Has anyone successfully reinstalled
Windows ME on a Dell dimension L
series using the reinstall cd? I think I
need to do this and am usure of the
process, especially 1) what I need to do
to prepare the computer for a safe
reinstall; 2) how to change the boot
sequence (I know how to get into set up).

Also, how do I respond to someone who
responds to me on this forum?
Thanks, MP

Mary, I know nothing about dell but if you go to C:\windows\options\ and either in the cab or install folder there should be a setup.exe. Double click and follow all prompts and you should retain most if not all of your windows settings and installed programs.

Hope this helps

after reinstalling
run a free online antivirus scan at
http://housecall.antivirus.com
to be on the safe side.

if you have the restore cd ,it wipes your hard drive clean and does a fresh install
you will have to reinstall all your other software. using the method in the response
above it will do as Len says.

The way this forum works is you start a new thread.
Anyone including you who wishes to add to the discussion clicks the threads link titled "reinstalling windows ME" that you chose in the windows me forum. Scroll down and use the follow up form.

Boot sequence? more than one OS? If so it may be a little bit more involved.

In Windows, put the Dell disk "For the Reinstallation of Windows Me" in the CD-ROM drive.

Click on "Browse this CD."

Click on "setup.exe."

Should take about an hour.

NB: I have a Dell Inspiron 7500 laptop.

Thanks to all of you who replied. I'm going in..to reinstall Windows ME with the above instructions. I just need to know

1) 1f there are any screens I need to copy for information, such as dial up phone numbers. If I use setup.exe. and install to c:\windows, will I retain this information?
2) Do I need to tell the computer to boot from the cd? I can't seem to do this. The command won't take. So I hope the answer is no.

Thanks, Mary

Write down any info your ISP may have given you especially any settings they may have given you in start\settings\control panel\network- click on tcp\ip and select properties. click on dns configuration and copy all info. there may not be anything there as many isps do not require any extra settings. to close the window choose cancel.If you need your dial up access number right click on your connection in your dial-up networking folder and select properties. As for your second question No you dont.

One more question (Len, you are so helpful): This whole problem started with windows start up freezing at a message about updating hardware. We had been trying to connect a cd rw. Does this mean I might have driver problems after the reinstall? As you can tell, I want all my ducks in a row before I start shooting...never have been much of a hunter.

Mary- Ive re-installed twice by using the setup in windows without having to re-install any drivers except my dialup adapter and thats easily installed by using the windows setup program in control panel or when you use Internet connection wizard it will install it for you.

I should clarify that Setup kept MY drivers for my sound card etc, Not the crappy ones windows installs

I didn't have to reinstall any drivers or ISP info, although I did have to reset my display attributes and sound settings.

It's always better to be safe than sorry. I now have a copy of all my sound and display settings which I had changed. After the first time, I wasn't about to try to remember them again.