How do I do a clean install of Windows ME?

[Rick67]

My friend wants me to do a clean install on his Compaq computer. I told him I would do it and afterwards found out he has Windows ME. I've never completed a clean install of Windows ME. I've done several with Windows 98SE and Windows XP. Could someone help me out?

 

[pawprint]

Use your win98SE startup disk to format C drive and for the clean install
startup disk>choose without cd-rom support option
at the A: prompt type in format C: , then hit enter
then restart using startup computer with cd-rom support
at the A: prompt type in E: , then hit enter {temp ramdrive has been created by startup disk that utilizes the letter D}
at the E: prompt type in setup , then hit enter
NOTE: before formatting the hdd,I always do a dir first at the E prompt to verify that I can see the setup file, then simulate the install, aborting when asked for product ID to varify that I can do the install after the format for peace of mind
Also, during the install, create a new startup disk for Win ME due to ME not having same DOS features/options as 98SE
cheers, ~pawprint~

 

[Buz2b]

The only thing I would add is that you need to do a check with your friend to see if he has driver disks for his hardware. Most likely, the drivers are buried in his Compaq restore disk. If that is the case, just write down the model number and serial number (it's usually on a sticker on the back of the system) of his system. Then navigate to the Compaq site and download the necessary drivers for his particular hardware. Remember, you have to get the exact hardware list for his system. Every model number can have different items. For example, "XXXX" model may have either a PCI winmodem, a USR hardware modem or a "built in" modem. You need to find out what his has. You can always open up the box but even then you have to do some research.
Of course, you could always just do a "Restore" from his CD's and see if there is an option to install or not install all the (included) BS software.
I've done this for friends a couple of times and it is a real pain doing a "clean start" because of the drivers you have to find.

 

[Rick67]

Thanks guys! My friend told me he was suppose to get a Windows XP upgrade CD from Gateway (for some reason I mistakenly typed Compaq in my first message) because he bought the PC right before XP was released. Unfortunately, he never asked for the upgrade CD. He's going to go into the local Gateway store where he bought the PC and see if he can still get the upgrade CD. This will make things a lot easier if he can get it. Anyway, if not then I guess I'll just go with ME. I want to give him a clean system without all the Gateway garbage so using the recovery CD probably won't be an option. Does anyone know if Gateway gives you the option to do a clean install without all the Gateway stuff? Years ago when I owned a Sony VAIO (first PC) I remember there was a way to reformat/reinstall the OS without all the Sony garbage. Not sure if this is possible with Gateway.

 

[Buz2b]

Does anyone know if Gateway gives you the option to do a clean install without all the Gateway stuff?

From personal experience I can only testify to Compaq or Dell; both give the option to do a "clean install". However, in thinking back, I'm not sure if the Dell option included the drivers for various hardware. I believe I had to do a search for them. In any case, if the Gateway option is just an "upgrade CD" (which it probably will be) that is more targeted to those that want to upgrade without doing a clean install. That is clearly not what you want to do. Either you, or your friend need to ask them what he is eligible for. Most likely they will send him an "Upgrade CD". Let's assume that they give your friend an upgrade CD. The choice is to just install over the current ME installation or to format and reinstall everything from scratch. That goes back to my previous warnings about making sure you have the correct drivers for all his hardware. It really might be worth a call to Gateway Tech support to make sure you get the correct drivers for this upgrade. A great many headaches could be prevented and they could point you to the proper downloads. The next concern, (assuming you still want to do a "clean install") is to make sure there is a Win ME disk in his "bag of stuff" from Gateway. You see, when you only have the "upgrade CD", there is a point in the installation where it asks you to prove you are eligible for the upgrade. You prove this by inserting a Win ME (or Win98) CD for a minute or two. If you don't have this, the installation will not go forward. Now, the collection of CD's from Gateway will most likely include this but you should find this out before you start. You may even be able to insert the Gateway "restore" CD (which will have WinME on it) to accomplish this. But I highly recommend you ask them before you do this. Either that or simply borrow a "friends" Win98 or ME disk. Just in case the "Mod Patrol" is watching here, I am not advocating a "cheat"; it's obvious your friend is already "qualified" for the upgrade.