Unable to load Windows ME

[pdltfc]

I am using Windows ME on an IBM laptop computer. I installed this system several weeks ago and haven't had any problems until today. When I boot up, Windows ME comes up on the screen then it brings up the box for a password. Then comes the problem an error message indicating that explorer has caused an error in GDI 32dll. Explorer will now close. If you continue to experience this problem try restarting your computer. After the message is closed or x'd out all I have is a blue screen and an arrow. I have tried restarting the computer several types but receive the same message and it fails to load any further. I did install and use Norton Systemworks 2003 today and used it toscan the system and repair any errors. I don't know if this cause the problem but can someone tell me how I can get it to load. Thanks for your help.

[Vickip]

When you typed the dll file...did you accidently type it as GDI 32dll.? I am going to assume so..

I went to microsoft...and aside from wiping out your system and starting new, you might want to try restoring the registry to a previous successful start date, or replacing the file with a new one from your WinME disk. I would try the registry fix first. It's virtually painless..

click on link below if you need directions on how to restore registry.
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;221512


Replace file by using Startup Disk

To start your computer with CD-ROM support, and then extract files, follow these steps:

{Note; if your bios is set up to boot off of the Hdd or cdrom first, you will need to go into bios and change it to boot from floppy first.}

1. Insert the Windows Millennium Edition startup disk into drive A, and start your computer.
2. When the Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition Startup menu appears, click Start computer with CD-ROM support.

Note: IF you purchased your computer with Windows Millennium Edition installed, the cabinet files may be installed in the Windows\Options\Install folder: IF these files are on your computer, you do not have to have CD-ROM support at this step, and you can extract the files that you must have from the Windows\Options\Install folder. Click Start computer without CD-ROM support, and then continue to step 4 without using step 3.

3. Insert the Windows Millennium Edition CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.
4. At the command prompt, type ext, press ENTER, and then follow the instructions on the screen.
IF

Hope you get it fixed! Vicki

[pdltfc]

Vicki, thanks for you reply. I will try what you have suggested first before wiping out the system. Can you offer any suggestions or links for this? Thanks again I'll let you know. Have you ever heard of Norton system works causing this type of ptoblem after using it to defrag?

[S.D.Willie]

just my 02 cents. i used norton system works a few years ago and never like the results so i stopped using it. there are better registry cleaners and defragging programs out there like system mechanic and diskkeeper.

SD

[Vickip]

I dont know of anyone having trouble with that particular Norton App, but it wouldnt surprise me...Have you checked on Norton's site to see if this has been an issue? I know there are other softwares that will replace a microsoft file with one of thier own, (legitimate Apps..not just virus) But the GDI32.dll is a core component, so I kinda doubt it.
You will probably have to replace the file from your ME disk, but I would definitely try restoring the registry first...

NOTE: you must be set up in the bios to boot from your floppy first...usually you just hit the "delete" key to get into bios...but sometimes proprietary computers such as Compaq, Ibm, HP, etc..use the F10 key. If neither work, I would just keep trying every "F" key until it works...Do this immediately as it starts to boot..

(I took the below directions directly off the microsoft site..since I dont have ME, I wanted to be sure)


"If you are running Windows Me, start your computer with the startup disk.
At the MS-DOS prompt, type cd\windows\command, and then press ENTER.

At the C: prompt, type scanreg /restore, and then press ENTER.
Select the previous registry you want to restore, and then press ENTER.NOTE: A properly working registry has the word "Started" next to the date.

When you receive notification that you restored a properly working registry, press ENTER to restart your computer."


If that doesnt work, then follow the steps I listed in my first reply to manually extract the gdi32.dll file from your ME disk to your system...

Again...good luck, and I will check back later to see if you need some more help...

Vicki

[Martoch]

Originally posted by pdltfc
Unable to load Windows ME

Are you saying that's a bad thing?


I totally agree, using NSW to do your regcleaning is a baaaaad idea!

Here's a link to Registry Mechanic.

[pdltfc]

Thanks for all your replies but I have one more question. I had installed the ME upgrade over 98SE I was told that I could uninstall the ME and still be able to use the 98SE that I had installed over. This is also not suppose to uninstall any drivers or files that were used with the 98 E. I have tried the registry and the start up without success. I have also tried starting in the safe mode using the ME upgrade CD Rom support. I will try your last suggestion Viki. If you have heard or know of unistalling the ME please advise. Thanks again

[Vickip]

Here's a link that just might fix your prob...as long as you have an ME boot disk...click on the link below, and start reading at the very bottom of the title, "Symptons"...in black text, you will see a reference to the GDI32.dll file... It appears that a second party file did in fact replace the microsoft one...

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;275003

Network Associates has made a patch file for it...but read microsoft page all the way through before proceeding...


I have one more link (maybe) coming to you on my next post...as there is still a chance this will not apply to your situation.

[Vickip]

Okay...I read the microsoft page, and unless you have one of the Mcaffee products listed there, you do not have to download the patch file.

Also, this does seem to be a problem with disk defragging...

Norton isnt listed, but a defrag is a defrag so...I would still try replacing the 3 files that are listed there...after all, it couldnt hurt! and it sounds fairly simple to do it..

Let me know how it turns out..Vicki

[pdltfc]

Thanks to all who replied to my problem. a special thanks to Vicki for all the reasearch and suggestions. I tried them all with the exception of the last one making referrence to anti virus. I uninstalled the ME upgrade that I had installed a month ago. It Still had 98 SE. This worked fine and I didn't loose any of my files.
Thanks again to all.