FixWindowsWindows Me

Windows Me: programs, drivers and common problems

Windows Me owners: add software and drivers, and roll back a bad change with System Restore when startup errors or slowness hit.

  • Updated
  • 15 min
  • Intermediate
Applies to
  • Windows 2000 and older

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Keeping a Windows Me PC working, usually offline? Learn to add and remove programs and drivers, and to use System Restore and Safe Mode when something goes wrong.

Windows Me no longer gets security updates

Microsoft ended support on July 11, 2006. Keep this computer off the internet where you can, and do not use it for banking or email. Scan any disc or drive on a modern computer before you use it here.

Before you start

Copy important files to another drive first. System Restore protects Windows settings and system files, not your documents, so it is not a backup. See how to back up your files.

Install a program

  1. Close other programs. Insert the program disc. Many discs start by themselves.
  2. If nothing happens, open My Computer, open the disc, and open setup or install.
  3. Follow the prompts, and restart if the program asks.

Before a big install, create a restore point: open System Restore (see the steps below) and choose the option to create a restore point instead of restoring.

Remove a program

  1. Open Start then Settings then Control Panel, then open Add/Remove Programs.
  2. On the Install/Uninstall tab, select the program and choose Add/Remove.

See also how to uninstall programs.

Install a driver

Use drivers from the device or computer maker, never from a driver updater or a download portal (see safe downloads and fake driver sites). Check that the driver lists Windows Me, or at least Windows 98.

  1. Plug in the device, or open Start then Settings then Control Panel and open Add New Hardware.
  2. Follow the wizard and point it to the maker's disc or driver folder when asked.
  3. Open System in Control Panel and select the Device Manager tab. A yellow mark means the device has a problem. See fixing driver problems in Device Manager for the idea, though newer menus differ.

Use System Restore

Microsoft introduced System Restore in Windows Me to roll the software configuration back to a time when it worked. Windows Me creates restore points automatically.

Using System Restore in Windows Me4 numbered steps, one under the other. The full text follows the picture.Using System Restore inWindows Me1Open itStart, Programs, Accessories,System Tools2Choose a dateRestore to an earlier timebefore the problem began3ConfirmCheck the date and selectNext4RestartThe computer restarts andreports the result
Takes a few minutes. Close other programs first.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Open it: Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools
  2. Choose a date: Restore to an earlier time before the problem began
  3. Confirm: Check the date and select Next
  4. Restart: The computer restarts and reports the result
  1. Select Start then Programs then Accessories then System Tools then System Restore.
  2. Choose the option to restore your computer to an earlier time, then select Next.
  3. Pick a date from before the problem began, then select Next and confirm.
  4. Wait while the computer restarts. Check that the problem has gone.

Restore points after September 8, 2001

On the original release, restore points dated after September 8, 2001 could fail because of a date bug. Microsoft released a fix. If System Restore does not work, this is a possible cause.

Fix other problems

Windows Me problems: fixes in orderA top-to-bottom flow chart with 6 boxes. Work through them in order and stop when the problem is fixed. The full text follows the picture.Windows Me problems: fixes inorderNoNo1Restart the computer2Is the problem gone?Yes: You are done3Use System Restore togo back before thechange4Is the problem gone?Yes: You are done5Start in Safe Mode andundo the last changeStill stuck? Back up files,then reinstall.
Start with the least risky step. Stop when it works.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Step 1: Restart the computer
  2. Question 2: Is the problem gone? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  3. Step 3: Use System Restore to go back before the change
  4. Question 4: Is the problem gone? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  5. Step 5: Start in Safe Mode and undo the last change
  6. If nothing worked: Still stuck? Back up files, then reinstall.

Start in Safe Mode

  1. Restart the computer. As it starts, hold Ctrl or tap F8 until a menu of startup choices appears.
  2. Type the number shown beside Safe Mode and press Enter. The screen looks coarse. This is normal.
  3. Remove the last program or driver you added, or run System Restore, then restart normally.

Stop programs that start with Windows

  1. Select Start, then Run, type msconfig and select OK.
  2. Select the Startup tab. Clear the tick beside programs you recognize and do not need. Leave anything you do not recognize ticked.
  3. Select OK and restart.

Check the disk

  1. Open Start then Programs then Accessories then System Tools then ScanDisk, select your drive and choose Start.
  2. Then open Disk Defragmenter from the same folder if the drive is well used.

Things to know about Windows Me

  • System File Protection stops critical system files from being overwritten, so some changes that worked in Windows 98 may not stick.
  • Windows Me has no real DOS mode. Booting to a command prompt needs a startup floppy.
  • It was designed for up to 512 MB of memory. With more than about 1.5 GB, it may restart repeatedly. Remove the extra memory.
  • The Windows protection error and fatal exception messages seen in Windows 98 also appear here. They usually point to a driver or a recent change. See the Windows 98 guide for the table.

If nothing helps, reinstalling erases the system, so back up first and see installing Windows Me.

Frequently asked questions

Does System Restore protect my documents?

No. It tracks system files and settings. Copy documents elsewhere.

Can I get updates for Windows Me?

No. Support ended on July 11, 2006.

Is it safe online?

No. Use it offline.

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Official resources used

Pages consulted while preparing this guide. Check them for the latest details.

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