How to Install Windows Millennium Edition in a New Folder (277648)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
This article was previously published under Q277648

SUMMARY

This article describes how to install Windows Millennium Edition (Me) in a new folder on the default C:\ partition. This method preserves the System Restore Data Store.

MORE INFORMATION

When you upgrade Microsoft Windows to Windows Me, you may not be able to install Windows Me to a folder that is different from the existing Windows folder. However, it may be necessary to install Windows Me in a new folder if:
  • You are troubleshooting hardware or software issues.
  • Your computer has damaged or missing files.
  • The Windows registry is damaged.
When you install Windows Me in a new folder, Windows Setup ignores the previously installed programs and registry settings.

To install Windows Me in a new folder:
  1. Start Windows Me to the Emergency Boot Disk or Startup disk, and then click with CD-ROM support on the Start menu.
  2. Change to the CD-ROM drive, and then verify that the contents of the Windows Me CD-ROM are present.
  3. Type C: to change to the C drive, and then press ENTER.
  4. Type MD OldRoot, and then press ENTER.
  5. Type Attrib -r -h -s C:\*.*, and then press ENTER.
  6. Type Attrib -h _Restore, and then press ENTER.
  7. Type Move C:\*.* C:\OldRoot, and then press ENTER.
  8. Type Ren _Restore OldRest, and then press ENTER.
  9. Type Ren Progra~1 OldProg, and then press ENTER.
  10. Type Ren Windows OldWin, and then press ENTER.
  11. Type E:\Setup, where "E" is the drive letter for the CD-ROM drive, and then press ENTER.
  12. When you are prompted to enter a folder to install Windows in, click Other Directory.
  13. Type C:\Windows for the folder that you want to install Windows in.
  14. Remove the Emergency Boot Disk from the floppy drive.
To restore the previous installation:
  1. Start Windows Me to the Emergency Boot Disk (enter Minimal Boot).
  2. Type C: to change to the C drive, and then press ENTER.
  3. Type Attrib -r Progra~1, and then press ENTER.
  4. Type Ren Progra~1 NewProg, and then press ENTER.

    NOTE: It is not recommended that you use "Program" as the folder name.
  5. Restart the computer to Safe mode.
  6. Double-click My Computer, and then double-click C drive.
  7. Rename the OldProg folder to "Program Files".
  8. Restart Windows Me to the Emergency Boot Disk (enter Minimal Boot).
  9. Type C: to change to the C drive, and then press ENTER.
  10. Type MD NewRoot, and then press ENTER.
  11. Type Attrib -r -h -s *.*, and then press ENTER.
  12. Type Attrib -r -h -s _Restore, and then press ENTER.
  13. Type Move C:\*.* C:\NewRoot, and then press ENTER.
  14. Type Ren _Restore NewRest, and then press ENTER.
  15. Type Move C:\OldRoot\*.* C:\, and then press ENTER.
  16. Type Ren OldRest _Restore, and then press ENTER.
  17. Type Ren Windows NewWin, and then press ENTER.
  18. Type Ren OldWin Windows, and then press ENTER.
  19. Remove the Windows Me Emergency Boot Disk.
  20. Restart the computer.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/14/2006
Keywords:kbhowto kbsetup KB277648
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