Quote:
Originally posted by Undertoad
This beast has been a win98 upgraded to WinME (sorry), and had remained such for the purposes of gaming, but I think I may have to bite the bullet here and install Win2K fresh on a fresh disk and move stuff over. I remain somewhat ignorant of Win issues, do you think I'll be able to run most of my old applications if I do this?
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Yes, a ME-2k upgrade will keep most of your software running as well as it ever will be, with some caveats: make sure you simply insert the 2k CD, and it'll suggest an upgrade, holding your hand through the process. There may be driver issues, write down your exact hardware specs prior to upgrading. (exact make of your graphics, sound, and network cards at the very least, ideally also any other non-vanilla hardware, such as SCSI controllers).
Run the upgrade from the Win2k CD. Make sure your network is working. Go to Device Manager, get the Properties of unknown hardware/stuff with question marks next to it, and choose to install new drivers from Windows Update. (which is the easiest way, believe it or not). Install any other hardware drivers, turn off all the flashy transition effects etc., and you'll have a useable system.
Now the caveats: some programs, especially those that rely on hardware to work, may not work like they should. Advanced Soundblaster Live settings (EAX/surround) don't always work 100% on 2k, compared to 98, the same applies for some other high-end sound cards. Similarly, there is some hardware that isn't fully supported, e.g. some scanners. Otherwise, all your programs ought to continue working.
One last thing to try before upgrading or reinstalling, is to remove all your network settings in ME, reboot, and then run the ICW (Internet Connection Wizard). which ought to be somewhere in C:Progra~1/ICW/ . It's the 'internet access for dummies' program, and sometimes manages to straighten out settings that just don't want to be reset.
Good luck.
X.