Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

System Not Working - WIN ME

Feb 11, 2004 8:14PM PST

I was deleting my Temporary Internet Files (mostly cookies) yesterday, but I
must have also deleted some necessary files. When I tried running the
Windows Update, the computer froze and I would receive a "Not Responding"
error message. I have a local network, and it has "disappeared" from this
computer. Many things are no longer working on my system.

How can I resolve this issue?

Thanks, in advance, for your advise. It is crucial that I get this up and
running, because I own a business. I cannot afford to lose the programs and
files contained on the hard drive.

My OS is Windows ME (too many "non-compliances" on this computer to upgrade
to XP, and buying another computer is not an option).

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Re:System Not Working - WIN ME
Feb 11, 2004 8:54PM PST

We only lose what we don't backup. People who don't backup usually won't take the advice and will only learn this lesson first hand. People who didn't backup and have an issue usually demand a fix and don't want to hear about backup because they know they didn't practice safe computing.

It doesn't matter what you want as to loss, new PC or other. The repair may involve having to reload a few programs or more. NOTHING in your post tells if this can be simply fixed by the procedure I'll number at #1

1. Boot SAFE MODE and use SYSTEM RESTORE to when it worked. This is the safest method (if it works.)

2. There are far too many causes to this issue. Outside of System Restore, more hands on information is required about the boot failure. But the boot to SAFE MODE if it works does lead to the following article which can be used to fix many problems -> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q149962

This article covers almost all the troubleshooting methods including installing Windows ME to another folder and more.

Best of luck in recovery.

Bob

- Collapse -
Re:Re:System Not Working - WIN ME
Feb 11, 2004 9:06PM PST

Thanks for your response. Fortunately, I do have backups of all my data files. I am a fanatic about backing up my data files! In fact, I have another PC and a laptop that I keep copies of the data files that I have on my primary computer.

However, I do not remember where to find my "settings" to back them up. For instance, in MS Word, I have a special toolbar, certain default font, macros, etc. Where do I find those to back them up? Also, I want to back up my settings and messages in MS Outlook. I have many critical client messages in Outlook.

Yes, I've known all along that a System Restore will likely resolve some of my issues, but it is such a drastic measure, I've tried to avoid it. Some of my programs are able to be installed only once--and only on one computer. Will I be able to reinstall those once I perform the System Restore?

Again, thanks, in advance, for your help.

- Collapse -
Re:Re:Re:System Not Working - WIN ME
Feb 11, 2004 9:26PM PST

if you use restore go back to the day before you deleted info should work

- Collapse -
Re:Re:Re:Re:System Not Working - WIN ME
Feb 11, 2004 9:48PM PST

THANKS!

- Collapse -
Re:System Not Working - WIN ME
Feb 16, 2004 2:10AM PST