Window ME NOT LOADING!

[hilarya25]

So one day I turned on my computer, and the Windows ME page comes up during start up, then the screen goes blank, except for the curser. I cant really do anything, that I know of, because windows wont open at all! Please help, thanx in advance.

 

[JSntgRvr]

Restore your registry to a pevious date. See the following Microsoft article for instructions on "How to Start the System Restore Tool from a Command Prompt":

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;279736

 

[hilarya25]

really really helpful, except would you happen to know what to do if I dont have the start up disk? I bought the computer refurbished and dont have that disk. Should I go and buy the program? Or are there any other options? THanks again!!

 

[JSntgRvr]

You can download the ME startup diskette from www.bootdisk.com. It is a single file that upon executed will extract the necessary files. You will need a new formated floppy disk for this process.

 

[hilarya25]

Thanks a million for the help, cheers! BUT, i put the file on the disk, and it wouldnt accept it. Maybe I got eh wrong file? Please help!
THANKS AGAIN!!

 

[JSntgRvr]

Test the disk in another computer. If it works there, then enter the BIOS (In the computer with problems) and change your boot sequence so that the Floopy Drive (A:\) will be the first to be detected as the boot device. Save the changes and Exit the BIOS. Let the computer boot with the Floppy Disk inserted. Any error messages during boot?

 

[JSntgRvr]

Just for clarification, you say you [put the file on the Disk]. The file that was downloaded has to be executed in a working computer, so that the necessary files to boot the computer are transfered to the floppy disk.

Is not that you will be transfering the downloaded file to the floppy. That wont work. The files needed to boot the computer must be extracted and transfered to the floppy. This is automatically done once the file is executed.

 

[hilarya25]

I thought I was quite computer literate, but I understood about 10% of what you just told me. I really wanted to fix this myself, but it looks like I might have to take this in to a professional. Damn it. THANKS

 

[JSntgRvr]

Let me know what you don't understand, I may be able to be less technical.

I believe any boot diskette will do. All you have to do is to bring the computer to a command prompt. Which operating system are you using to connect to the Internet? Download the boot disk from www.bootdisk.com for that specific operating system, then boot the troubled machine to a command prompt.

At the command prompt, type edit c:\windows\system.ini, and then press ENTER.

Edit the shell= line so that it looks like this:

shell=progman.exe

Press ALT+F, and then press X and save the changes

Remove your Windows Me Startup disk, and then restart your computer. When your computer restarts, Program Manager should start.

On the File menu, click Run, type msconfig in the Command Line box, and then press ENTER.

Click Launch System Restore to begin restoring your computer to a previous, functional state.

Once the restore process ends, restart the computer again with the boot diskette and come to a command prompt. At the command prompt, type edit c:\windows\system.ini, and then press ENTER.

Edit again the shell= line so that it looks like this:

shell=Explorer.exe

That will return the computer to normal operating state.

 

[hilarya25]

WHat does "boot to a command prompt" mean? I downloaded the proper file onto a floppy disk, and put it in my computer. Nothing happened-except it said something about having the wrong disk. I know I can get into BIOS, does that help at all? I think I might just have to reformat my harddrive, and lose all my files. Kinda a big price to pay, but its better I think its my only way out of the labyrinth from hell.

 

[JSntgRvr]

Ok. The file you downloaded is labeled Bootme.exe. Insert a new formated diskette in the floppy disk drive in the computer where the boot.exe file was downloaded. Locate the bootme.exe file and double click on it. A dialog box may appear such as, "Insert Floppy Disk in A:\", or something like that, Follow the instructions on screen and the files contained in the boot.exe file will be extracted and transfered to the floppy disk. Once this process is completed, remove the diskette and insert this diskette in the troubled machine and turn the machine ON. A menu will appear at boot. Select Minimum Boot. This will take you to a command prompt, i.e., A:\ prompt. Then just follow the instructions above to edit the System.ini file.