Ok, I am doing a clean install of Windows ME and it keeps freezing

[Wickerman]

the first time it got up to 83% of files copied and froze. Now it craps out at 12%

I really hate this. I need to install Windows ME so I can install my upgrade copy of XP. Arrrrgh!!!

I wiped the hard drive after a few abortive attempts earlier. Colour me frustrated.

[Don_G]

1. I Don't Think You Have To

Try installing XP as a clean install. It will look for the earlier version of the OS, fail to find it and ask you to put the old OS CD in to verify its legal to upgrade.

That was my experience when I upgraded to XP.

[wtmusic]

2. Yep, trash ME

It can only hurt you

[Don_G]

3. I Don't Know Why They Ever Released ME

More money for Micro$haft I suppose.

[wtmusic]

4. The same reason a dog licks himself n/t

[lil-petunia]

5. well, the answer is simple

That is because you got the most lame-brained, bug-ridden, evil, conspiracy mascarading as an operating system ever devised by man.

Here's who you solve it. Grab your OS CDs, insert disc one into the CD-Rom tray. Unplug the machine. Wait a good minute for the capacitors to discharge. take a small screwdriver and take off the screws from the back and the bottom. remove the cover. Now, disconnect the screen, mouse and any peripherals like printers, etc. The next steps are highly technical, so read through them a few times to be sure of your steps before attempting.

See the brownish yellow wide, thin strip heading to the hard drive? That provides info to and from teh drive, as well as power. Unplug that wide strip from the hard drive. Now, see the memory sticks and boards, there should be some empty slots there. Take your screwdriver and remove each board from its slot. Place each one on something like clean cardboard or if you have it, a non-static pad. Set these aside safely. If you have added an extra DVD or internal peripheral, like a CD burner, unplug it, remove and save all screws, and set that device aside as well.

Now, grab some lighter fluid. Cover the entire bottom of the machine with the fluid. Take this outside and set it on a sidewalk. Add more fluid, making sure that the entire bottom is completely saturated. On top, place the container for all Microsoft CD software, carefully placing the OS ME on the very top. If you can stack it like a funeral pyre, all the better.

Carefully light the lighter fluid on the bottom of your computer.

Step back a good ten feet. When the flames have risen to eye level, take off your shoes and shirt (and if female, remove bra) and start dancing on one leg, yelling at the top of your lungs, "I AM FREE FREE FREE! OF M E M E M E! I AM FREE FREE FREE! OF M E M E M E." Kick your other leg from front to back wildly, in time with your chant. If you lose your balance, add more lighter fluid and start over.

Repeat the last chant until a) your voice gives out; b) you run out of lighter fluid; or c) your significant other calls the local KGB look alikes.

Then get a mac.

[Wickerman]

6. LOL

I was waiting for the inevitable "get a MAC" less than helpful statement, but this one one was at least fun to read. :hi:

[Dogmudgeon]

7. Win2k will also work

Haven't had a problem with it yet, and I've tinkered with the API (the mysterious Inner Workings) in the most brazen ways imaginable.

Macs are pricey. Linux is OK if you're a systems wonk. But Win2k you can even get as "pirate warez". If you have a paid copy of XP, don't sweat it if you upgrade from Win2k.

My brother fixes computers, and that's how he bypasses WinXP problems. Delete XP, load 2K, upgrade to the new XP.

Just a suggestion. Good luck.

--bkl

[Nlighten1]

8. It sounds like a problem with your memory.

If you have more than one memory chip in take one out and try it again. Switch the chips if it happens again.

[Deja Q]

9. Windows XP upg install will ask to have your ME CD put into the drive

The upgrade edition will ask for a physical CD rather than asking for a key or requiring a full install of ME. Was ME a pre-load on your system? There should still be a ME CD that came with it.

Now Win2k is leaner, but XP is more compatible w/games. Also, buy OEM for the operating system. Much cheaper...

[Wickerman]

10. Yeah, for some reason it stops

when I do that. Shuts down cold. My guess is I need to remove the SCSII card - I thought it found it but it seems to be bypassing it. I thin I will take that out and see...

[Devils Advocate NZ]

11. I have been using ME since it first came out...

and it is the BEST OS I have ever used - better then Linux, better than XP or 2000.

It installs far easier than anything else, and it is more stable than earlier WIndows (the 9x family) and less virus prone than XP.

What it sounds like to me is that you have a dirty CD or lens. Try cleaning them.

It could also be a HDD problem. Try running scandisk with the surface scan enabled (will take a long time) to see if you have any bad sectors.

[okieinpain]

13. that's interesting. I've tried to use me, and it has always let me

down. I've gone back to using 98se for those machines that can't run w2k

[lil-petunia]

14. Have you had your temps taken recently?

Or are the viruses under control?

This has to be the FIRSTEST post supporting ME that I ahve ever read. I guess the exception proves the truth. Maybe even Gates' products can work - by accident, no design.

[okieinpain]

12. how about win98, or 95.

[lil-petunia]

15. aH YES,

But those require a different dance with a separate chant.

For ex, the windoze 95 requires you to be butt nakid in the middle of your city's busiest intersection. Windows 98 suggests that the chant be done with your pj's wrapped around your head, while shaking two coconuts strategically placed on your chest, and while using a polyester tie properly tied with a double knot acting as a loin clothe. Try to find in the the 98 Blue SCreen of DEath shade, if at all possible.

Also, rather than lighter fluid for 95, you must use a sledge hammer.