had time yet
to incorporate my mail details into my second hand, reduntant, now
revitalised (brand spanking new and running like a dream) computer.

I had been having difficulty with FDISK. The bit below is what the anonymous
person sent me.
----------------------------------
Hi James. Here's that file in case Mike M doesn't have it. What you've
probably got there is a supervisor's duffer The network administrator in the
company has loaded some crap onto the machines and it has caused such a
balls up that it became cheaper just to scrap them. Follow Mike's
instructions (he's very good). If you can't get it to go then do this:

run FDISK and set up a tiny drive sized about 500MB.
Format the small drive.
run FDISK /MBR
run FDISK again as per Mike's instructions and set up a big drive.

If you get it working you will have a fine machine. Then you will have 2
options:

1) Use the ME machine as a home network server and run your old machine as a
client. ME is very good in this department.

2) Check if the RAM in your own machine is the same as the ME machine. If it
is then stick the RAM from the old machine into the ME machine, bring over
the hard disk as well and attach it as a slave.
----------------------------------

I was having difficulty and I did the 500MB drive thing. Running "FDISK
/MBR" didn't seem to do anything. Anyway, I then set up the partition as the
whole disk and everything worked fine.

ME set itself up (no intervention from me required). I then loaded my
broadband software and went to the manufacturer's site. I typed in the
serial number and a page appeared with every driver for the machine. I just
went through and installed the the whole lot (I did have to reboot a few
times). I then went to Microsoft Update Centre and updated everything.

My new ME machine can now see my USB bits and bobs without needing drivers.
I've got Media Player 10 instead of ver 9 (ver 9 is no good). I do have to
transfer my data and so on, but that will be for tomorrow.

I'm really happy how this turned out, but what the anonymous person said has
left me with 2 questions.

1) How do I know if the RAM in the two computers is compatible?

2) What are the relative merits of the 2 options proposed by the anonymouse
sender?

Any thoughts would be appreciated

James

James,

I'm pleased to read that all is now well although personally I think a
system drive of just 500MB is too small and means that you won't for
example have the benefit of Win Me's system restore. However not knowing
the size of your HD I will leave it to anon to provide you with help as
they appear to know more about your PC than you have posted here.

RAM compatibility. Start by checking the spec of each PC. Hopefully both
will be using SDRAM but it is possible that the older PC will only be
single sided and could even be P66 (its speed) with the newer PC more
likely to be P100 or perhaps P133. Single sided should work in the newer
PC but could cause problems, also any expansion rather depends on having
free slots on the newer PC. The speed of the RAM will drop to the lowest
speed component installed.
--
Mike Maltby



James wrote:

I received your attachment okay. Rather than clutter your personal
mailbox I thanked you in the group. I was referring to someone else
who also sent me the file.

I am writing this message on my 98SE computer because I havn't had
time yet to incorporate my mail details into my second hand,
reduntant, now revitalised (brand spanking new and running like a
dream) computer.

I had been having difficulty with FDISK. The bit below is what the
anonymous person sent me.
----------------------------------
Hi James. Here's that file in case Mike M doesn't have it. What you've
probably got there is a supervisor's duffer The network administrator
in the company has loaded some crap onto the machines and it has
caused such a balls up that it became cheaper just to scrap them.
Follow Mike's instructions (he's very good). If you can't get it to
go then do this:

run FDISK and set up a tiny drive sized about 500MB.
Format the small drive.
run FDISK /MBR
run FDISK again as per Mike's instructions and set up a big drive.

If you get it working you will have a fine machine. Then you will
have 2 options:

1) Use the ME machine as a home network server and run your old
machine as a client. ME is very good in this department.

2) Check if the RAM in your own machine is the same as the ME
machine. If it is then stick the RAM from the old machine into the ME
machine, bring over the hard disk as well and attach it as a slave.
----------------------------------

I was having difficulty and I did the 500MB drive thing. Running
"FDISK /MBR" didn't seem to do anything. Anyway, I then set up the
partition as the whole disk and everything worked fine.

ME set itself up (no intervention from me required). I then loaded my
broadband software and went to the manufacturer's site. I typed in the
serial number and a page appeared with every driver for the machine.
I just went through and installed the the whole lot (I did have to
reboot a few times). I then went to Microsoft Update Centre and
updated everything.

My new ME machine can now see my USB bits and bobs without needing
drivers. I've got Media Player 10 instead of ver 9 (ver 9 is no
good). I do have to transfer my data and so on, but that will be for
tomorrow.

I'm really happy how this turned out, but what the anonymous person
said has left me with 2 questions.

1) How do I know if the RAM in the two computers is compatible?

2) What are the relative merits of the 2 options proposed by the
anonymouse sender?

Any thoughts would be appreciated

James