What do I need to know before installing Win ME?

[Uone]

I currently have Win XP Home (SP1) installed, but am currently encountering some problems booting up, etc., and since I only play games on this rig and it's mainly composed of low to mid-range components, I'm looking to install Win ME over it. Before I do anything, what steps do I need to take to insure a clean install of Win ME? Here are the main components that make up the comp:

Intel D815EEA2 (Universal)
PIII 1.2 (Tualatin)
256 MB (PC-133)
ATi Radeon 8500LE 128MB
Seagate 40GB (5400, 8.9)
Hi-Val 52x
Lucent WinModem

I understand that after installing the OS, I will need to install Intel's INF drivers before anything else. After the INF's, what should I install next?

 

[HalfCrazy]

First thing don't install WinME over WinXP. All ways do a fresh install of windows when changing the OS or when needed due to error's you can't fix. I don't see why you really want to install ME on it. XP can be very stable if you install the newest hardware drivers and ect. Kinda sounds like you where running into hardware conflict's. When you was running XP did you get all the updates for the OS? Turning off the bell's & whistles will help in the performance in XP.

As for the Intel INF driver, I never done it when I was running my P3-500mhz system. The system ran great befor the processor went up in smoke. lol

 

[TonyRic]

Ummmmmm, that Microsoft has announced that it is sending ME into End of Life at the end of the year. This typically means no more updates for the OS other than potentially security updates.

 

[HalfCrazy]

MS is trying to force people in making the move to XP. That's why they are going to stop supporting the older OS'es.

 

[igiveup]

If I was Microsoft and I had to support ME I would try to get people off of it as soon as possible also. I can't believe they released that monster anyways.

If it was me I would clean install XP 500 times or so before I gave up and went to ME. I don't hate myself enough to play with that thing any more.

 

[Toxic]

Fix what you need to fix in XP. Avoid ME at all costs.

Like igiveup, I can't believe they unleashed it either. Something created in the bowels of MS.

(Actually, I wish they would have made it their primary OS. That would have forced more folks to Linux,
which would have meant more support in the commercial software industry )

 

[gil11542]

Win ME=BAD 'nough said

 

[Macro2]

RE:"What do I need to know before installing Win ME?"

That you are probably making a very big mistake.

 

[Uone]

Alright fellas...you guys convinced me, so I shall stick with Win XP Home. I don't have the CD, my version came installed in a partition of the HD, and on top of that, I don't have i386 on the HD, so I will have to buy a new copy. I will most likely also buy a new HD since my current one is a little behind the times. Anyhow, with a new HD and a OEM version of XP Home, what steps do I need to take before/while/after installing?

 

[Commish]

It's not really that bad, it's not great though. I have a second system running for my three year old twins with ME on it. They have yet to bring it down, although they only play Bob the builder and some stupid Winnie the Pooh game. It still hasn't had any problems after four months.

Either way, you really should consider XP, it's a rock solid OS.

 

[Wasert]

I agree, avoid Win ME.

If you still have problems with XP, install Win 98. It's so much better than Win Me.

 

[AnarchyInTheUS]

I rather have my nuts caught in a blender and then have the endtrails hit with a baseball bat before I would use WinME. For the love of god, NO. Save yourself some trouble, I'd say got 2000Pro or XP

 

[Insidious]

Still laughing..............

 

[Uone]

Thanks for the advice and help everyone. I've decided to sell off the main components of the comp instead of shelling out more cash for a HD/OS. What I'm gonna do is wait a few for prices on newer/cheaper components to go down and invest in them. I will of course, use Win XP so don't worry. Again, thanks for all the info!

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Gee, I'm late! The thing I was going to say is: "You need to know how to evaluate and pick operating systems!".

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

I don't have the CD, my version came installed in a partition of the HD,

Was this install a clean install? Meaning was it installed on YOUR machine on another partition or was it installed on someone elses' machine then the HDD transfered to your machine? If the latter is true, then no wonder you are having problems..XP really don't like that.. You really don't need to sell off a bunch of stuff..Just get your own copy of XP, install clean, be happy. I have run XP succesfully on slower machines than what you have..

What I'm gonna do is wait a few for prices on newer/cheaper components to go down and invest in them.

Then you are going to wait for the next thing after that and so-on and so-on and so-on..Get XP now, use your machine while saving money and then blow the big wad when the time is right..No sense having your machine down while you wait.

 

[igiveup]

One MAJOR thing to think about is that for the next two months or so the prices of hardware are going to RISE because of Christmas season and the demand going up. If you can wait for a while then January holds promise for you with the demand dropping out of the PC business in January. If you are like me or most other techies out there then two months or more without a PC is absolutely nuts.

In the end its your call..

 

[igiveup]

BTW, what are the bootup issues you are having? Any stop error messages or anything?

Lets try and fix the problem.