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Passionfruit

Windows XP and Windows Me?

For those of you who knows computers, I know this is going to sound like a stupid question, but is there a big difference? The reason I am asking is because I need a reinstallation CD for Windows XP but only found the reinstallation CD for WMe, and my question is, can I use the WMe reinstallation CD instead on the Windows XP laptop? It's my mom's Dell laptop. If I cannot, can I get a copy of it from Dell or Microsoft if I tell them the ID that is on the laptop? I utilized some registry cleaner softwares because my mom had some viruses in her laptop, and it probably erased something it shouldn't have, it takes 20 minutes for the browser homepage to open, so I figured it would be easiest to use the reinstall CD. I would do the "undo" feature except there are no records for me to undo. Thanks so much in advance to everyone!
6 answer(s)

Nathan W

Best Answer:
It is possible to use the WIndows ME reinstall CD and reinstall Windows ME. However if you install Windows ME you won't be able to download any software for it, it is so obsolete that it won't run any new programs. I would not recommend installing Windows ME

The PC manufacturer should allow you to order a recovery CD for a reasonable price you can use this to reinstall XP

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zqert988	Next time as soon as your computer is up and running create a restore point right that second. Put the cd in, all it is going to say is that the operating that is installed is newer than the one you are trying to install. Won't work unless you format the computer. Don't put WinME on it, that os was garbage, get the winxp cd or vista.

bruce p	go xp for whatever cost it's THE best! just do it, don't stop till you do , you wont regret it , i prom.

Nick H	Windows XP is the newer version of Windows (Vista being the newest) ME is 1 or 2 versions back and will have less features and will look different then XP. You can use either one if she doesn't mind the fact that it's an older copy of Windows. I'm sure Dell tech support could ship you another copy of the CD if you called them but that could take a while to ship.

† Oh yeah	That is not a good idea. Window Me is outdated, either buy a new Windows XP/Vista disk or try contacting dell to see if they will ship you another one. Windows XP - http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicatio ns/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=11 04427&CatId=672 Windows Vista - http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicatio ns/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=37 00750&CatId=3778 If you are familiar with Linux you can always install one of their many distributions for free. Ubuntu - http://www.ubuntu.com/

Chaosx_vaio	Well, it all depends. XP is probably going to be the most reccomended OS to try and get a hold of, but WinMe isn't that bad, infact it's based on W2k, which is XP's granddad in a way, but it will involve formatting the hard disk, and there may not be support for DVD drives (i got the same problem with Win2k on an XP machine) I would suggest that you try to get XP, like everyone else.

Nathan W	It is possible to use the WIndows ME reinstall CD and reinstall Windows ME. However if you install Windows ME you won't be able to download any software for it, it is so obsolete that it won't run any new programs. I would not recommend installing Windows ME The PC manufacturer should allow you to order a recovery CD for a reasonable price you can use this to reinstall XP

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