Windows Millenium (ME)

First of all, I'm going to disrecommend the operating system, and do not plan to install it on any of my computers If you're buying a new computer, you'll probably have it preinstalled, though.

Why do I disrecommend it?

  • Unless you're a movie editor it has nothing to offer. (If you are you probably already own a Macintosh)
  • I've already received reports that its file-security features don't work
  • The MSDOS window under ME is not as supportive of DOS programs as 95 or 98
  • MSDOS mode has been eliminated, as has the ability to boot to command prompt BEFORE starting Windows.
  • It is the last product in the 95/98 line
  • Whistler, the next generation consumer AND business product, based on NT technology, will be out approximately Oct 2001
  • For those who want to upgrade anyway (I'd seriously suggest a dual boot) here's a summary:

  • Upgrade is supported from 95 or 98 ONLY
  • Other users may install it clean
  • If you're planning a multiple boot system (e. g. 2000 or linux), install ME FIRST
  • Real-mode DOS (required for some legacy games as well as Partition Magic and some other utility programs) is supported ONLY by booting from a floppy disk
  • In view of the above, I'd suggest a Win 95/98 user who has MS-DOS mode games and is considering an upgrade should do the following:

  • First make a boot floppy with SYS C:
  • Copy the autoexec.bat, config.sys and C:\Windows\Dosstart.bat files to it
  • Copy all relevant files referenced by any of the above to the floppy
  • On the floppy, change the relevant references in the autoexec.bat, config.sys and dosstart.bat to reflect the new locations on A:
  • On the floppy, append into autoexec.bat the contents of dosstart.bat
  • THEN go ahead and install ME. When you need the games, reboot to your floppy which will run them in 95/98 Command Prompt mode, which will come up automatically.
  • Will post more information as it becomes available to me.