Sorry for the long post but I wanted to give as much info as I could.I am running ME, on a Pent 3. After downloading some updates from Microsoft and rebooting I get the error message "Unable to run explorer.exe, must reinstall windows", it will go no further. ( during the download Norton "found" a virus in the Java/Classes file, and recommended quarrentine. I stupidly said yes and the next message said it had been deleted!) I have been reading everything I can on the web, I edited the system.ini file and tried inserting progman.exe in place of explorer.exe. (which had no suspicious ext after it's entry). The error then said progman.exe instead of Exlorer. I have tried system restore, and scanreg and scareg /fix. System said it restored to a date when computer was working Ok but Windows still won't run. I can access C: through my ME boot disk and find all my files. I have extracted a fresh copy of explorer.exe from the install disk, deleted all temp internet files, did a scan disk (no errors), replaced the system.ini file with the backup system.cb file(and put it back). I have tried the unlock command for c: , I have sys'ed C:, ect. I have tried system restore, and scanreg and scareg /fix. System said it restored to a date when computer was working Ok but Windows still won't run. In desperation I have tried to reinstall ME from my CD ROM but when I enter the setup.exe command I get the "This program requires Microsoft Window" error. I tried setup from the win9x dir on cd drive, and from C:. I get the same error. I really want to save my files is there a way to reinstall my OS?

hello you can try to reinstall windows on top of its self if all goes well you wont lose any data. goto c: windows\options\cabs\setup.exe you should do this from safe mode so nothing unesary is running. dubble click the set up file and it will reinstall windows system files. should repair any corupt or missing files. to do this from dos read this link at the botom of post m.e wont start http://computing.net/windowsme/wwwboard/forum/30687.html

Thanks for the reply Dave, I had already printed that post, it has been my bible. I have done each step carefully, sometimes several times. Thats why I posted to this board, you guys seem to have the most detailed answers. When I go to the ME disk to reinstall the OS(it is an upgrade to ME if this makes a difference,ME was originally installed by IBM and I only had their restore disk)in the win9x dir where the file is found, I type in setup.exe. (I have the E: prompt)the error is "This program cannot be run in dos mode" If I try this exe from the file on C: I get this program requires Microsoft Windows. I seems I have no windows explorer or program manager. PS It seems Norton has caused me more crashes than any virus ever thought of, I'll never forget it's running again.