Why does my computer tell me (after loading only 6% of Me) that it cannot load Me? I can't uninstall 98se(have tried). I have even formatted the hard disk and started "clean". No luck. Am I doomed?

How are you installing ME?
ie; Boot from a ME floppy, or boot from the ME CD, something else?

What state is the machine in currently?
ie; Boots to DOS only, boots to a ME install screen/menu, just what does it do?

I am in 98se. I have formatted C:\ and fdisked. I tried to load Me over 98se with and without the floppy. I tried to do it both ways with a formatted C:\. my computer will copy the files from the cd...but when it is time to install them...I get a slowdown at 3% loading and a complete freeze at 8%. Then I remove the disk and I get a message that winme can't transfer(load) onto my computer. It originally had Me on it but it had a lot of missing files(I bought the 'puter used). I installed 98se but I really want the Me OS back. BTW....In my other thread...I got my graphics and sound fixed. The graphics problem was solved when I noticed the monitor was not plugged into it's normal port but into a card. Seems the former owner did a lot of alterations. It worked when I installed Rage drivers instead of Intel. Wonder why...lol

Between 98SE and ME, I would personally stick with 98SE. It's the most stable O/S MS ever had (IMHO). ME was the embryo leading to Win2000. It was a hybrid. Again, IMHO, either stay with FAT32 (98SE) or go to NTFS (Win 2000/XP).

The downside for 98SE is;

1. security, however, there are downloadable programs etc to help with this element.
2. todays programs/software designed for later O/S's (XP etc)

The upside is;

1. easier recovery
2. more (easier) control

ME:
If your machines hardware is known to be good (motherboard, CPU, RAM, Hard disk, optical drive(s), etc) backup ANYTHING you wish to save off of the machine.

Boot with your ME media (floppy/CD), then use fdisk to delete all partitions on the hard disk. If there are partitions that won't delete through fdisk, then use

DELPART
http://www.d-a-l.com/dan/delpart.zip

http://www.juliatexas.com/delpart/Delpart.exe

http://mesich.com/download/delpart.exe

This is an undocumented/little-known utility from Microsoft which will remove stubborn partitions from hard disks.

Once all partitions are removed from the hard disk, reboot/restart with your ME bootable media again, then attempt a fresh install with the blank hard disk. ME should walk through the creation/formatting of a fresh partition and procede with the install.

If it doesn't, then you have a media or hardware problem.

Post back with your results and any further questions.

Ok, Dan...Before I start the arduoud task of installing Me....Let me make sure I have this right. First...2 questions...Do I format C:\..?(When)? When I Fdisk...Do I want to access large disk support or not?
Now...I should start(somewhere) with a clean(formatted) hard drive....knock down the DOS and the non dos partitions....boot with the Me diskette(with cd-rom help) and just load it up. Right?(no FAT32 anymore?) Am I missing anything? One more question....will I be able to upgrade to win2000 someday if I can ever get my hands on a cd? The reason I am changing to Me is that it was the original OS on this machine and it recognizes more hardware. Thanks, Dan. Steve

WE DID IT!!!

With your guidance and my ferocious persistance...it has been accomplished. I DID need the delpart thingy as my fdisk would not bash my walls down. I had to format C:\ ....AFTER fdisking new partition. Took me all day to do it but now...I am in!!! Thanks Dan. Now if I can get this cd burner a program...I will vbe ready to go on line....AT HOME!!! Stevo

Sorry for the delay in returning. Since moving to "a ghost town" in the Rocky Mountains (Nordegg, Alberta) last July, I only have dial-up internet access. Sometimes the "waiting" is soooo long that I just log off and wait for the next day to access.

Glad you got things going, and I'm happy to have helped. Since the main topic of your thread has been resolved, I'll close this thread. As far as the issues of

Now if I can get this cd burner a program...I will vbe ready to go on line....AT HOME!!!

please start a new thread in the appropriate forum (Hardware or Windows ME) and we can work this as a seperate issue.