Microsoft KB Archive/262921

= Windows Millennium Edition General.txt File Contents =

Article ID: 262921

Article Last Modified on 1/27/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition

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This article was previously published under Q262921



SUMMARY
This article contains a copy of the information that is contained in the General.txt file included with Windows Millennium Edition (Me). The General.txt file provides complementary or late-breaking information on a wide variety of topics to supplement the Windows Me documentation.

Setup copies the General.txt file to the Windows folder. It is useful to review this information before you install Windows Me.



MORE INFORMATION
- Microsoft Windows Millennium README for General Information June 2000 -

(c) Copyright Microsoft Corporation, 1999

This document provides complementary or late-breaking information to supplement the Microsoft Windows Millennium (Windows Me) documentation.

HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT

To view General.txt on-screen in Notepad, maximize the Notepad window.

To print General.txt, open it in Notepad or another word processor, and then on the File menu, click Print.

CONTENTS

STARTUP PROBLEMS

APPLETS

LARGE DISK SUPPORT (FAT32)

DRIVERS

PAN-EUROPEAN - KNOWN ISSUES

USING ACCESSIBILITY SHORTCUTS IN HELP

LOGITECH WHEEL MOUSE

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STARTUP PROBLEMS

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System Detection Error - BIOS Could Lead to Data Loss -

If your computer displays the following message:

System Detection

Your computer uses a BIOS that could lead to data loss if you run Windows Me.

Please update the BIOS before installing Windows Me. For more information, contact your computer manufacturer.

You can still install Windows Me by following the procedure below.

NOTE: Microsoft takes no responsibility for any damage that may result from this operation.

1. Copy the contents of the Windows Me  CD-ROM to your hard disk.

2. At the Command prompt, type:

extract precopy2.cab msdet.inf

3. At the command prompt, type:

edit msdet.inf

4. On the Search menu, select Find.

5. In the Find What box, type:

[BadDSBios]

6. Select Find Now.

7. Insert a semicolon before each of the two lines following the [BadDSBios] heading.

8. Save your changes, and then run Setup again.

APPLETS

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HyperTerminal: Known Problems and General Information -

- When it receives a file, HyperTerminal cannot determine whether the disk is full.

- In File Transfer, HyperTerminal does not send files with attributes marked as System or Hidden.

ScanDisk: Special Handling of Characters from Different Code Pages ---

- If you have created or named files or folders while using different code pages, ScanDisk may report errors about these files or the folders they reside in. Open the ScanDisk Advanced dialog box and make sure the check box for Check files for invalid file names is cleared. Turning off this option may inhibit the program's ability to detect or repair seriously damaged folders.

LARGE DISK SUPPORT (FAT32)

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Introduction

Windows Me includes support for an enhanced version of the FAT file system, FAT32, that supports drives up to 2 terabytes (approximately 2,000 GB). It also allocates space on the drive in smaller units (called clusters) than did earlier versions of FAT, resulting in more efficient use of space on the drive.

This section addresses some of the known issues with FAT32 and answers some of the questions you might have.

Compatibility -

FAT32 is designed to be fully compatible with existing computers and programs designed to run on earlier versions of MS-DOS and Windows. However, some older disk utilities may need to be updated in order to work with FAT32 drives. The system tools contained with Windows Me, including ScanDisk, Backup, and Disk Defragmenter, fully support FAT32 drives. FAT32 drives cannot be compressed by using DriveSpace, however.

In addition, operating systems other than Windows 95 version 4.00.950 B, Windows 98, or Windows 2000 are unable to access information stored on FAT32 drives. This includes the original version of Windows 95, Windows NT version 4.0 and earlier, and previous versions of MS-DOS and Windows.

Windows Me does support accessing FAT32 drives in MS-DOS mode. In addition, FAT32 drives can be shared over a network and accessed by remote computers in the same way as older-style FAT drives, even if the remote computers don't support FAT32.

Known Problems --

Running Interlink on a FAT32 drive --

If you are running Interlink as a server on a FAT32 drive, all connections and inquiries (such as DIR) result in the following error message: &quot;File allocations table bad, Drive X.&quot; Also, the Interlink &quot;manager&quot; shows the incorrect total drive size.

This problem does not occur on FAT16 drives. To gain access to your FAT32 server, start your computer in protect mode with Interlink running.

Incorrect Free Disk Space Reported by Programs --

Programs not developed specifically for Windows Me might be unable to report free space accurately on large hard disks that use FAT32. Most older applications cannot display free or total disk space of more than 2 GB. These older programs will typically only report up to approximately 2 GB free, when more disk space is available. When the free disk space drops below 2 GB free, these programs will report the free space correctly.

Ontrack Systems Disk Manager

If you use the Ontrack Systems Disk Manager program on a computer with a FAT32 drive, there might be a long pause when you start your computer. It is also possible that the drive will be set to run in compatibility mode. If you use version 7.0x, you can avoid this pause by using the /L=0 option with Disk Manager:

1. Start your computer, and then run Disk Manager.

2. Click Maintenance, and then click Update Dynamic Drive Overlay.

3. Add /L=0 to any other options that are already present.

4. Save the settings, and then restart your computer.

If you are running an earlier version of Disk Manager and you want to use FAT32, you should update to version 7.04 or later and use the /L=0 switch.

V Communications System Commander -

Versions 2.28 and earlier of V Communications System Commander are incompatible with FAT32. If your primary hard disk uses FAT32 exclusively, obtain version 3 or later of System Commander.

Iomega Jaz Tools May Be Incompatible with FAT32 ---

If you format an Iomega Jaz disk using FAT32, you may need to obtain updated versions of the Jaz tools. Older versions of the tools do not support FAT32 Jaz disks. As a result, the eject, write-protection, and password-protection options will be disabled. Updated versions of these tools that are compatible with FAT32 are available from Iomega. They are also available for download from various online services.

Questions and Answers -

How do I tell if a drive is a FAT32 drive? --

In My Computer, right-click the icon that represents your hard disk, and then click Properties. On the General tab, your type of drive is shown in the upper part of the tab, by the label File system.

If you have a FAT 32 drive, File system: FAT32 is displayed. If you have a FAT 16 drive, File system: FAT is displayed.

How do I enable FAT32? --

If you obtained this version of Windows Me with a new computer system, it may already be using the FAT32 disk format. If not, or if you add a new hard disk to your computer and you want to use the FAT32 file system, use the FDISK tool to create the disk partition as FAT32. (Note: Backup any data on the drive before using the FDISK tool to remove an existing partitions as all data currently on the drive will be lost.) To do this, when you are prompted to enable large disk support, choose Yes and any partition created will be marked as FAT32.

Is FAT32 faster than earlier versions of FAT? -

FAT32, in conjunction with Memory Manager improvements and the application launch time feature of Disk Defragmenter can significantly improve your system performance.

However, FAT32 drives may be significantly slower on disk-intensive operations when your computer is running in MS-DOS mode or when you are running Windows Me in safe mode. If you use MS-DOS mode with FAT32 drives, you may find that performance is improved significantly if you load the Smart Drive disk-caching program.

DRIVERS

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EZ-Drive

Windows Me supports EZ-Drive through the protected-mode IDE driver.

Netgear FA310TX 4.02 Driver

Netgear FA310TX 4.02 drivers are provided on the CD in the following location:

x:\drivers\net\netgear (where x: is your CD-rom drive letter)

This driver will resolve certain shutdown issues. Please read the Netgear.txt provided in this directory on how to install the drivers.

PAN-EUROPEAN: KNOWN ISSUES

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There are certain characters used within the Cyrillic alphabet that cause problems when you use them in file names. This problem is a translation issue and is only seen in an MS-DOS window or within any process that relies on MS-DOS. These characters are: Small and Capital Belarussian/Ukrainian I    (Alt codes 179, 178) Small Cyrillic letter JE (Alt code 188) Small and Capital Cyrillic LJE (Alt codes 154, 138) Small and Capital Cyrillic NJE (Alt codes 156, 140) Small and Capital Cyrillic DZHE (Alt codes 159, 143) Small and Capital Cyrillic DZE (Alt codes 190, 189) Small and Capital Cyrillic GHE with Upturn (Alt codes 180, 165) If you save a file in a Windows application with a file name that contains one of these characters, the file name contains underline (_) characters instead of the one you typed.

File names using these characters also cause problems under the following conditions and should be avoided:

· When you try to copy or rename the file name in an  MS-DOS window using these characters. · When you use these characters in a file name saved on a network drive. · When these characters are used in file names to  restore previously backed up images that are located on a network drive. This problem is intentionally there, due to the differences between the Windows Code Page and the OEM Code Page. This problem previously existed in Windows 95 and is mentioned here for clarification purposes.

Czech Microsoft Excel 97

Czech Microsoft Excel 97 will not run after you upgrade to Windows Me, and will terminate with a Lexikon (C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT OFFICE\OFFICE\XL8805.DLL) chybi nebo je poskozen message.

>>> To run the Czech Microsoft Excel 97:

1. Click Start, point to Programs, and then click Windows Explorer.

2. Navigate to the C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT OFFICE\OFFICE directory.

3. Select the file XL8405.DLL and, on the Edit menu, click Copy.

4. On the Edit menu, click Paste.

5. On the File menu, click Rename, type XL8805.DLL and then press ENTER.

6. Close Windows Explorer.

When you start the Czech version of Microsoft Excel 97, it should function correctly.

Extended (NLS) Character Support in Hardware Profiles ---

Multiple hardware profiles can be loaded on a Windows Millennium system using the Hardware Profile tab in the System Properties dialog box. When you name the profiles, do not use extended characters. Otherwise, the text appears in the wrong font when the system starts. Then you won't be able to read the Profile Name in the Configuration Selection list during start up.

For example, the messages you see for the Configuration Selection list would look similar to those shown below.

Select A Hardware Configuration... Windows was unable to determine your current Hardware Configuration. Select one from the list.

 

Although you will be unable to read the text, you can select the appropriate option from the list and the system will continue if you know which choice you want.

This problem is intentionally there, due to the differences between the Windows Code Page and the OEM Code Page. This problem previously existed in Windows 95 and in Windows 98 and is mentioned here for clarification purposes.

NOTE: Review the Intl.txt file on your Windows Millennium CD for more information about Pan-European regional settings.

USING ACCESSIBILITY SHORTCUTS IN HELP

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The following keyboard shortcuts can be used for navigation, selection, and other functions in Windows Me online Help. Some of these keyboard shortcuts are also applicable throughout Windows Me. For more information about using Windows me accessibility features, visit the Microsoft Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/enable

ALT+SPACEBAR

Use this shortcut to display the System menu. Use the arrow keys to choose a command, and then press ENTER.

ALT+F4 --

Use this shortcut to close Help. ALT+TAB ---

Use this shortcut to switch between Windows Help and other open windows.

CTRL+C --

Use this shortcut to copy selected text so that you can paste it in another file using a text editor such as Notepad.

CTRL+V --

Use this shortcut to paste copied text into a file by using a text editor such as Notepad.

CTRL+A --

Use this shortcut to highlight the text in the right pane.

SHIFT+F10 -

Use this shortcut to display the shortcut menu on the Windows desktop.

TAB ---

Use this shortcut to move to topics in the table of contents, index, search results, and all links in the displayed topic.

BACKSPACE -

Toggles the Back button.

ESC ---

Use this shortcut to close dialog boxes and menus throughout Windows Me.

ENTER -

Use this shortcut throughout Windows Me to execute the requested command, such as opening a topic or displaying a list of topics.

UP ARROW/PAGE UP

Use this shortcut to move up one topic in the table of contents, index, and search list if slider bar is available.

DOWN ARROW/PAGE DOWN --

Use this shortcut to move down one topic in the table of contents, index, and search list if slider bar is available.

Microsoft Magnifier ---

Microsoft Magnifier is intended to provide a minimum level of functionality for users with slight visual impairments. Most users with visual impairments will need a magnification utility program with higher functionality for daily use. For a list of Windows-based magnification utilities, visit the following Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/enable

Networks Not Supported in Windows Me ---

The following network systems are not supported in Windows Me. These networks may work after you upgrade to Windows Me, but Microsoft does not guarantee that they will work correctly.

- Vines16: All versions earlier than 7.1 - Netware: Using Client for Microsoft Networks connecting to server versions earlier than 3.11. - Microsoft Netware Directory Services or NDS for connecting to  Non-Bindery Novell 4.x servers - Client32: It is recommended that you use Client32 versions later than 2.2. - Client 32 for DOS/Win31: All versions. - VLM/NetX: Monolithic drivers (ipx.com) - Lantastic16: All versions - Lantastic32: All versions earlier than 7.0 - Pathworks16: Not supported - Pathworks32: It is recommended that you use Lantastic 7.0 or later. - Backup Agents, Jetadmin Services: Versions shipped with Windows 95. - TCP: 16-bit stacks

NOTE: Non-WinSock2 TCP/IP stacks are only supported on upgrades. These products do not function if installed on Windows Me.

Processor Type Reported in System Control - Information reported in the System Control Panel reflects the processor type being used by Windows, and is not a guarantee of the actual make/type of processor installed in your system. Newer processors that are released after Windows Me may not be properly identified.

Samsung USB Keyboard with Hub -

The hub on the Samsung USB keyboard does not always identify itself correctly. When it identifies itself as a self-powered device, it confuses the operating system, causing odd behavior with the hub portion of the keyboard. There is no workaround. Use low-powered USB devices such as mouse and gaming devices or self-powered devices with this keyboard.

Support for Lexmark MarkVision and Custom Printer Drivers -

Some early versions of MarkVision and the Lexmark Custom Printer drivers are incompatible with Windows Me. To avoid a problem with your system, Windows Me disables these components when you upgrade from Windows 95 if you currently have LEXBCE version 1.03 or earlier. If you have a version later than LEXBCE 1.03, Lexmark software works correctly on Windows Me.

To determine which version of LEXBCE you have, use Windows Explorer. Go to your \Windows\System subdirectory. Right-click LEXBCE.DLL, and then click Properties. Click the Version tab, and then locate the File version information. If needed, you can obtain a newer version of the software from the Lexmark Technical Support Center or on the World Wide Web at

http://www.lexmark.com.

Vines16 ---

The Vines16 install program behaves the same in Windows Me as it does in Windows 95. When the install program runs, users must first install the client, and then after Windows restarts, cancel the installation program. This completes the Vines16 installation.

During the cancel portion of the Vines16 install program, the Vines file WNEWREV.EXE occasionally causes a GPF. The machine hangs sometimes with video corruption. When this happens, the Shell has been reset to shell=z:\wnewrev.exe. After Windows 98 restarts, it will continuously restart. To fix this, edit C:\Windows\System.ini and set the shell=z:\wnewrev.exe to shell=explorer.exe.

If the Vines interface does not function, for example, if you cannot map a network driver from within Windows or view previously mapped Vines drives, the path may be lost or corrupt. You must have Z:\ set to the end of the path. This can be accomplished in either the Autoexec.bat or the Vines Login script. You can also have the Vines Administrator place the path in the Vines login script for you.

On rare occasions, during the Vines16 client install program, the following error occurs:

&quot;ver.dll file in use, click okay&quot; which results in an endless loop with the Vines16 client install program. The workaround is:

1. Shut down your machine. 2. Restart your machine in Safe Mode, Command Prompt Only. 3. Edit C:\Windows\System.ini so shell=explorer.exe 4. Edit C:\Windows\Vines.ini to include dontcopy=1 in   the [newrev] section 5. Restart your system.

If the Vines16 client install program runs spontaneously or runs every time the system is restarted, edit C:\Windows\Vines.ini to include dontcopy=1 in the [newrev] section.

Always click NO when the Vines16 install program prompts you to overwrite ver.dll. Overwriting ver.dll causes a fault with the powrprf.dll and major loss of Windows functionality, like printing and Control Panel functions. The workaround is to re-extract ver.dll from your Windows Me source media to C:\Windows and C:\Windows\System.

Windows Device Manager Video Capture Devices and Video for Windows Applications

Applications that use the Video for Windows 1.1 (VFW) interfaces also use drivers that conform to the VfW 1.1 driver interfaces. However, with the new Windows Device Manager (WDM) video capture interfaces in Windows 98 Second Edition, applications can no longer use the VfW interfaces to directly communicate with these WDM-based devices. Windows Me includes a software layer that translates VfW 1.1 interfaces into WDM video capture interfaces. This translation software works only for video capture devices on external busses (USB and 1394) in Windows Me.

Analog capture devices (such as PCI cards with video decoder chips that use WDM drivers) cannot use this translation software. The original VfW drivers for these analog capture devices will continue to work but they cannot be used in combination with the newer WDM drivers. An updated version of this translation software is available at http://www.microsoft.com/support. For information, search for &quot;Video for Windows WDM&quot;.

Digital IDs

If you uninstall Windows Me, any certificates you obtained after installation will be removed.

To avoid this, you can contact the certificate provider to obtain another certificate, or you can save the certificate and use it with Internet Explorer version 4.0 or later in Windows 95 and Windows 98, or Windows98 SE with Internet Explorer 5.0.

To save a certificate before you uninstall Windows:

1. In Internet Explorer, click Tools, click Internet Options, and then click the Content tab.

2. Click Certificates, and then click Export.

LOGITECH WHEEL MOUSE

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======= Logitech Wheel Mouse running Logitech MouseWare versions older than 8.35 will fail when upgrading from Windows 98 to Windows ME. In order to continue full functionality of your Logitech Wheel Mouse, please update your Logitech MouseWare to the latest version available on the Logitech website.

UNDOCKING INSTRUCTIONS

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Millennium supports two methods of undocking; Warm and Hot. &quot;Warm&quot; undocking is described as the system entering standby before being undocked from the docking station. &quot;Hot&quot; undocking is described as the system being undocked from the docking station while it is fully powered. Whether or not a laptop system supports Warm or Hot undocking depends on the capabilities of the laptop itself as designed by the manufacturer.

To undock a laptop, Microsoft Millennium officially supports the following method: From the Start menu, choose &quot;EJECT&quot;.

If the laptop system supports &quot;Warm&quot; undocking, the system will enter standby before the laptop is required to be removed from the dock. This may occur automatically or the user may be required to manually eject the system from the dock after it enters standby. The method of removing the system from the dock is dependant on the design of the system by the Manufacturer.

If the laptop system supports &quot;Hot&quot; undocking, the system will automatically eject from the dock, or the user will be prompted with the following message: &quot;Windows told the computer to undock. If you need to eject the system by hand, please do so now.&quot; The method of removing the system from the dock is dependant on the design of the system by the Manufacturer.

Keywords: kbinfo kbreadme KB262921

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