Okay, here's the deal: Foolish mortal that I am, I attempted to remedy an IE difficulty by reverting to the previously installed version, which managed to seriously screw up my machine (explorer causing error in kernel32). Now, as I was enduring other explorer errors before, which I couldn't remedy, I think a clean install will do the computer well. Problem is, I don't want to overwrite a whole lot (we're talking a few GB) of precious files which are still stranded on the hard drive. I've been compelled to acquaint myself with DOS before, but am still limited in my knowledge...Hence my question: How might I recover these large quantities of files without using a physically separate hard drive? I have 2 options (I think): 1. My computer has a CDRW drive (though I imagine finding support for it in DOS may be difficult),and 2. my computer has a 20 GB hard drive, which I gather may be manipulated so as to seem to be 2 separate drives (and hence, capable of undergoing "xcopy") Now, I think this manipulation is "partitioning," but I don't know what this entails, or how to do it. I assume it is different from creating "virtual drives"? PLUS, as our system has crashed before, there is already a "D:" drive, which consists of a chunk of the "C:" drive, which, perhaps, I could use to copy the files to? (D: is entirely void of files) Any assistance would be ever so greatly appreciated -- I'd even be willing to wish the favor of Zeus upon the giver of help for all eternity. You wouldn't want to pass that up, would you? To recap: I'm reinstalling Windows ME, want to be sure files are preserved from former installation, using DOS, the will of Zeus be with you, etc...

www.goldenhawk.com ver3.9a for dos 16 and 32 bits cdr and cdrw. Installing Win ME from a dos prompt using a boot disk won't make disappear the info on the drive, It just won't be in the registry anymore. Reinstall your games and programs after and the info will still be there as before . A clean install is really a last resort. The programs from goldenhawk may help you then to do a backup. Did you try installing Win ME from Windows: it is the easiest route if you are still able to boot to Windows (not in safe mode ). Good luck.

I have one suggestion. After you copy your application files to D: and before you format c:, remove internet explorer in the control panel and also DELTREE the internet explorer directory in \PROGRA~1. Then install Windows into itself. If this works you will not need the files you saved. If it does not work, it is time to format c:.