Windows ME - HELP!!!

[jacroberts]

Ok, my boyfriend tried re installing everything on his ancient computer, and didn't notice a big hole in the CD. This meant the process only got to 15%. We don't have access to the same complete CD.

How am I supposed to try and finish this? Obviously I can't get into DOS.

Any ideas?!

[Ob1]

purchase a new OS preferrably something besides 98Me. recommend 2000, or 98 since u stated it was an ancient machine, probably wont run xp very well.

otherwise you could try calling microsoft to see if they will replace your cd if you purchased a legitmate copy.

[GaryRouth]

It's certainly true that Microsoft will replace a damaged CD for a small fee.

Did the Windows Me CD in question come with the computer when it was first purchased? And if so, is it a full-version Windows Me installation CD, or is it a "Recovery Disk"?

If the Windows Me disk is a full version disk, and you wish to stick with Windows Me, it might be easiest to call for a replacement. If the disk was bought retail, contact Microsoft directly. If the disk was provided from a major OEM (like Gateway, IBM, Dell, etc.), contact that company first.

If the disk is a "Recovery Disk" - you'd contact the system builder directly.

If there is an undamaged "Recovery Disk" separate from the Windows Me installation CD, and if that "Recovery Disk" has an image of the operating system on it, then that is still an option = though all data (all programs, all settings, all information, all documents -everything) added since the computer was first bought is often erased. [Some Recovery Disks will offer partial reinstalls: but not all. Many do a complete repartition, reformat, reinstall of a factory original disk image.]

If your friend has a copy of his Windows Me product key, and knows another friend with a Windows Me disk - he can legally borrow his friends WinME installation disk (assuming it's a full-version installation disk, and NOT a "Recovery CD") to repair his computer - as long as he uses his original product key. One license per computer, as always. This would be the easiest, since it would let him attempt the same repair he was trying earlier - only now he'd have a good disk.

_________________
A further possibility that's worth looking into:

If your friend didn't reformat before trying the reinstall, and most of the original files are still in place on the hard drive, you can boot the computer with a WinMe bootdisk (floppy diskette) from http://www.bootdisk.com - and take a look in DOS to see whether a copy of the Windows Me installation .cab files were copied onto the hard disk in the subfolder = C:\Windows\Options\Cabs. If so, an "over-the-top" reinstall can be run from those .cab files, right from the hard drive. For extra details, see http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=70846

Best of luck - post again if you have questions
. . . Gary