Windows ME 

Yes, Windows ME can be fairly stable and usable, even if it is a handicapped operating system. Upgrade to the current ME for better stability, compatibility with new programs, and better fail safety. Make sure you have studied" Should One,  Up Grade to ME or Windows 2000 Operating Systems, or both " before continuing.   However, don't use the Windows 98, Windows 98, Second Edition or ME defragmenting program or Scan Disk. If you do use these programs you may jeopardize your hard disk drives. Use Norton Utilities 2001 instead of those programs to protect your hard drives.

When installing Windows 98, Windows 98, Second Edition or the current ME, use the following method:

1. First set aside three hours to complete the installation. Print out this page, and  have your CD with Windows ME on it, and one good floppy disk available.  Your system should have a minimum of 32 Mb of RAM, preferably 64 Mb, but 256 Mb or more of RAM is not too much, especially for games, or running multiple applications.  Check your drives prior to installation by running disk doctor or check disk, and skip running Scan Disk by using the /is switch at start, run. Be advised, Windows ME has a built-in CPU checking function that prevents you from installing it on computers with a CPU slower than 150 MHz. You can bypass this check at setup time by typing setup /nm at start, run. If you are experienced, enter BIOS and make sure PNP is turned on. When the upgrade is finished, turn PNP back OFF !

A. My favorite method of upgrading, reinstalling and/or fixing older windows versions is to make a folder "ME_install" on your C:\ partition. Then copy the entire contents of your Install directory (win9x, 194 Mb) from your Windows ME CD to this folder on your hard drive. If you have other partitions (Example, D: or E:) make the folder there. Better yet, create these other partitions using partition magic, and then make the installation folder. If you have the space, it's neat to leave this on the partition of your hard drive you selected forever. If you do this, whenever a system file is needed you don't have to find and insert the Operating System CD. You may start installing by double clicking setup in ME_install\win9x using Windows explorer,  booting with the floppy,  selecting command prompt, and typing "C:\ME_install\win9x\setup."
 

B. A more standard method of installation would be to insert the CD with Windows ME on it into the CD drive and wait a minute to see if you are prompted to upgrade. If you are not prompted to upgrade, then go to Start, Run and Browse to the CD with Windows ME on it. Double click Setup, select ok, and the Windows ME installation should start. Skip paragraph C below, and proceed with #2 below.

C. A clean, fresh install of Windows ME ( installed on a partition of your hard drive you select that has been unconditionally formatted using the /U switch ( see below ) is unequivocally the best in performance and stability and will far outlast any upgrade.  However, a fresh install requires re-installing all of your programs, configuring your dialup account, and other things. Before beginning the installation process, you should save all your work and internet related items such as e-mail addresses, bookmarks and old important mail that perhaps contains  registration numbers. Next, you should have available a Windows 98, 98SE or a Windows ME emergency startup floppy disk. Also, you'll need some information from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as: If using a telephone modem your primary and secondary DNS's, your e-mail address, ( stinky@sover.net) your Mail Server user name, (stinky) your outgoing Mail Server name, (mail.sover.net), your incoming Mail Server name (mail.sover.net) and your News Server name (news.sover.net). If you have forgotten any of this information, find another computer and go online to your ISP's web address, (  http://www.sover.net/  ) find the support section, and print the generic information. You will then have to call your ISP for your e-mail address, user name, and password. Only if you are experienced, enter BIOS and make sure PNP is turned on and reset configuration shows " yes " as being selected.

Then,  boot your computer with a Windows 98 or Windows ME emergency start up disk. Select CD-Rom support and wait a bit. Now its time for some old DOS typing. To do a fresh Install prepare your partition by performing a unconditional  format using the "U" switch.  Example: at the A: prompt type,  " format C: /u " (or instead of C: type the drive letter of the installation partition )  After formatting, just above the first A: prompt, look for a line that reads MSCDEX, and a Drive letter + a colon, which could be F: (it doesn’t have to be an F: it could be any other letter.) Type this "F:" at the prompt and press enter on the keyboard. Next type, "setup" at the F: prompt (with Windows ME in the CD drive) and press enter on the keyboard. You should see the Windows ME setup start.

2. Add serial # when prompted. Caps lock on, then off,  when finished.

3.   Be very agreeable when installing, relax; don't change the default settings and continue along without changing anything, unless you have  experience with installing operating systems. Never change the directory name (Windows) and only change the partition to Install to a drive letter other than  C: , if necessary. It should take about 40 minutes on modern machines to complete the installation process and see the desktop.

4. A window will come up allowing you to change the name of your computer, workgroup and description. A little later a password window will appear informing you "If you don't enter any password and select  OK, you won't be prompted for a password in the future."

5. After you get to the desktop, it’s time to Add-Remove Windows components. You still need the CD with Windows ME on it in the CD drive. Go to Start, Settings, Control Panel, Add-Remove Programs. On the 2nd page, at the top,  click Add-Remove Windows Components. Notice the boxes with check marks. I use the up/down arrows, and the spacebar, to check and un check boxes as desired. If a box has a check mark with a white background, all components are installed. If there is a check mark with a gray background, only some of the components are installed. To find out, click details.  I usually select all of Accessibility, Accessories, Address Book, Communications,  Games, Multimedia and System Tools. Don't select Desktop Themes unless you have 128 Mb or more RAM as they will  slow down the computer .  Usually de select all of Multilanguage Support, Online Services, ( unless you want AOL ver 5.0 ) Outlook Express (unless you use MS Mail) and Web TV for Windows. Now select apply, and wait a long time for completion. At any time you may return here later and make different choices. 

6.  Install Norton utilities 2001, selecting a custom install and  deselect all, except  Speed Disk, Sys Info and Disk Doctor. Then, using Norton Speed Disk, de fragment the partition Windows ME was installed on (usually the C drive) before installing other programs. There are many other dangerous programs in Norton Utilities that will hose everything ! 

7. Next,  configure Windows Explorer, our file manager Program. Launch the program, go up to View, and select Details. Then go to Tools, Folder Options, and select, Win Classic Desk and Win Classic Folders. Open each folder in its own window, and double click to open an item and select “apply." Next,  go to View, and here I want you to think. Display and Show all options, except hide one item (Protected Operating System Files) and select apply. Then go to the top,  select "Like current folder" and select apply.


8. Now in Control Panel, double click Power Options. I select Never to all, press apply, then click OK.    Also, when the upgrade or fresh install is finished and when re-booting , remember to enter BIOS and  turn PNP back OFF, if you previously turned it ON (see #1) !

9.  Windows ME  adds several new networking protocols, which usually don't allow our telephone modem on our local Internet Service Provider (ISP), Cable modem, DSL or Ethernet Card on a LAN (local area network) to function properly. Whether you did a fresh install, upgrade or repair, go to Control Panel, Network, Configuration Page, and remove all protocols ( everything ).   Then, click "Ok" and re-start the computer.  Usually, the best path to the internet lies with a slow telephone modem dialup to a local ISP or a very fast Cable TV company's Cable modem. Many  libraries, elementary schools and high schools can help you contact  local computer clubs that constantly know which local ISP's afford  the best throughput with no busy signals verses price, and which allow all the internet functions (firewall issues) without proprietary junk, or adds, blocking your view all the time. Here are some national ISP review sites.  <<<ZD Net (nationals)>>>.  For all internet connection methods, except AOL, click on "Connect to the Internet" on your desktop and follow instructions. If a DNS is required, click the advanced button and enter them on second page. If using AOL,  go to online services  on your desktop  and click on AOL.     Usually problems occur when more than these three protocols appear in control panel, networking, unless using AOL.

A. Client for Microsoft Networks                    B. Dial up Adaptor                              C. TCP / IP

  You may also not want your dial up connection to disconnect  without activity in 20 minutes. If so, go to configuration,  remove the checkmark  and select OK.

10. Now go to Start, Settings, Control Panel, Display, settings page, and set a high number of colors (more than 256 colors) and select a screen area for your monitor size. Select at least 800 X 600 for a 17-inch monitor.  Then, select apply. Next at Settings, Advanced, Monitor, select the highest refresh rate your monitor can handle ( there is a safe testing procedure). It should be at least 85 Hz, or higher, for less eyestrain. Then, select apply.  

11. A. Installation of your printer. Go to Control Panel, Printers, and click "add printer." The "add printer" wizard will appear on your screen. Click next. In most circumstances you will select local printer. You should know your printer manufacturer and model number. Remove the check mark from the box "automatically detect" and click next. If using an older, parallel port printer, proceed
with LPT1 or select your hookup type ( USB is newest ) and click next. On the left side of the screen highlight your manufacturer by clicking on the manufacturer name i.e. HP or Epson. On the right side of the screen select your model number i.e. HP DeskJet 550C or Epson stylus color ESC/P2 and click next. See the next paragraph, #11 B   if your model isn't available.  You may change the name or leave it alone. It's only for your convenience. As many people have many printers, you will usually select your most frequently used printer as your default printer and click next. Select printer sharing if you have a network of several printers in your house and want to print something on this printer from another computer elsewhere in your house. In this case, your share name might be Kitchen_HP 550C . If you computer is not on a network select "do not share this printer" and click next. Next you are prompted to print a test page. Select no and click next. Now finish the wizard ( you may have to insert your windows ME Operating System CD). Now return to Control Panel, Printers. Your new printer should show up with a little default checkmark, unless another printer will be your most frequently used. Now right mouse click it and select properties. On the general page at the bottom right, select "print test page." After you select "next" a test page will be printed. Look at all your default options on all the properties pages. Next, test the printer from Notepad. Notepad is located in Start, programs, accessories, notepad. Just type or paste in a short piece of text and click file, print. This will test the printer from the notepad application. Just after installing a new program which uses the printer or installing a printer, it's a good Idea to Shut Down and re-start the computer before using either to insure that everything is working properly. If your default printer works properly from the print test page option and Notepad, but doesn't print from some other application, the fault lies with the application, not the printer drivers.
 

B. Before you buy a new printer, and this applies to all new hardware, you should first make sure it will work in the NT or windows 2000 operating systems. If your printer will work in those two operating systems, it will certainly work in ME and all operating systems that exist now or will exist in the future. The most trouble free drivers are usually those built in the OS, or windows update, drivers ( available when you select the manufacturer and model number as described in paragraph A. above). Therefore, you should first install the built in drivers that came with the OS for your printer as described in paragraph A above. Once those drivers are installed and your printer is working properly, go online to the manufacturer of your printer and look at support, drivers for the latest driver for your new printer that works in the operating system you are installing. Yes, even if you first bought your fresh, new printer today, there are probably newer, better drivers for your OS ( operating system) posted at www.hp.com/ or www.epson.com/ to download and use. ( If you are going to download and use the newest drivers for a printer ( again true for all hardware) intended by the manufacturer for use with your OS, first dispose of the drivers that came with the printer! ) . More people blow an operating system permanently by trying to install drivers from a floppy disk or CD that came with new hardware if those drivers were intended by the manufacturer for use in a different OS. Especially for Windows ME, you should be at your manufacturer's web page looking for the latest Millennium ( ME ) drivers.

12. If you have both Windows 2000 and Windows ME installed on your computer, I recommend mostly playing games in ME or running some hardware not supported by Windows 2000. Never run MS Scandisk in ME, even if suggested. To insure Scandisk isn't run, don't use Microsoft's defrag program. Instead, use Norton Utilities 2001’s Speed Disk and Disk Doctor to defragment and repair your hard drives in ME. Also to make sure Scandisk doesn't start automatically after an abnormal shutdown, see  <<<here>>> .  I don't recommend installing other Norton Utility programs. If you don't have Norton, Boot Windows 2000 and run Check Disk if concerned about your hard drives! Go to properties of partition, tools and run error checking.

13. To edit your boot file ( msdos.sys ) study   <<<here>>>.

14. Running AOL in ME ?  Go <<<here>>>.  And for lots a'  workarounds, go  <<<here>>>.

15. Links to other good tip sites <<<here>>> ,  <<<here>>>  and   <<<here>>>.

16.  Windows ME doesn't include DOS.  If you still need DOS after installing ME,  <<<here>>>  it is.  

17. Notwithstanding the Virus menace, we are still safer removing MS Outlook Mail and using Netscape Communicator for all e-mail.  To remove MS Outlook, go to add-remove programs (see #5 above). To Download free Netscape Communicator and install and configure it, go  <<<<here>>>> .

18. As viruses usually arrive via  e-mail , I recommend installing Norton Antivirus 2002,  and checking the  option to scan incoming and outgoing e-mail,   enable auto-protect,   and skip registration. Next, click on Options and make sure there is a checkmark in scan ALL files, click OK.    Manually scan with the up-dated antivirus program  all partitions and drives weekly  and before making CD's.     Also, it's best to be careful and , (using the right mouse button) request a virus scan on  all new floppy disks, or home brewed CD's .  And REMEMBER when installing or removing ANY programs to, first DISABLE auto protect !!!  See this   <<<here>>>  about adding, removing programs. If you receive a lot of junk mail or SPAM and or  occasional large files you don't need  check out this neat, free program which easily checks your mail directly on your mail server and allows you to bounce them back, as no such address or delete them.  <<<here>>>

19. Whether upgrading from any previous Win 9X version or running a fresh install, you should run a program called "msconfig.exe" which is a part of System Tools. If it is unavailable, see add-remove programs. On the first general page click " create backup " first.  When you are done, if you think you made a mistake,  click " restore backup " to return to the previous configuration. Try  " selective startup " on general page, removing checkmarks in process autoexec.bat and config.sys. In most cases overall Windows stability will improve and DOS games will still run and run even better. Whether upgrading or doing a clean install, the startup page is more than important. Here you can try disabling  startups of many hidden, unnecessary programs. These hidden programs slow your computer down, unnecessarily running all the time. You can easily prevent these programs from running by removing or adding check marks.  Go  <<<here>>>  for a picture.  

20. To make shell changes. Download and install MS Tweak GUI  <<<here>>>  . It will show up as the last ICON in Control Panel. 

21. To test your Back up and restoring ability, using your ME emergency start up floppy disk and a  program called scanreg.exe  go <<<here>>>  .

20. Problems with your computer slowing down? Try using #19 above with the msconfig.exe program.  Go to the startup page, and remove a few checkmarks at a time,  re-booting  to identify which Program is slowing things down. You may be able to live without the offending program, or find there is a newer, improved version of the same program you can try. If this doesn't work, try reinstalling your ME Operating System by clicking on setup in ME_install\win9x folder. The only problem you may experience would be difficulty going online and this is easily fixed by implementing #9 above. 

 If, after re-installing all remains sick, before formatting ( after saving all your bookmarks, e-mail addresses  , and work ) and doing a fresh install,  try the registry cleaner at the bottom of the computer index page <<<here>>>.

09/18/2004 07:52 -0500