downgrading xp to ME with out loss of data

bruceparish · 09-15-2008, 08:33 AM

hi i lost my xp install disk and i was wondering if i could downgrade to windows me without losing my data ? and if so how do i do it?

**kev1952** · 09-15-2008, 08:45 AM

I may be wrong but I don't think you can actually do that. By default XP uses NTFS and Win ME can't read it (needs to be FAT32). The best solution for you would be to backup the data to a flash drive and then do a clean install of ME. If you don't have access to the drive through XP then you can use one of the live Linux boot disks to access and move your data (Xubuntu is very good for this application). You can get one from here.

bruceparish · 09-16-2008, 09:44 AM

ok so i downloaded xubuntu started my computer press delete to eneter the setup stuff changed the priority to my dvd drive , restarted the computer put the bootable disk in , then then so stuff happened and now its says it cant find the drivers for that drive then goes to like ms dos type screen A:\> so i am totally lost need help

~~matthewforu~~ · 09-26-2008, 08:38 AM

I agree with the above post.

Ravanosh · 01-16-2009, 08:57 PM

You might want to give Knoppix a try, I've had the most luck with it as a bootable OS.

Jlp1928 · 01-17-2009, 08:55 AM

Hi Folks,

XP can use Fat32 but, no earlier version of Windoze will install over a newer one. I usually clean the drive and then install the earlier version. True 98 and maybe ME cannot read NTFS. Maybe someone has experienced this and has better info. Guys?

Good Luck, Jim

09-15-2008, 08:33 AM	#1 (permalink)
bruceparish Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 5 OS: xp	downgrading xp to ME with out loss of data hi i lost my xp install disk and i was wondering if i could downgrade to windows me without losing my data ? and if so how do i do it?

09-15-2008, 08:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
kev1952 TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Townsville, Australia Posts: 1,007 OS: Win Vista Home Premium	Re: downgrading xp to ME with out loss of data I may be wrong but I don't think you can actually do that. By default XP uses NTFS and Win ME can't read it (needs to be FAT32). The best solution for you would be to backup the data to a flash drive and then do a clean install of ME. If you don't have access to the drive through XP then you can use one of the live Linux boot disks to access and move your data (Xubuntu is very good for this application). You can get one from here. __________________ Cheers.... Kev *"The Definition of an Upgrade: Take old bugs out, put new ones in."* Please don't send me PM's for support. Post in the forums for everyone to benefit.

09-16-2008, 09:44 AM	#3 (permalink)
bruceparish Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 5 OS: xp	Re: downgrading xp to ME with out loss of data ok so i downloaded xubuntu started my computer press delete to eneter the setup stuff changed the priority to my dvd drive , restarted the computer put the bootable disk in , then then so stuff happened and now its says it cant find the drivers for that drive then goes to like ms dos type screen A:\> so i am totally lost need help

09-26-2008, 08:38 AM	#4 (permalink)
~~matthewforu~~ Troubled Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 174 OS: Windows Xp	Re: downgrading xp to ME with out loss of data I agree with the above post.

01-16-2009, 08:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
Ravanosh Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1 OS: Linux - Knoppix LiveCD (failed XP OS)	Re: downgrading xp to ME with out loss of data You might want to give Knoppix a try, I've had the most luck with it as a bootable OS.

01-17-2009, 08:55 AM	#6 (permalink)
Jlp1928 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 441 OS: Win98, XP, 2000	Re: downgrading xp to ME with out loss of data Hi Folks, XP can use Fat32 but, no earlier version of Windoze will install over a newer one. I usually clean the drive and then install the earlier version. True 98 and maybe ME cannot read NTFS. Maybe someone has experienced this and has better info. Guys? Good Luck, Jim