backing up an OS

[Dionysus]

I have a question not really related to encoding/capturing etc... but I didn't know where else to look for an answer as quick as possible, so here goes:

I just formatted my laptop computer and I'm trying to put on XP but I think the copy I got from my dads work (his IT copied it for him but they are running on NT) is an upgrade version cuz i've tried loading it onto my laptop but it keeps on telling me there are some files missing. So my question is, how do I make a copy of Windows ME from my desktop computer so that I can reload my laptop with this OS and then "upgrade" to XP once I have that OS on it.

It was asking me if I wanted to upgrade before I formatted it and now that i have it won't load onto the computer...

If anyone can give me some insight into what I'm trying to do it would be greatly appreciated.

ps I've formatted tons of computers but I have never run into this problem EVER otherwise I wouldn't be posting a fairly irrelevant post on this website.

thanks ppl.

[ChristianHJW]

Most upgrade versions simply want to find any installed Windows version before they start installing, or sometimes they are even happy if you insert a installation CD of a previous version in the CD drive ..

[Dionysus]

thanks for the reply Christian, but that's my problem you see, I lent my windows copy out to a friend and yea, haven't/won't be able to get it back in time, and I know you can make copies of an OS on a current system to install on other systems, as in my case, but i've never had to do it and now I'm in dire need of a crash course in this shit therefore I'm hoping someone will reach out and either send me in the right direction or take some of their valuable time and briefly tell me. I would dl one from kazaa or some other gay ass P2P shit but you can't trust that junk anymore to get quality dl's cuz some ppl think it's funny to "f" others around :devil: . anyways that's not the point, so if you know how to or anyone else does please reply.

thanks again.

[Kb_cruncher]

how do I make a copy of Windows ME from my desktop computer so that I can reload my laptop with this OS and then "upgrade" to XP once I have that OS on it.

You don't have to, Windows ME always keeps a copy of the installation files in the windows directory.Copy all files from C:\windows\Options\Install to your laptop or burn them to a cd and have a boot floppy ready.At the dos prompt type C:\setup (or what ever drive letter your HD or optical drive is).

[Dionysus]

well I got a little further this time with your reply Kb but this is what I come up with when I get to that point... I have my ME bootdisk and I have the cd that you told me to copy those INSTALL files to:

so the computer boots etc and I select START COMPUTER W/ CD-ROM SUPPORT

loads a bunch of stuff...

PREPARING TO START YOUR COMPUTER
THIS MAY TAKE...

TOOLS WERE SUCCESSFULLY LOADED TO DRIVE D:

then I type C:

C:\SETUP or SETUP.EXE
or(as the help file says)
E:\(cdrom drive)SETUP or SETUP.EXE

and both times I try that it says Bad Command or File Name

NOTE: here are the files on my cd that I've copied from my desktop:

CCPORT.SYS
HCUPDATE
HELPCTR
IFSMGR.VXD
PCHSETUP
SMGR.DLL
SSCPAPI.DLL
SSDPSRY
UPNP.DLL
VSERVER.VXD
XENROLL.DLL

I hope I've given enough info to give you a better idea of where I'm stuck at and if I haven't let me know...

Thanks again bro.

[khotoo]

Dion.. I don't understand . You are loading the files from boot disk, and they are where ?

Probably in memory or drive D: ?

did you get a prompt to load OS on Drive , that you typed C: ?

why not run the setup.exe where ever it is , and then let it ask you where and on which drive to install OS .

I don't see Setup.exe in the list of files that is why DOS is giving 'Bad command ' in reply .

Try to repeat the process.

[Kb_cruncher]

You need to check C:\Windows\options\Install folder.Right click it and see what the size is, it should be around 180Mb or so from memory and hold all installation files.There should be a lot more files in that folder than you have listed.If there is not then not all installation files are there.

Just to be sure i am not mistaken(i have not used ME in a long time)are there any other folders in C:\Windows\options or C:\Windows\options\Install ?? and if so what are there names and sizes ? Look in all folder inside C:\Windows\options\ and see if the SETUP.EXE is there.

[Dionysus]

your the man Kb, it finally worked, I took the whole OPTIONS folder and burnt it onto the cd inwhich I found the setup.exe and it is currently under progress of loading... but now my question is and maybe I won't need it but where does windows store it's serial number for their OS once you've got it loaded onto one computer. OR do they even store the serial number for that version on the computer once you load it?? let me know...

thanks again bro, you saved me hours of time.

[dani82]

i don't quite understand by "loading", but for me (i mean me, and not the OS ME, but still the same) TuneUp Utilites 2k3 tells me my key code or RUN -> regedit HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion

[Kb_cruncher]

Hey, no problem.Glad to help.That folder has saved me a few times.Its a great idea to keep a copy of the install files.

I am not sure about the product key.dani82 suggested program sounds like it will give you the key.If you don't have any luck post back and i'll try and find something.

PS. yes, you will need the key:rolleyes: