The way to get ME to start in DOS is to use the Startup disk. It’s a drag, yes. Or you can use the MSDOS prompt if you are already in ME, it should be under accessories. when done with defrag, etc, restart the computer.
Frankly, I would much prefer you just buy a computer maintenance program like System Suite 2000, which can handle it all for you automatically. It works fine with ME.
J248974–
IANAPCU (I am not a PC user), but I suspect those “runonce” things are what used to be called “terminate and stay resident” (TSR) programs, which means that what they do is patch parts of the operating system code in RAM to cause the operating system to behave differently for the entire time you are booted up. If you remove them, the OS behaves in its original default mode. In actual practice, it may not be the intention of the OS manufacturer (Microsoft) that the OS be used in that state–the “runonce” programs are tacked on rather than embedding the additional code in the bowels of the OS itself, but for all practical purposes they are part of the operating system and you might miss their functionality.
::pauses in momentary contemplation of a PC owner who in the year 2001 doesn’t know how to get to a DOS prompt in a MS operating system::
I think being a newcomer to computing is much much more daunting than it was when I was a newbie, IF you wish to actually understand anything about your computer. There’s so much more to comprehend. I understand a decent portion of it pretty well, but so much of it came into being after I understood the underpinnings on which it was built. Trying to get the hang of what your computer and its OS is doing and how it works, as a newbie in the 21st century, is a lot like trying to understand how your new modern car works if all you know today is how to start it with the ignition key and put it in “Drive”.
Thanks.
My new HP computer is sort of a mess of both Windows stuff and HP stuff. Like, when I ask for help, the HP help window opens up and I have to get Windows help, I need to ask for it from a running Windows program.
The MSDOS shortcut that was on my old computer is missing on this desktop and my old system had something to do at startup to switch it to DOS before windows loaded, like I had to check off a question. This one starts right up in HP mode, then switches to Windows.
Besides, if I do get into DOS, isn’t there some command I have to type to get back into Windows or forever be stuck in DOS, wandering aimlessly around? Hey, when I was a senior in high school, the smallest thing close to a PC was a 5 pound, electric adding machine with a paper tape display!! You WOUND your wrist watch every day!
Sorry for the delay J248974…
I am not sure what FUD is. You can do a Search For Files on fud.*. If it finds a file, the directory (folder) might indicate what it is. Or you might try hitting the Jump To button and see if it specifies a directory.
The Run Once stuff are programs that should get run at the next boot up. It is often used by installation programs that require a reboot to complete the installation. They stick a command in the Run Once, then at the next boot they finish their work.
Of course, the Run Once is a generic function and it could be used in many ways, including what AHunter3 suggested.
I just re-read your OP and you mentioned a program that keeps writing to your hard-drive. There is another program at http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/source/filemon.shtml that monitors file system operations. This would tell you which executable is periodically writing to the hard-disk.
I guess I have gotten into the realm of complicated (and dangerous) things to do. I wish I could give you some simpler suggestions.
Although the computer experts here seem to be all over your question, there is a site that I have found to be extremely useful regarding hardware and software problems, as well as having help on other topics as well…
http://www.allexperts.com/
As an R.E.M. fan, I couldn’t resist:
Kevin heard it on the radio
Hugh informed word of mouth
Carla read it in the news
Caught it all just a touch