What do I need to do before...

[Uone]

...installing Win ME? 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?

 

[btvillarin]

I think this should be moved to the Windows 9x/ME forum. But seriously, perhaps you should post the problems you've been having (if you haven't already). If you spent your money on Windows XP, you shouldn't have to go back to Windows ME, especially if WinXP is far superior.

If you don't want to take the trouble, what you'll need to do is format the Windows XP partition. If it's in NTFS, you'll need a 3rd-party program, like Partition Magic. If it's in FAT32, then you can boot with a Windows 98 boot disk to format it.

<A HREF="http://fdisk.radified.com/" target="_new">Radified FDISK Guide</A>
<A HREF="http://www.mirrors.org/archived_software/www.bootdisk.com/original.htm" target="_new">Boot Disks</A>
<A HREF="http://www.ranish.com/part/" target="_new">Ranish Partition Manager</A> - I haven't used this, but it's free compared to Powerquest's Partition Magic

I hope you reconsider and post your current problems with Windows XP, though...

Bryan

<A HREF="http://www.btvillarin.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=329" target="_new"><b>My System Rig</b></A> (courtesy of <A HREF="http://www.btvillarin.com" target="_new">btvillarin.com</A>)

 

[jihiggs]

for the sake of all things holy, do not install windows ME, every time some one installs winme some where an angel gets its wings ripped off.

how do you shoot the devil in the back? what happens if you miss? -verbal

 

[Slava]

Your system is not perfect for XP (for one you need more RAM) but it is adequate. The problems you are having are not exactly XP related. Update your motherboard and other drivers, run XP updates, read up on XP tweaks and how to get rid of unnecessary services which do nothing but consume your limited system resources... and stick with XP. There is no going back to 98/ME. This would be like deciding that a new BMW sux and you prefer a 15-year old Dodge...

 

[btvillarin]

This person <i>does not</i> <b>need</b> more memory. 128MB is the minimum requirements for Windows XP to run, and 256MB is a comfortable amount for a casual user. For the last couple of computers I've built, they've been running perfectly fine with that much.

If you did an upgrade install over Windows ME, then perhaps I'd suggest a clean install...which means a format of the partition. After that's thru, install the drivers (motherboard, NIC, sound, and graphics - in that order). Then, use <A HREF="http://www.blkviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm" target="_new">this page</A> to see which services you can turn off. I'm not sure of the driver workings for Intel, so I guess you'll have to wait for someone who knows about that...I guess... :lol:

Bryan

<A HREF="http://www.btvillarin.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=329" target="_new"><b>My System Rig</b></A> (courtesy of <A HREF="http://www.btvillarin.com" target="_new">btvillarin.com</A>)

 

[Slava]

Heh, my mistake. His video card has 128 MB. I thought it was his system that had 128 MB RAM. The above is correct: Though the more RAM one has the happier XP gets, 256 MB of RAM is sufficient.

 

[btvillarin]

That's right boy! Recognize! (I'm kidding...kidding!!!) :lol:

Bryan

<A HREF="http://www.btvillarin.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=329" target="_new"><b>My System Rig</b></A> (courtesy of <A HREF="http://www.btvillarin.com" target="_new">btvillarin.com</A>)

 

[tastim]

First thing you do is get a hammer and a chisel.

Place the Windows ME disc on concrete.
Place the chisel over the disc.
Place the hammer over the chisel.
Strike the chisel with all your might, over and over and over until there is no Windows ME disk left.

Seriously though... you are asking for trouble by installing ME stand-alone... you are asking for 50 times the troubles by installing it over another version of Windows.

If you have given up on XP/2000, and feel you must put something else on, use Windows 98 SE with all the security patches.

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by tastim on 11/04/02 09:25 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[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?

 

[CALV]

you SURE you dont have the i386 somwhere? maybe its been renamed or something, it has to be three, what if you make a major change and needs files from there? I cant remember exactly but if you look in the reg you will find the path to the location, I'll have a look after if I get a chance



If they squeeze olives to get olive oil, how do they get baby oil?

 

[Slava]

If you are getting a new hard drive there are really no special steps to take. Partition/format the drive, install XP from scratch. Installation is automated - there is nothing for you to do.

After installation see if any drivers need to be installed for your motherboard.

Next, before you update video and other device drivers go to Windows update, get all critical and XP updates including IE 6 and SP-1. One of the updates is called WinXP compatibility update. You may need that to update the device drivers without problems.

After this go to Intel.com and get Intel Application Accelerator (trust me, get it).

Next, update all device drivers beginning with Video.

That's it.

 

[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!

 

[Slava]

You said in a previous message that your HDD came with XP Home preinstalled but without the CD? Okay, I don't know where you got your PC but I would call those people and ask them to mail me a Win XP Home CD. There is absolutely no need for you to pay for the OS twice. The retail version of OS may contain some of the available updates, but this is not a good reason to buy it. You can install the earlier version and download all updates, they are free, you know?

Finally, your PC specs are not stellar, but there is really no good reason to upgrade to P4 2800 + 1GB of RAM and a $500 video card ) unless you are planning to do some heavy video capturing/editing or similar stuff. For most purposes your PC has at least another year of useful life in it.

So, dude, just get a better Hard Drive, install XP and get on with your life )

Best of luck....

 

[DaveP]

Maybe you got a recovery cd instead of the xp cd. That'll install the o/s on any hard drive. Just like brand new.

Old age is a hoax.. Turns out to only be a severe back problem.