Fdisk help

[Eldopo28]

My computer crashed (that probably wasn't difficult to figure out) and I am getting the error message that vmm32.vxd is missing, corrupted, or moved. It asked me to specify the location, but I obviously didn't move the thing. I tried entering Windows in safe mode, but I got the same error message. It was probably a virus that killed the file and I'm pretty sure I need to format. You guys probably get this lot, but I have no practical computer experience outside of windows. Could someone give me instructions on how to format without corrupting my hard drive or anything like that? Also, how do I tell DOS not to load windows when I turn my computer on? I have been looking around the net (probably the wrong places) and I can't find instructions on how to fdisk. Some instuctions or a link to some would be much appreciated. Thanks a bunch!

[Baser-X]

You will only need to FDisk if you want to add/remove partitions and such. What you need to do to format your drive is boot to DOS using either a Windows 98 or ME boot disk. If you do not have a boot disk, you can get one here. When you boot into DOS from the disk, select the option to start with CD-Rom support. Once you get to the A:/ prompt type format c: (or replace c: with the drive with Windows currently on it). After the format is complete, insert your FULL version Windows ME disc in your CD drive and switch to that drive in DOS. Note that if your CD drive is labeled d: in Windows it will be e: in DOS. Once you get to the prompt for the CD drive, type setup.exe to begin the installation (example E:/> setup.exe).

Be aware that if you format, ALL DATA on the drive you format WILL BE LOST. You will get this warning in DOS when you type format c: and you will need to confirm before the format actually begins. Make sure you back up all data you want to save, and just to make life easier for yourself after install, make sure you have all the drivers you need handy before you begin. Windows will install generic drivers for most items it recognizes but does not have the correct drivers for, but the drivers in Windows ME are pretty outdated, so you will want to get the newest drivers from the manufacturer sites anyway.

[Eldopo28]

How do I boot to DOS from the disk? I still need to know how to get DOS to stop trying to launch windows. I seem to remember olding down or tapping a key during startup, but I might be wrong. Once I get there I need to type I have almost no DOS experience and I really need everything spelled out. Sorry about the inconvenience

[Eldopo28]

Sorry about the double post, but I just remembered how to use esc to get a blank line on DOS. I remember random DOS things from when I ran Windows 3.1, but I froget most of what I knew. Still, what do I do if my computer came with ME already installed and no disc? Is it partitioned somewhere in my hard drive? If anything I say sounds stupid, its because I'm basing my questions on blind assumptions. I just generally need to know the process that I need to go through to get Windows to run again. Is there a way to get VMM32.vxd back/working again without formatting?

[GretaP]

Hi Eldopo28,
Use the link provided by Baser-X to d/load the file to create a WINME startup floppy disk. Click on the link for Windows ME Custom, No Ramdrive, and d/load the file to hard drive (do NOT d/load the file directly to floppy, as this does NOT create the startup disk). Once the file is d/loaded, put a formatted floppy disk in the drive and then double-click on the d/loaded file in order to create the startup disk.

Now, boot from the startup floppy disk (ensure that the boot device order in BIOS Setup is set to try booting from floppy before hard drive). When you get to the A: prompt, key in:
C:
<ENTER>
now key in:
cd Windows\Options\Install
<ENTER>
hopefully that directory exists......if not, and you get an "invalid directory" message, then try:
cd Windows\Options
<ENTER>

If you can successfully access either of the above directories, then key in:
dir /p
This will give you a listing of all files and further subdirectories, one "screenful" at a time....press space bar for next "screenful". Look for a file named SETUP.EXE
If that file is found, then key in:
cd C:\Windows\System
<ENTER>
next, key in:
ren Vmm32.vxd Vmm32.old
<ENTER>
now key in:
cd C:\Windows\Options\Install or C:\Windows\Options (whichever directory contained the SETUP.EXE file) and ENTER
key in:
setup.exe
<ENTER>
Windows should now begin the reinstal process.......ensure that you opt for the Windows directory as the directory in which Windows ME will be installed.