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Purdue80

8 Posts

9430

February 21st, 2007 01:00

How to re-install Windows ME

I need to know how to re-install Windows ME on a dimension 2100. The owner has Windows 2000 Professional on it but does not have the disks. They only  have the original software disks i.e. re-install ME, drivers, utilities , and othe software.
 
ONe of my questions is why won't this work on this machine? Is it because I"m trying to re-install and older operating system on a machine that has a newer operating system i.e  ME vs 2000 Professional?
 
When I re-installed it on other machines I was able to just put the operating system disk in and re-instal was very simple. Granted it was re-installing windows ME on the current system that was ME as well. For some reason, it doesn't work on this machine.
 
I know ME has no support and is vulnerable to security risks etc. However, it has a virus on the machine that I can't remove and I just want to know how to start over by wiping the hard drive clean and re-installing the original operating system ME.
 
Are there any step by step instructions?
Thanks,
 

PETER345

5.8K Posts

February 21st, 2007 01:00

I don't think Windows likes installing an older OS over a newer one. Why don't you wipe the old one first and then install ME?

Peter

jackshack

6.4K Posts

February 21st, 2007 03:00

One of the problems you're likely having is that Win 2K uses NTFS rather than FAT32.  Win Me and its utilities will not be able to use the existing partitioning.  You will need to try to use FDISK to delete the existing partitions, create a new one, and then format.  So far as step by step it is usually reasonably easy; boot the Win Me CD by making CD ROM first in the boot order, boot the CD, tell the setup you want a new installation, and it should lead you to a choice that includes FDISK.  Delete the existing Non DOS partition, create a FAT32 partition(s) of whatever size you want, format it, and start Windows setup.
 
Good luck!
 

Purdue80

8 Posts

February 22nd, 2007 02:00

HOw do you format a hard disk that has Windows 2000 Pro on it? I don't have the original cd for 2000 Pro. I have the disks that came with the pc (dimension 2100) i..e Windows ME, drivers, utilities, software etc.
 
I'm not able to remove some viruses on it, so I just want to start over.
 
Thanks,
Mike

jackshack

6.4K Posts

February 22nd, 2007 03:00

Didn't look at your other thread I see.  Always best to stick with one.  I put a link to the Dell interactive installation guide there.  The short version is that you must remove the existing partition, create a new partition, and format that.  With Win Me you will be working with FDISK which will give you the option to remove and create partitions.  When you create the partition you will likely be asked if you want to enable large disk support; answer yes as this sets it up for drives larger than 512 MB.  Also, remember to create a primary DOS partition and make it active.  When this is complete you will go to Win Me setup.  If you boot the Win Me CD the screens will lead you through some of this.  Just stay alert and think before making your selections.
 
Good luck!
 


Message Edited by JackShack on 02-22-2007 12:13 AM

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