Explorer won't leave me alone! 1

[renajb]

I am having fits again with my computer. I use Compu Serve as my internet service, but have Explorer on my computer. The other night a message popped up asking if I wanted to update Explorer, so I did. Then it took over my computer, controlling everything. When I tried to uninstall the update it kinda froze my computer, I had no desktop at all. I ended up having to re-load my Windows ME, just to get it back. Now I can't connect to the internet anymore from my keyboard, it tries to connect to Explorer even though CS is the default, and my computer is now REALLY slow. What can I do to un-do what I've done? Should I totally get rid of Explorer since I don't ever use it? My husband is really mad at me, so I would GREATLY appreciate any help or suggestions. Thanks.

 

[rtaylor]

Renajb...You are not able to remove Explorer at all...to do so would destroy ME. when you reinstalled ME, did you use recovery CD's like HP would supply or did you reinstall ME from a Microsoft ME setup disk? The problem with the keyboard is that you have to first install the drivers for it and second, go into its setup program, edit the button you want Compuserve to open on and tell it to open up the computeserve executable instead of the Explorer executable file.

since you reinstalled ME, you can't just go back to the way it was...you gotta start over from the beginning.

 

[renajb]

Is there something I can do to disable Explorer. My computer is SOOOO slow now, it's like Explorer or some other program or many programs are running in the background. I didn't know that the keyboard had drivers, would they be on the main HP disk? Also, how do I get to the keyboard setup program? Sorry to be so much trouble, but I really know nothing about this stuff, and am just wanting to learn. Thanks for all your help.

 

[SPYDERIX]

The reason your computer is so slow, is a known problem.

When you reload Windows ME, over top of your current OS, it makes your computer very unstable, and sometimes stops some programs from running alltogether. You may be experiencing system crashes a lot more now. Just another thing the Microsoft Team failed to notice when trying to create a new RUSH version of Windows.

My computer was also ("DESTROYED&quot when I removed Internet Explorer, I had to re-install Windows but was advised by my Technical Support Person (Dell Canada) that re-installing is just a way to still get into windows so that you can back up your data, and then re-format your hard-drive. Not what I wanted to here, nor are you I presume.

Also, one question for you is:
After re-installing did you goto : START-RUN-MSCONFIG and stop things from running at start-up? Could be a factor in slowing down Windows!

Basically the ball is in your court. Can you live with your computer being slow and slightly unstable, or is the best solution a complete format and new re-installation of windows? It's your choice. Leaving it could cause you more pain and suffering down the road, but I would recommend total format, and re-installation.

If someone else has a better idea, I would like to know the solution, because I am getting sick and tired of re-installing windows myself every time I screw things up.

But "renajb" try going to MSCONFIG first, and if it works then consider yourself very lucky, because everyone I know with Windows ME has nothing but problems.

Nate There is a solution to everything!
If something can't be done, then
it just means the solution has yet
to be discovered!

 

[renajb]

My husband was the one to re-install, but I don't think he went to the start-run-msconfig. I didn't uninstall Explorer, just the update. After going to the msconfig, what should I be looking for or doing, it is on selective start-up with all boxes checked. When you say re-format my hard drive, what does that do and how do I do it? I CAN NOT live with my computer being this slow. I am having problems with the back button only working on occasion, and when clicking on a link,(it does it in all web sites) it does nothing, you have to click it 5 or 6 times and then it takes about 2 to 3 minutes to start or get there. I am ready to throw this computer out the window. After this I'm afraid to try anything on it if this is what happens. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[SPYDERIX]

Don't throw your computer out the window.

I have spotted your problem with windows being slow. You sadi that all check boxes in msconfig (under start-up tab) are checked.

The only things needed for Windows ME start-up are:

ScanRegistry
PCHealth
System Tray
*StateMgr

and any virus protection programs that you use.

That will speed up your computer immensely.

You ask what I meant by "re-format hard drive" I mean: COMPLETELY ERASE EVERYTHING ON YOUR HARD DRIVE.

You will want to make a back-up of all your documents and any installer files that you downloaded from the net. I suggest burning that onto a CD, or uploading your stuff to your web server( if you have one) (it will only be on your web server temporarily.

How do you re-format? Quite an easy thing to do, but it takes a while (the last time I re-formatted and re-installed windows, and all my programs, it took 10 hours.) it all depends on how much stuff you have.

Please post back if you wish to re-format your hard-drive and erase everything and start over.

I will be writing a F.A.Q on this matter and will point you to it.

Nate There is a solution to everything!
If something can't be done, then
it just means the solution has yet
to be discovered!

 

[SPYDERIX]

I have now writen the instructions of how to re-install Windows ME.

faq748-1600

Hope this helps
Nate

If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!

 

[SPYDERIX]

Sorry that was the one for msconfig settings.

This is the one you want:
faq748-1599


Nate

If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!

 

[renajb]

I can't thank you enough!! My computer is so much faster now. Should I have anything checked for my internet server? There's something on there about CompuServe 2000 that I left checked, I didn't know if unchecking it would mess it up or not. Is there any other tips you can give me to speed up my internet surfing? Unfortuately, I am on dial-up modem and it's not too bad, but I am greedy and want it faster. Also, what is the MM tray? Again, thanks so much for your help.

~Rena~

 

[SPYDERIX]

The best way to check if (un-checking your compuserve thing) will work, is to try it. Chances are, it will work if you uncheck that box.

As in my msconfig faq, FAQ748-1600 , you ONLY need those four things checked, and your virus software. Nothing else SHOULD be needed.

Trial and error sometimes wins the cake. Give it a shot (un-checking it) and if it still works then you're laughing. If not then (re-check it).

Glad to here you found my info useful and or helpful.


Nate

If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!