Corrupt Systems.ini file - I think.

Lyncroft

On Windows Millenium.
Problem with the system.ini file I think. Whenever I boot up I have to deticck the box on the msconfig page so that the system.ini files aren't processed (sorry computer at home therefore a bit vague). Unless I do this the mouse doesn't work.

Anyway, so I've got the computer working with the mouse which is good but I can't change the screen settings/resolutions at all. It's stuck on 640x480 and lots of the colours don't work. I go to the settings tab on display properties but as soon as I click on it the screen goes black.

I have no boot up disks or even a copy of Windows ME. I'm thinking it's a question of getting the right info into the system.ini file but not having much luck on the internet. Any ideas?

startrekker

this microsoft article should sort you out

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/273738/

pchelpman

Lyncroft .... a related comment ... get yourself on to XP. Well worth it. I bought a copy at a local computer fair recently for £60.

albertross_2

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsME/using/computerhealth/articles/systemrestore.asp

Lyncroft

Cheers for the replies. I'll spend many hours trying to sort it out tonight.

Last night after about 5 hours I thought I may as well try to upgrade to XP using the disc I've been ignoring for about 6 months! Typically, the computers so knackered it won't let me upgrade now. Take your point entirely. Own fault.

Thanks again.

Lyncroft

Sorry, forgot to mention the system restore doesn't work. Don't know why. I remember looking into it a few months back just in case and despite setting it to work (can't remember where the setting is) it always reverts back to disabled. B*llocks.

albertross_2

If you can get to the system.ini file, then you could try commenting each line out with a ; one by one, to try and find the offending line, it could also be a registry corruption, corrupt display driver etc.

pchelpman

Lyncroft wrote:

I thought I may as well try to upgrade to XP using the disc I've been ignoring for about 6 months! Typically, the computers so knackered it won't let me upgrade now

Is it just an "upgrade" disk or a fresh one you could install on to a reformatted hard drive? I'm thinking you might reformat your hard drive, install XP then reinstall everything else afresh.

Just a thought.

PCH

Lyncroft

Hi PC

It's just an upgrade but as you say I'm sure I can get a full version from somewhere (ebay if all else fails). I'll have a look tonight. I was starting to think that it was time I had a new computer but to be honest I don't need one and this one's been fine for 6 years so I'm reluctant to splash the cash. Thanks for your advice.

Lyncroft

Hi Albertross

Yes, I can get to the system.ini file. I'll have a ferret around tonight and see how I can get on. I can feel another 5 hour stretch coming my way lol!

Cheers

gavsto2005

Lyn, post your system.ini and I'll have a look through it - also run the windows me disk checker, it fixes corrupt files and may fix it.