At A Glance
Details
13-Jan-2004 – Microsoft extends end of life to Jun-30-2006
31-Dec-2003 – Microsoft Entering extended support phase no support after Dec-2004, no or online self-help after Dec-2005
1-Jan-2001 Volume Licensing to End
In an effort to force corporations to switch to the more expensive Windows 2000, Microsoft announced it is ending volume licensing of Windows Me on March 1, 2001.[Infoworld, Page 15]
14-Sep-2000 Windows Me Available
First retail units available.
1-May-2000 Missing Windows CD
Microsoft has changed the OEM policies for including Windows Me on a new computer. In most cases, to get the OEM pricing, computer manufacturers are not allowed to provide a Windows CD-ROM as has been done in the past. This means if your hard disk is corrupted, you have to buy a new full copy of Windows! Some manufacturers do include a recovery CD-ROM, with some, but not all of Windows files found on a normal Windows install CD. Often these “recovery” CD’s will erase everything and start over with an image of the system as it was first shipped. [Infoworld, page 101]
Requirements
535-645 MB (New install, FAT16 partition, 2 GB and under)
480-535 MB (New install, FAT32 partition, over 2 GB)
Windows 32-bit programs
Windows VxD device drivers
DOS programs, 100% native, while Windows is not running
DOS programs in a “DOS box” while Windows is running, compatibility excellent
DOS device drivers
Must be installed on a primary partition on the first drive. See Secrets section below for complete installations on other than the first drive. About 4 MB of boot up code must reside on the C drive, but all remaining files can be installed in any drive (primary or logical, any physical drive).
For system with more than 512 MB of RAM, to avoid instabilities it is necessary to use run MSCONFIG, select Advanced, and set the option “Limit memory to” on, with a value of 512.
Upgrade edition – upgrades Windows 95/98 to Windows Me.
Full edition – includes boot diskette and can be installed on a blank drive
OEM edition – installation depends on part on how an OEM configures the installation. In most cases, the OEM edition will install safely on top of a prior installation of Windows Me, but will erase the entire first hard drive and put a fresh install of Windows Me if Windows Me is not detected.
First edition – Released:14-Sep-2000
Microsoft Windows Me Solution Center
Developers
Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052 USA
Phone 1-206-635-7000 (support)
Web: www.microsoft.com
Easter Eggs
Installation Not on the First Drive
Uncommon Keyboard Shortcuts
Upgrade price: $109.00 (upgrade from Windows 95/98)