Windows ME Instability

I have a Dell Pentium III with 128 meg of RAM that is running ME and is
unstable. It freezes frequently, won't run defrag, wont' install new Windows
updates, freezes on System Restore, etc. I bought an upgrade to XP, and it
freezes on that also. When I run the system check in XP, it says that there
are a whole bunch of incompatible hardware and software, some of which dont'
make sense since they are new applications (digital camera, HP printer, HP
scanner, etc.)

I'm trying to avoid having to reformat the hard disk, and do a new install
on XP, but I'm running out of ideas.

wahoos74 wrote:
I have a Dell Pentium III with 128 meg of RAM that is running ME and is
unstable. It freezes frequently, won't run defrag, wont' install new Windows
updates, freezes on System Restore, etc. I bought an upgrade to XP, and it
freezes on that also. When I run the system check in XP, it says that there
are a whole bunch of incompatible hardware and software, some of which dont'
make sense since they are new applications (digital camera, HP printer, HP
scanner, etc.)

I'm trying to avoid having to reformat the hard disk, and do a new install
on XP, but I'm running out of ideas.

If you're upgrading to XP then my advice is to back up your personal
files, reformat the hard disk and do a clean install then restore your
personal files.

Sorry, can't speak for your XP "systems check" (upgrade advisor?).



Rick

If you're having problems with both WindowsME and WindowsXP, then it's
almost surely not a "Windows ME Instability" problem, it's most likely a
hardware problem within the computer.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User]
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* My website, such as it is ... http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"wahoos74" wrote in message
...
I have a Dell Pentium III with 128 meg of RAM that is running ME and is
unstable. It freezes frequently, won't run defrag, wont' install new
Windows
updates, freezes on System Restore, etc. I bought an upgrade to XP, and
it
freezes on that also. When I run the system check in XP, it says that
there
are a whole bunch of incompatible hardware and software, some of which
dont'
make sense since they are new applications (digital camera, HP printer, HP
scanner, etc.)

I'm trying to avoid having to reformat the hard disk, and do a new install
on XP, but I'm running out of ideas.

I concur with Richard, and note that while you stated you bought the XP
upgrade, it is unclear (at least, to me!) whether you actually "in-place"
upgraded WinME to XP.
If you have, I recommend removing every PCI card and attached peripheral,
excepting the mouse, keyboard, and video. Then reboot and examine the
"system instability". If all seems well, begin replacing each card and
peripheral, one at a time, testing each for compatibility. One or more may
be physically damaged. Obtain any updated XP drivers for the devices.

You are well advised, IMO, to add at least another 128 MB of memory to allow
WinME perform better, by not accessing the swap file often.
Since 256 MB costs just ca. $US 25.00 right now, I recommend adding that
amount for a total of 384 MB of installed memory.
--
Jack E. Martinelli 2002-05 MS MVP for Shell/User / DTS
Help us help you: http://www.dts-L.org/goodpost.htm
In Memorium: Alex Nichol
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/e...ts/nichol.mspx
Your cooperation is very appreciated.
------
"Richard G. Harper" wrote in message
...
If you're having problems with both WindowsME and WindowsXP, then it's
almost surely not a "Windows ME Instability" problem, it's most likely a
hardware problem within the computer.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User]
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* My website, such as it is ... http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"wahoos74" wrote in message
...
I have a Dell Pentium III with 128 meg of RAM that is running ME and is
unstable. It freezes frequently, won't run defrag, wont' install new
Windows updates, freezes on System Restore, etc. I bought an upgrade
to XP, and it freezes on that also. When I run the system check in XP,
it says that there are a whole bunch of incompatible hardware and
software, some of which don't make sense since they are new
applications
(digital camera, HP printer, HP scanner, etc.)

I'm trying to avoid having to reformat the hard disk, and do a new
install
on XP, but I'm running out of ideas.