Reformatted but all files and junks not deleted?

Question

hi everybody!   I have a challenge...   I've an old PC using Win ME which I've just reformatted but after the whole process all old files and software are still in the computer and none was deleted!?   I did the usual:   1. Reboot computer with the Dell Win ME CD in the CD drive. 2. Go through the whole steps of Win ME setup   But the step didn't prompt me to enter Windows Product Key?   Anyway, at the end of more than 30min, I restart my comp and everything is still the same, all junks, files and software still refuse to be deleted.   If this has been talked about, please kindly direct me to the info.   Thanks! SkyB.

ejn63 · Answer

You need to format the drive manually. The ME install will not do that for you. Boot with the ME boot floppy and type format c:

ejn63 · Answer

If you don't have the floppy that came with the system, you can download an image of one from www.bootdisk.com.

skyblue123 · Answer

>>>Boot with the ME boot floppy and type format c:   Thanks, so what I did was wrong...   By floppy you mean Win ME CD?   How to I arrive at type format C?   Thanks!

skyblue123 · Answer

This is kinda conplicated... why the need to download this bootdisk thingy?   Can't I reboot from CD by hitting the delete botton when DELL screen comes up> Go to Boot> Select Boot from CD?   Thanks.

ejn63 · Answer

I don't think you can format the drive if you boot from the CD - as I recalll, it drops you immediately into the setup program. The CD should have come with a floppy that will allow you to manually format the drive. Then boot the CD and do the installation.

Alternatively, if ME Is still working, format a boot floppy (format a: /s) and copy the format.com file from c:\windows\command to a:

Then reboot, format c:, and reboot from the CD and begin the installation.

ceri sheeran · Answer

Hi,

If ME is still working create the bootable floppy disk from

Control Panel

Add / Remove Programs

Windows Set up

There is a create start up disk option here.

Use this floppy disk

The file for a Windows ME system disk downloaded from http://www.bootdisk.com is simply run to create a bootable floppy disk.

hth

Ceri

ceri sheeran · Answer

Hi, With CD support. This will then allow you to insert the ME CD and install Windows ME. Ceri

skyblue123 · Answer

THANKS!   It's doing Scan Disk now...   Shall see it old junks still survive.

skyblue123 · Answer

To be clear...

After I enter - 2. Start comp with CD-ROM support

I put in the CD, but it doesn't read from the CD... instead, it display:

Perparing to start your computer.

This may take a few minutes. Please wait...

The diagnostic tools were successfully loaded to drive D.

MSCDEX Version 2.25

Drive E: = Driver MSCD001 unit 0

Your CD-ROM is drive E

To view help, type HELP and then press ENTER

A:\>

ceri sheeran · Answer

Hi, At the A:> prompt Type   E:   Followed by Enter or Return   Display should change to   E:>   Now type   SETUP   Followed by Enter or Return   Follow on screen wizard to install Windows ME>   Ceri

skyblue123 · Answer

Thanks, got the floppy done and next, I restart comp and it prompt:   1. Help 2. Start comp with CD-ROM support 3. Start computer without CD-ROM support 4. Minimum Boot   which do I choose?

skyblue123 · Answer

Thanks... I did and on screen, it says: Your CD-ROM is drive E   To view help, type HELP and then press ENTER A:\>   ...what do I do? thanks!

skyblue123 · Answer

It's completed scan disk and going into the same Windows ME Setup steps....     At least this round, they ask for a setup disk to be insert into A:> so I supposed I'm doing right now.

ceri sheeran · Answer

Hi,

Once ME is installed,

Install

Chipset drivers

AntiVirus program

The choice is yours but Norton is still amongst the best AVG is free

Firewall

Zone Alarm free is as goosd as they get

Spyware prevention and removal

Ad-Aware, Spywareblaster CWshredder Spybot

Then connect to Internet and get all the security and other updates from MS and everyone else for everything.

Ceri

skyblue123 · Answer

It's all done...   Everything, eg. MS Word, whatever software I have previously should be gone right?   It should be back to factory setting yes?   If so, then the sad news is everything is still the same... I still see all my old softwares on desktop...   Is my step wrong... ?     Message Edited by skyblue123 on 12-29-2004 12:50 PM

Windows General

Reformatted but all files and junks not deleted?

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