Clean Install of Windows without disc

[JS]

Hello, I am going to be installing a new motherboard and
you have to reinstall windows after you do this. Well, I
have a computer bought from a major retailer so the
operating system came pre-installed. No Windows Install
disc came with my computer. I need one to install windows
after I install my new motherboard. I can find my product
ID, that is no problem, I just need a Windows ME startup
disc. I contacted my computer seller (Hewlett Packard)
and they said that they cannot send me an install disc. I
have seen somewhere online that I can copy certain .cab
files from my windows directory onto a disc to create an
installation disc. However, the directions are very bad
and I do not want to make any mistakes. Can anybody
advise me on how to do this or even a separate solution
other than creating this disc? Any and all help would be
appreciated. Thank you.

[Noel Paton]

There's actually no need to reinstall ME after upgrading the motherboard -
just a little judicious planning (removing all System Board devices from
Device Manager while in Safe Mode before unplugging the system for the last
time).

Alternatively, reboot to Safe Mode after installing the new board , and
resolving Device Manager can do the same thing.

Or you can do an over-the-top reinstall from the HD
to do an over-the-top install from the HD - look here for detailed
instructions.
http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/reinME.htm
post back with any questions (or use the feedback link on the site)

Or you can copy the contents of the C:\Windows\Options folders to CD, and
use them as your install disk for a clean install (although that can cause
problems if the OS is BIOS-locked)


--
Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2004, Win9x)

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm

Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's
or
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2001/Mar01/Mar27pmvp.asp

"JS" > wrote in message
...
> Hello, I am going to be installing a new motherboard and
> you have to reinstall windows after you do this. Well, I
> have a computer bought from a major retailer so the
> operating system came pre-installed. No Windows Install
> disc came with my computer. I need one to install windows
> after I install my new motherboard. I can find my product
> ID, that is no problem, I just need a Windows ME startup
> disc. I contacted my computer seller (Hewlett Packard)
> and they said that they cannot send me an install disc. I
> have seen somewhere online that I can copy certain .cab
> files from my windows directory onto a disc to create an
> installation disc. However, the directions are very bad
> and I do not want to make any mistakes. Can anybody
> advise me on how to do this or even a separate solution
> other than creating this disc? Any and all help would be
> appreciated. Thank you.

Thanks a lot for your help but by "resolving Device
Manager", what do you mean?

[Noel Paton]

That should have read 'Resolving errors in Device Manager' - sorry

Boot to Normal Mode in the first instance - it's unlikely to complete, but
it should set the registry part-way correct.
Reboot to Safe Mode, and Remove ALL instances of duplicated/error-flagged
devices, and ones which obviously refer to the old mobo - then reboot to
Normal Mode, and allow Windows to install the new drivers again - reboot as
required until you get through to full Windows - then repeat as required.


--
Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2004, Win9x)

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm

Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's
or
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2001/Mar01/Mar27pmvp.asp

> wrote in message
...
> Thanks a lot for your help but by "resolving Device
> Manager", what do you mean?

Ok, thanks a lot, I really appreciate all of your help man!

[Noel Paton]

Good Luck!

--
Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2004, Win9x)

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm

Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's
or
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2001/Mar01/Mar27pmvp.asp

> wrote in message
...
> Ok, thanks a lot, I really appreciate all of your help man!