Need to save data, but WinME won't find CDRW

I have a DELL Dimension 4100 that will only boot into Windows ME in Safe Mode. I need to save about 4GB of data so I can reload Windows, but the CDRW drive won't see any disks and does not show as an available device. I bought an 80GB Fantom USB drive hoping that would do the trick. Problem is, WinME won't recognize the USB drive in Safe Mode. I can't load the Fantom drivers because the CD Drive won't read!!

What is the best method of saving the 4GB of data knowing that the CDRW and an external USB drive don't read in the computer's current situation (Safe Mode only)? HELP, please...Thanks =)

 

Hello? Is there anybody here?

 

I don't have any experience with WinME so would be of limited help.

Go to Start > Run > and type misconfig > click OK. Look under the General tab and select Normal Startup if not already ticked and restart.

Steve

 

Other than popping in a slave hard drive, no real suggestions. What happens when you try to boot normally? Did the problem occur after loading new hardware/software? If you choose 'step-by-step' booting, what line does it get hung up on? Maybe someone here can help you get it to boot properly.

 

You were actually of great help! I used MSCONFIG and chose the "diagnostic boot" and it rebooted to ME just fine (normal boot did not work so well). I was able to copy 6.5GB of data to the USB drive. Now I am using Datagone to wipe the C: drive and get rid of the "bugs", next I'll reload ME, and then reload the 6.5GB of data from the USB drive (mostly music & photos).

Splendid

 

I told you I was an expert on WinME.

Glad you got it fixed my friend.

Steve

 

Quote "Now I am using Datagone to wipe the C: drive and get rid of the "bugs", next I'll reload ME"


Windows ME is one big bug.

If you can afford it, do yourself a favour and upgrade to XP, or even use 98 SE.

Almost anything is better than Windows ME, it's plagued with problems.

 

It's not my computer, otherwise it would have XP...