[aarhus2004]

Hello Joe,

Thanks for sharing your experience with Delindex. I cannot remember when I started using this tool - its been awhile now. My use averages twice a week but then I am a bit of a clean-up fanatic. The only changes I had to make to its code were to add a file I have created for home made icons in order to check the growth of the Thumbs.db (not sure about that name there since I can't find one - I ran Delindex this morning), and to exclude the line of code which changed my setting for Auto Updates (in CPL) back to its default. This one:
::deltree /y c:\progra~1\window~2\>nul. But those aside I have never had any problem with it.

So what I have realised for some time now is that each user of the Windows Millennium operating system (apart from the additions in software each has made along the way) has essentially a different computer. This largely depends on who was the manufacturer. But since Delindex makes the same deletions each time it is run and you have been using it for some time as well - I am at a loss to understand the problem you think it caused. I am sure you, knowing just how efficient a clean-up utility it essentially is, will one day try it again and let us know here, Joe. So many mysteries involved in the computing operation; and I, as probably we all do, look for solutions in the 'obvious' places. Our 'conclusions' have a very reassuring effect!

Cheers, Joe.

Ben.

[aarhus2004]

For *some WinME users "Format Your Active Partition and Reinstall Windows Millennium" and more.

*Those with original equipment which came with genuine installation CDs.

Cheers.

Ben.

Since making the above post...

I have been researching - via Google, Microsoft, this Forum, and my own files and I conclude that nothing I can offer (including my own 'method') regarding the formatting of a disk and the reinstalling of Windows Millennium is worth my doing in this thread (or anywhere else for that matter). So what I have decided to do is to suggest links to reading about this process and, by so doing, perhaps saving you the frustrations involved in doing your own search. It may be a cop-out on my part - I don't know.

Google, as a search engine, has deteriorated in so far as computing help is concerned. I do know that. A recently read article issuing from Google tell of the daily struggle that organisation undergoes in an effort to control the search result content. Why? Because the interests of commercial enterprise are also working out ways to have content placed early in any search results. It's a battlefield. Using Google is like being involved in a war without end - and in all innocence. No fun at all.

Then there is the considerable difference of educated opinion, which surely exists, about computers, computing and the hows, whys and wherefores associated with same.

Selected links are what are "coming soon"

[aarhus2004]

"Triple threat targets Word users"

HERE.

Ben.

[aarhus2004]

There is disagreement even about the name of this procedure to say nothing about whether it is worthwhile. About the only certainty lies in the fact that computers with Windows Millennium installed as the operating system fall into several categories as far as the "how to" of a format and install. These are decisions individuals must make for themselves.

Reformat C: and Reinstall Windows Millennium implies:

1. That windows Millennium is stored on a drive the letter i.d. of which is C.
2. That this drive was at least subject to formatting when built and has perhaps been reformatted since then.
3. That it is wished to rid oneself of a present installation of WinME and undertake the installation of the pristine operating system.
4. That is is not a low-level format. For in this procedure the Master Boot Record (MBR) remains intact on the drive concerned.

These are the links which I have found useful in my own attempt at understanding the 'format and install' of WinME. They are not in any particular order:

http://forums.techguy.org/windows-95...ml#post3964448

Search for format reinstall in Win95/98/ME forum.

http://forums.techguy.org/windows-95...ml#post3490927
Showing results 1 to 50 of 500
Search took 6.62 seconds; generated 9 minute(s) ago. Search: Key Word(s): format, reinstall ; Forum: Windows 95/98/Me and child forum

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;271673

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=277648

http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;q255867

http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.co...en/default.asp

http://www.windowsreinstall.com/wind...llme/page1.htm

http://www.toejumper.net/rescue3/reinst3.htm

http://www.kayodeok.btinternet.co.uk...kbasewinme.htm

http://www.pcstats.com/beginners.cfm

http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1720

http://www.dslreports.com/faq/msofta...ndows_95-98-Me

http://mysite.verizon.net/eric.groves/pg39.html

http://www.helpdesk.umd.edu/documents/4/4349/

http://users.iafrica.com/c/cq/cquirke/baddata.htm

http://www.generation.net/~hleboeuf/winme.htm

http://www.techspot.com/tweaks/windo...ll/index.shtml

http://www.insideoe.com/tips/archiving.htm

http://www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx

In my next post I shall attempt to deal with the much more esoteric art of the Repartitioning of a drive. I say "attempt" because my brain is somewhat soggy - but hopefully all will be clear to you!

Cheers.

Ben.

I attach a gif of a personal document I have created (and tidied-up for sharing) which I use as a checklist when the reinstallation is complete. In this case I have ordered the suggestions to suit myself.

[aarhus2004]

Partitioning a hard disk or hard disks.

Beginning with some links - not in any particular order:

http://aumha.org/a/parts.htm

http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;q255867

http://partition.radified.com/

http://nedwolf.com/Freeware-Utilities-Useful.htm

http://www.ranish.com/part/

http://www.everythingcomputers.com/reformat_print.htm

http://www.freewareweb.com/cgi-bin/archive.cgi?ID=447

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/ranish.html

The above are for information only. I have no experience of the freeware on offer.

Using fdisk.

For the purpose of familiarization the fdisk tool can be viewed on your desktop. It is perfectly safe to do so. Go to Start | Programs | Accessories | MS DOS Prompt and click on the last. The DOS window will open with this prompt C:\Windows>_

Type fdisk.

The advisory window will appear "Your computer has a disk larger than...". Press Enter (or Return). The list of options window will appear.

In the list of options - #4 "Display partition information" is your choice. Enter 4. Press Enter.

The attached gifs "Display1" and "Display2" (these are the partitions I have - the prompt to see the latter will be offered with "The Extended DOS partition contains Logical DOS Drives" and "Do you want to display...".) are offered as a sample.

If you desire to partition your existing hard disk(s) it is preferable to do it in DOS - that which is arrived at before the boot of Windows by using an EBD (Emergency Boot Disk or StartUp floppy) and choosing from the options offered "Boot Without CDROM Support" and at the A:\>_ prompt typing fdisk.

The advantages or otherwise of partitioning a hard disk or hard disks are for you to decide.

Two additional gifs are attached - "Schematic1" and "Schematic2" ( I had fun creating these!). They may be of interest.

Cheers, WinME Users.

Ben.

[aarhus2004]

Hello WinME Users,

If, like me, you have resigned yourself to perpetual ignorance about much involved in understanding and using a computer I hope you can take some heart from a guide like this one.

On the settings in I.E.6 (and O.E.6):

The TechSpot

The guide is fully illustrated and explanations are precise and (relatively) easily understood.

During the first week of the New Year I am resolved to update my post which itemizes the content of this thread.

I do like the appearance of this site (the home page of the one given above) and its accessibility:

The Tech Spot.

Cheers.

Ben.

[aarhus2004]

Update #4 is well underway (and I wanted to jump over those "Moved" posts - now! ).

Ben.

[ekim68]

Looks like AVG isn't going to abandon Win9X just yet....

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng/us/tpl/v5

Good. I've liked it a lot.

[aarhus2004]

Hello Mike,

And the direct link to the free AVG is here.. Do you use the pay for version?

Santa hasn't found me yet! It must be the huge fallen trees outside my door which have confused him.

All the best for 2007.

Ben.

[ekim68]

No I don't use the pay for version, but I thought that AVG wasn't going to support Win9X
after Jan. 15, 2007. Apparently they are. And, sheez, talk about 'snail mail'.

[aarhus2004]

Rid yourself of "Shortcut to"

Hello WinME Users,

Millennium has proven a challenge for most of us, a frustration for some of us and a rewarding experience for others - perhaps that is too black, gray or white - perhaps a portion of each would be closer to the reality of our experience. Whatever!

I have, want it or not, spent this past six weeks formatting C: and re-installing this operating system. My impression that each time I did it I sensed that there were some differences in the outcome leaves me with some questions. For instance I have always used the same authentic disk but what happened to the pretty girl sitting absorbed by her computer or the studious young guy who I liked to fancy was a young Bill Gates? They used to appear to help me pass the 30 mins of installation - but no longer. Before I attempted my first F. and I. (it took me two years to brave the unthinkable process) I always solved my issues (those which proved intractable) by a 're-install over'. Perhaps that is the difference.

On this last occasion, a few days ago, in pursuit of a solution to a problem which proved to have been the result of an earthquake in Taiwan (I kid you not) I came across a major irritation I cannot recall having had to deal with before. Every shortcut I sent to my desktop was prefixed by "Shortcut to..."

After a high and low search I finished up here.

It is an article which makes fascinating and perplexing reading. I chose the registry fix simply because the first mentioned fix was so unlike any other fix proposed by Microsoft. The registry fix did not work (for me) and the outrageous exercise of the first fix did! Although the record shows that I had to do it six times not the 4 (or was it five?) proposed by MS. After chasing back and forth across the desktop in the most undignified scared-mouse-pointer manner the prefix was magically removed. So much for programmers and programing - sometimes they seem less than geeky and, perhaps, more cheeky.

Cheers.

Ben.

[aarhus2004]

This thread's selected TIPS, TRICKS and TWEAKS.

The POST numbers are links. And all other links given are revisions. In some instances where the post is a brief one I have given all the information contained in the original.


POST 1 ... Jack Gulley's web page on WinME which prompted this thread. Here.

POST 3 ... On System Restore - a link to an excellent thread in TSG. Here. And one to the site of an MVP who specializes in System Restore problems: Noel Paton. Here.

POST 16 ...The Delindex Link (The best clean-up WinME freeware) & The RegSeeker link (tweaks and registry clean)

POST 17 ... Boot Log Examiner (How does your computer fare on Startup) - Link.
Plus:
ScanDefrag (automated Disk Cleanup, Scan Disk and Disk Defragment freeware) - Link
MS Splash Screen remove on Boot-up - Tip/Tweak
Shortcuts to Shutdown and Restart - Tip/Tweak
Enabling DMA - Tip/Tweak and a Link
Expanding Control Panel - Tip/Tweak
The second great WinME Tips/Tweaks website - Link

POST 24 ... ShellIconCache (remove/resize/restore). The link given in this post to the Microsoft Community Newsgroups is now obsolete. Do this: Go to Start|Search| enter: shelliconcache. If the folder returned is larger than is reasonable (say 1,000kb or more) delete it and re-start. Windows will recreate the folder and reduce its size. N.B. This is a hidden system file so you will have to unhide those. Go to Start|Settings|Folder Options|View and scroll down to the appropriate settings (there are three of them). See flavallee's Sticky this forum here.

POST 30 ... Various links including the excellent vb2java cleanie - link and a revised link to HijackThis. Here.

POST 35 ... Product Key: find it if it exists! - link
'Bills Way' - link to his (Bill's) visual basic freeware site especially his RegSrch.vbs registry search one.

POST 43 ... Link to MS Newsgroups for WinME listing these categories... Applications. Display. Games. General. Hardware. Internet. Movie Maker. Multimedia. Networking. New User. Power Management. Printing. Setup. System Tools.

Also: About Norton A/V and McAfee A/V (as resource hogs and trouble-makers)

POST 46 ... "Bare Essentials" (Some ideas on Security - mine).

POST 52 ... Tweaks:

Virtual Memory Management.
Active Scripting Disablement (The most interesting of the WinMe tweaks!).
DirectX check-out (Is yours working efficiently?)
Startup Axis (Don't burden your computer from the word 'Start').
Maintenance of software/hardware - routines. And a very good website on cleaning. Here.
Tweaks re resource excess usage.

POST 57 ... Take care when applying the TAGS in creating a post.

POST 65 ... This forum and its original purpose (a nag). A Sun Java important update. and a revision - here to moderator dvk01's post on the need to update Java (re: Vundo infections).

POST 77 ... Desktop Locker v1.0 freeware (prevent easy access to your desktop) - link

POST 82 ... A final (well almost!) word on my security thinking.

POST 83 ... MenuShowDelay Lightning fast menu display - your choice of lightning speed or less.
An intro. to jv16pt originally a freeware registry cleaner (and still one of the best). It is available here.

POST 84 ... Search engine searching - risks disclosed - BBC Tech Article here re: Risky search engine terms.

POST 93 ... Testers and Testing - RAM, Hard Disk and Sun Java. Links.

POST 94 ... A review of Rootkit Detector Software (Based on TSG thread here).

POST 98 ... ScanDefrag the latest update is Oct 2006 here.

POST 99 ... MSJava removal tool. Use this prior to an install of Sun Java Runtime. Here.

POST 100 ... Windows Updates Catalog for use if you do a Format and Install of WinME. Here. And an Update:
This suggestion relates to that time when Millennium is removed from both the Microsoft Update site and the Catalog - looking ahead?!

To view and to clean-up your Index.dat files this is a proven tool. Here.

POST 109 ... Renaming your Recycle Bin. Here.

POST 110 ... The Windows Millennium Complete list of Updates as in June '06.

POST 121 ... Zert patches for older Windows versions incl. WinME. Thanks Tom (lotuseclat79)

POST 134 ... Re the Sticky here in this 'Tips and Tricks' forum. A clarification.

POST 139 ... The Resource Issue in Windows 9x. With links to expert opinion and guidance.

POST 153 ... The new RegSeeker. Link, Uninstalling WMP9. Link, More on Rootkits. Link, AVG Free to remain available. Link.
Streaming Video. Suggestions. And this update: When logging-in to a stream make sure your I.E.6 settings under Security | Internet Zone | Custom | Scripting | are each enabled (three of them).

POST 161 ... IF you don't have an ATI video card then skip this post. However if you do have one and it is an ATI Rage 128 GL SD AGP or the PRO version of that card or the Rage Fury, then this post may be of serious interest.

POST 166 ... Omitted here owing to its no longer being relevant.

POST 172 ... "As a comparatively confused novice in the more esoteric innards of WinME I have managed to find a way of getting a satisfactory outcome for myself. When I click on a Desktop shortcut to WordPad it opens to my preferred Font, Style and Size..."

POST 176 ... On the Sun Java Runtime for Millennium - Links.

POST 183 ... "Triple threat targets Word users". Here.

POST 184 ... On Formatting C: and Re-installing Millennium. And Links.

POST 185 ... On Partitioning or Re-partitioning a Hard Drive. And Links.

POST 186 ... On the settings in I.E.5 and O.E.6. Link.

POST 191 ... Yuk, why do I need "Shortcut to" as well as an arrow?

POST 192 ... This post! Keep your computer clock set with the accuracy of the atomic clock from here.

My thanks to all who have given feedback stemming from their own experience with Windows Millennium.

Cheers,

Ben.

[ekim68]

Thanks Ben...

[chisoxgal]

Help!
I am using my sister's computer to send this, seeing as my own HP with Windows ME just died. I tried to turn it on and it said it was shut down improperly before (not true) and before it even got a chance to scan, another window popped up saying: "kb918547 has caused an error in MMSYSTEM.DLL" then my screen freezes and I cannot do ANYTHING. I tried rebooting 3+ times now. Any solutions?

[ekim68]

Have you tried booting into safe mode? Start the computer and tap F8 while it's booting.
It should give you several options on boot..Choose safe mode.
If it does boot to safe mode, let us know...Might be able to do a system restore..