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Windows ME Tips

 Increasing File Handles for DOS Programs

Previous versions of Windows used the files= line in the Config.sys file to increase file handles.
With WindowsME you need to edit the System.ini file

In the [386Enh] section, add the line:
PerVMFiles=xxx
where xxx is replaced by the number you want with a maximum of 225

You need to reboot the computer

Cascading My Computer Folder

Simply drag the My Computer icon from the desktop to the Start Button.
Now you have a cascading menu for My Computer available when you press Ctrl-Esc. 
This gives you easy access to your disks, CD ROMS, mobile devices and network connections

Detailed Error Message Log

WindowsME keeps track of previous error messages, their date, time and more detailed information.
Simply open up the \windows\Faultlog.txt file

Installing MS Backup

By default, WindowsME does not give you the option to install MS Backup.
However, this program is on the original CD in the \Add-ons\MSBackup directory

Enabling System File Protection PopUp Windows

If System File Protection performs an action and you want to see a popup window notifying you:

  1. Start Regedit
  2. Go to HKey_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ SystemFileProtection
  3. Change the value of ShowPopups from 0 to 1

Item you will be notified about are:

  1. Restoring a protected file
  2. Removing a security catalog
  3. Adding a security catalog

Bypass Installation Processor Check

You can bypass the 150 MHz CPU speed test during Windows Me setup by using the /nm switch on the command line.
This is useful if your computer fails the test, or to install on a machine slower than 150 (don't try this unless you have at least 128 MB RAM).
Also remember that Microsoft's Tech Support doesn't have to help you with problems if your machine doesn't meet their requirements.

Disabling PC Health

To uninstall PC Health:

  1.  Start
  2. Run
  3. \windows\pchealth\support\pchsetup /uninstall

Note: This also disables the Help engine. In order to get this back you need to re-install WindowsME.

Running ScanReg

With WindowsME, you can open a DOS window to run scanreg, scanreg /restore, and scanreg /opt
It prompts to tell you (computer must restart to finish)
Before this was only available when booting straight to DOS.

Deleting Unnecessary Files

You can save approximately 150 megs of hard drive space by deleting the file in the \WINDOWS \ OPTIONS \ INSTALL directory.
These are the source files for ME that you should already have on CD.

Automated WindowsME Installation

You can use the same Batch 2.0 program available by Microsoft for Windows95 and 98 to create a fully unattended installation of WindowsME. 
With it you can enter it the Product ID as well as what components you want to install. 

Turning Off System Restore

If you want to turn off the System Restore feature:

  1. Right-click on the My Computer' icon on the desktop
  2. Select Properties
  3. Click on the Performances tab
  4. Click on the File System button
  5. Now click on the Troubleshooting tab 
  6. Check the Disable System Restore box

Locking the Taskbar in Place

If you want to lock the taskbar so it can't be accidentally moved or resized:

  1. Right click on the Taskbar
  2. Select Properties
  3. Click on the Advanced tab
  4. In the bottom window, scroll to the bottom
  5. In the Taskbar section, uncheck Enable moving and resizing

Installing WindowsME Without a Previous OS

You can install WindowsME without having a previous operating system installed. 

  1. You just need to have a pervious version's CD available.
  2. I recommend copying the source files to the hard drive and installing from there.
  3. When you are prompted for a previous operating system, simply insert your 
    Windows95/98 CD and browse to the directory where the source files are located.
  4. You can then continue installing on a clean system without having to install a previous version.
  5. This should save a lot of time in the event you need to reinstall WindowsME from scratch.  

Removing Personalized Menus

If you don't want to have Personalized Menus (this is where only your most frequent menu items are shown)

  1. Right-click on the Task Bar
  2. Select Properties
  3. Uncheck Use Personalized Menus

Creating a Quick Boot Disk

While you can't reboot WindowsME to a DOS prompt, you can create a simple boot disk.

  1. Format a floppy disk
  2. Copy the \Windows\Command\EBD\IO.SYS and COMMAND.COM files to the floppy

Displaying More File Information in Explorer

You can easily display more information than the File Name, Size, Type and Modified Date in Explorer. 

  1. Right click on any one of these headings in the Explorer in the right hand panel.
  2. This will bring up some of the additional fields you can display.
  3. Items such as Attribute, Comment, Created Date, Accessed date are available.
  4. You can also click on More for other items as well
  5. Selections such as Comment can be useful for Word and Excel documents. 
  6. You can right click on the file, select Properties / Summary. 
  7. Select the Comment field and enter in a short description for the file. 

Monitoring the Dial-Up Adapter Performance

The System Monitor now includes a Dial-Up Adapter section
You can monitor items such as Connection Speed, Bytes Received or Transmitted / Second, as well as several types of errors.

  1. To run the System Monitor, go to Start / Programs / Accessories / System Tools
  2. From here you can Add items from Edit / Add
  3. If you need to install the System Monitor, go to the Control Panel / Add/Remove Program / Windows Setup / System Tools