What was your biggest problem with Windows ME?


Recommended Posts

Dunno if I've already chimed in or not earlier, but I never had much of a problem with Windows ME. I didn't use it all that much (as most of my PCs went from 98 -> XP), but when I did use it... It worked fine, for all the things that I needed it to do.

I never had Windows ME myself (did use it slightly on a friends computer). I have used (on home computers) Windows 3.1, Windows NT 3.5/4.0, Windows 95/98, 2000, XP, Server 2003, Vista, Server 2008 R2, and am currently using Windows 7. But from what I saw on my friends computer, he seemed to have a lot of problems with it (random blue screens from what I remember).

I didn't have any problems with it, but it was definitely flaky if you didn't make sure everything in your computer was on the HCL. It also came out at a time when OEMs were using the cheapest junk they could get. Combining those was like mixing oil and water.

It was just a weird mix of an OS.

- The Win9x kernel was already used for too long. Why drag it out longer?

- Focus should have stayed on 98SE. That actually brought new kernel features to the Win9x platform such as WDM drivers, still in use today.

- Microsoft themselves made this even more apparent by abandoning it so quickly. They stretched Windows 95 for 3 years, but then rapid fired Windows 98 (98), Windows 98SE (99), Windows Me (00), and then Windows XP (01) out the door.

- It was still a DOS-based OS and had all the limitations of a DOS-based OS, but they tried to hide the DOS-based part of the OS, preventing any of the positives of a DOS-based OS (real mode for old games).

- Just enough was changed to cause issues with some drivers. This was a hard target to hit for developers. It usually takes a year for decent drivers to be made. Developers were just getting around to supporting 98SE fully by the time Windows XP came out.

Driver support for Windows Me eventually matured enough right before all support for it was dropped. Most people were already using XP by the time good Me drivers came out.

For being a Win9x OS, it isn't bad with matured Me drivers.

High color tray icons, decent high-color icon set and Windows 2000 color scheme. I'd still rather use Windows 98SE if I were forced to use a Win9x OS.

  • 5 years later...

nevr had any trouble with it, but I had decent hardware.  AMD chips run it better than intel also.   most any AMD chip even the lowly 486dx66 or dx100 will do ME stable as long as you have a snappy hdd and at least 32mb of ram bare minimum. and a VLB (486) 3d accelerated graphics card.  I reccomend a k6-iii 400mhz or better, at least 256mb ram, and a 4mb AGP card. 
For optimum results, use an AthlonXP or Athlonxp-M of 1.2ghz or better, 384mb ram and a radeon x850 AGP card, and of course a good responsive hdd with the lowest latency and largest cache (8 or 16mb typically max for IDE but seen some with 32).  this system will be rock solid, assuming you also use a hardware-controller based NIC, and soundcard, and it will absolutely fly through anything 9x would run.  Athlon XP-M 1.6ghz, 384mb ddr400, radeonx850 AGP and win ME feels as snappy as my brand new fx-8350 does running win 7.

 

your right vista aint ME2, ME works right if yu have good parts. Vista lags and nags. though to be fair a lot of the early troubles that plagued vista were also responsible for giving ME a bad rep since in both cases hardware support took time to mature. the trouble is, ME matured, Vista didn't. Thats why MS had to redesign the core to make 7. that said, if given a choice between only being allowed those two, I would pick ME over vista every time.   I would pick 7 over all microsoft os's though and thats what I mainly use.  I still run ME on the athlon-xp machine for games, and on a VM for apps, and no troubles, but I love win7 and will keep using it for years.  Honestly 10 will probably be the new ME, because it introduces so much new stuff hardware will have to catch up. I just hope its as solid as 7 once drivers and software mature though.

It felt so new, it was great, that start up window introducing you to Windows. I set a new start up screen, installed my things and connected it to internet. Wow!
In one week my PC restarted 21 times but I still kept that OS for a while.

 

ScanDisk anyone lol

Could never get it to boot on my Celeron (533mhz??) - Diamond Stealth graphics card I THINK, I can't remember, that box was a POS. I remember getting it to boot without graphics drivers, but once they came on, over and out. 

 

Mind you, I was dual booting with NT4 at the time. 

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Started implementing weapons! Here's a little sneak peek! 👀 Everything was done inside of Unreal Engine using Control Rig!
    • Keep in mind Intuit has lobbied like crazy to keep taxes complicated so they can continue to sell tax software. They also got caught hiding their legally mandated free version so they could release a second one that pushed countless people into charges they didn't need to pay to file. Intuit leads the charge on inventing problems so they can sell you the solution and disrespecting you in the process.
    • Oddly, there was a time that UFC games were culturally relevant, largely because of the graphics and gameplay that was different than the norm. But it seems like as the sport grew in popularity, gaming outlets stopped talking about the games.
    • Microsoft Edge 149.0.4022.69 by Razvan Serea Microsoft Edge is a super fast and secure web browser from Microsoft. It works on almost any device, including PCs, iPhones and Androids. It keeps you safe online, protects your privacy, and lets you browse the web quickly. You can even use it on all your devices and keep your browsing history and favorites synced up. Built on the same technology as Chrome, Microsoft Edge has additional built-in features like Startup boost and Sleeping tabs, which boost your browsing experience with world class performance and speed that are optimized to work best with Windows. Microsoft Edge security and privacy features such as Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, Password Monitor, InPrivate search, and Kids Mode help keep you and your loved ones protected and secure online. Microsoft Edge has features to keep both you and your family protected. Enable content filters and access activity reports with your Microsoft Family Safety account and experience a kid-friendly web with Kids Mode. The new Microsoft Edge is now compatible with your favorite extensions, so it’s easy to personalize your browsing experience. Microsoft Edge 149.0.4022.69 changelog: Fixed an issue that caused the Downloads dialog to continue displaying the "Keep/Delete" prompt for .rdp files after the download completed. Stable channel security updates are listed here. Download: Microsoft Edge (64-bit) | 193.0 MB (Freeware) Download: Microsoft Edge (32-bit) | 170.0 MB Download: Microsoft Edge (ARM64) | 188.0 MB View: Microsoft Edge Website | Release History Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • Save 44% on Intuit QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2024 (1 User for 1-Year) by Steven Parker Today's highlighted deal comes via our Apps + Software section of the Neowin Deals store, where for only a limited time, you can save 44% on Intuit QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2024 (1 User + 1 Year) for Windows. Take control of your business finances with Intuit® QuickBooks® Desktop Pro Plus 2024 Lifetime Activation for Windows. This powerful accounting software simplifies bookkeeping, expense tracking, invoicing, and financial management—all in one intuitive platform. Designed for small business owners, freelancers, and accountants, QuickBooks® Desktop Pro Plus 2024 ensures accuracy, efficiency, and seamless transaction tracking. Stay organized, save time, and manage your finances with confidence—no subscriptions, just lifetime access! Financial and business management Comprehensive Financial Management: Gain access to a full suite of features designed to handle everything from creating invoices & managing expenses to generating reports and tracking sales. Enhanced Reporting Tools: Generate professional reports & insights to make informed financial decisions and help you stay ahead of your business goals. Job Costing: Track the profitability of specific jobs or projects. Fixed Asset Management: Track the depreciation & value of fixed assets. Customer & Vendor Management: Organize information, streamline communication & enhance customer relations. Sales Order Processing: Create & manage sales orders from start to finish. Purchase Order Processing: Create & manage purchase orders to streamline vendor payments. Improved Inventory Management: Enhanced features for tracking inventory levels & costs. Automation, integration, and support Enhanced Bank Feeds: Web Connect (manual QBO imports), works on all licenses for easier bank reconciliation Time Tracking: Track employee time to accurately calculate payroll and project costs Easy Data Import: Quickly transfer financial data from Excel or older QuickBooks® versions Why choose Intuit® QuickBooks® Desktop Pro Plus 2024? Effortless Installation: Quick and easy setup with step-by-step guidance. No Hidden Costs: One-time payment—no subscriptions or recurring fees. Direct Official Download: Access the software securely from the official QuickBooks® website. Stay Up to Date: Get the latest updates and features for optimal performance. Multilingual Support: Available in multiple languages to suit your needs. Lifetime Access: A one-time purchase means no ongoing costs. IMPORTANT: Cloud integrations (QuickBooks Payments, TurboTax, and Online logins) are NOT included. Good to know: Length of access: lifetime Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase Access options: Windows Max number of device(s): 2 (for 1 user only and can't be used simultaneously) Version: 2024 (United States) 64-bit Available to both NEW and EXISTING users For US customers only Updates included An Intuit QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2024 (1 User + 1-Year) for Windows: Lifetime License normally costs $536, but it can be yours for just $299.99 for a limited time, a saving of $236. There are also other plans available. For specifications, and license info please click the link below. Get Intuit QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2024 for just $299.99 This is a time limited deal For US customers only. Support queries If you have queries or need support for any of the Neowin Deals, please use the contact form here. Neowin Deals are managed and sold by StackCommerce who represent Neowin on an affiliate basis. Why we post these deals We post these because we earn commission on each sale so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. So for those that keep moaning and complaining, be thankful we're still online for you to even do that. Other ways to support Neowin Whitelist Neowin by not blocking our ads Create a free member account to see fewer ads Make a donation to support our day to day running costs Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: Neowin benefits from revenue of each sale made through our branded deals site powered by StackCommerce.
  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      agatameier earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      agatameier earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      ssd21345 earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Contributor
      MarkHughes4096 went up a rank
      Contributor
    • Dedicated
      jordanspringer earned a badge
      Dedicated
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      507
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      175
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      139
    4. 4
      ATLien_0
      90
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      76
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!