How easy is it to remove Windows ME?

[ille_pugil42]

I'm looking at a new laptop (Dell Dimension 3800), but it comes with ME - (GAG!) How do I remove it? Is it similar to 98 to remove (fdisk and format, right?)

Anything special I should know going into this?

[Marcel2008]

boot up from startup disk and type : "format c: /q"

that's all :D

next, install linux :p

[ille_pugil42]

good to hear, thanks

[willk]

...with a DELL, COMPAQ, GATEWAY...be aware, you do something like that and your warrenty is null and void.

[eXtremist]

Originally posted by willk:
<STRONG>...with a DELL, COMPAQ, GATEWAY...be aware, you do something like that and your warrenty is null and void.</STRONG>

Are you serious? What a load of crap! I'll never buy from them guys!

[Aikidoka]

What did you expect? All those resellers have contracts with Microsoft. What they do is create this "rescue disk" that has windows and all the software so if you mess it up then all you have to do is put the rescue disk on your laptop and bingo, back to the original configuration. If you install linux, beos, or anything else I doubt you can call them with a tech support question, but if you do just don't mention you are running linux (mainly for hardware issues).

[jenbass]

Windows ME stinks, we just got it at work unfortunately. :(

[ille_pugil42]

I didn't plan to have any sw support that way, just hardware. I'm going to call up their tech tonight and see 1. how smart/resourceful they are and 2. how they'll support me with hardware issues. Thanks for the responses!

[jscott]

Unless you plan on putting another version of Windows on the drive, skip the format. Just use cfdisk or fdisk during your linux install. I mean you need to create the at least a / and swap partitions of linux anyhoo.

[ille_pugil42]

since it will be for school (and programming some in VB) I'll have a small win98 partition, I'll need to do both fdisk and format.

[willk]

I do most of the contract service work for DELL and others here in Cody...most of them do some really strange things...COMPAQ and DELL are probably the worst. HP, inspite of the really **** HW package they put together, really makes it the easiest on the consumer and service tech.
Most use some kind of restore image..with most it is a matter of poping in the restore CD and answering a few questions and zip-zap back to factory specs...minus all your personal stuff.
DELL puts the restore image on a hidden partition on the HD...uh, whats wrong with this picture?

[ille_pugil42]

that's really reassuring :) Oh well, I don't want win ME or any of the other bundled crap. The hardware for the price ain't bad tho.

[Molecule Man]

You might also check with some independent retailers. Some will sell a notebook sans os and extra cost for said os, though they don't list this on thier website. Typically these notebooks are they same ones that Dell or IBM sell, without the software bundles they include.

[ille_pugil42]

where would I find these retailers ? (webpages? Names?)

Thanks everyone for all the input!

[twofoolish2b]

Before you format, have some fun with Windows ME. Try this deltree /y c:\windows then reboot and see what happens. :D

[MBMarduk]

Originally posted by ille_pugil42:
<STRONG>I'm looking at a new laptop (Dell Dimension 3800), but it comes with ME - (GAG!)
Anything special I should know going into this?</STRONG>

Well, you can get a REFUND for the M$ POS software...here: http://www.linuxmall.com/refund/

[noblestknight]

I have a DELL inspiron 5000 and its a great LINUX notebook. Dell supports LINUX and it doesnt void your warranty if you delete windows and install LINUX. Dell is supposed to be a supporter or LINUX. I dont know about that hidden partition thing either. Compaq does that, but I dont think Dell does at least they didnt last september when I got my laptop. They gave me a w2k disk and a system restore disk.