Barnett Computer Services
Troubleshooting Windows ME
The Product Key You Entered is Invalid
If you get this error, don’t panic. The first thing to check is, did you have a typo while you were entering the key? Hey, we’ve all done it (more than once).
The second thing to check is, do you have any anti-virus software running? This includes you BIOS anti-virus. Windows ME doesn’t like anti-virus software running while it’s installing.
Third, are you using the right Product Key number? By this point in the game, if you’re like me, you’ve got CD’s of Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, Windows NT 4, Windows 2000, and Windows ME lying around. Did you pick up the right case and get the right number?
Check and make sure your CD is not damaged. If it is, good luck getting your local store to replace it. You’re going to have to contact Microsoft.
Try installing Windows ME from a command prompt instead of from Windows.
Try running setup from a “flat” folder on your hard disk
Use ScanDisk to check your hard drive for errors. (Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/ScanDisk)
Try adding the following line to your Config.sys (We’re getting desperate now): device=c:\windows\himem.sys /int15=16000
Last but not least use the number keys on the keyboard instead of the numeric keypad.
Dangerously Low on System Resources
Slow performance, error messages when you start a program, applications hanging, or the entire system locking up or crashing can all be symptoms of low system resources. This is most likely caused by a poorly programmed application not releasing memory like it’s suppose to. The short-term fix is to reboot. When you reboot, all system resources are cleared. The long term fix is to upgrade to Windows 2000 or Windows XP. Windows 2000 and Windows XP use a much more sophisticated method of controlling memory.
Sound Card Troubleshooting
If you are using old Soundblaster Live drivers in Windows ME, the sound will not work well, if at all. You need to go to www.creative.com. Go to their support page, and download the version 3.0 drivers. Make sure to read the readme file on the downloaded drivers as they have some instructions on removing the old drivers. If you try to install over the old drivers, you may have problems. So make sure you read first.