I've recently done a clean reinstall of Windows ME on a Dell Dimension 4100
using a Dell reinstallation CD (PC and CD are six years old). I'm looking
for the least error-prone way of reinstalling the critical Windows updates.
I would prefer a procedure that can be used after Microsoft drops support
for Windows ME (this summer).
I have the Windows Update installation history for this PC. I also have a
recent Belarc listing of updates just prior to the clean reinstall. My
internet connection is dial-up (no broadband).
Reinstalling the updates would be easier if I had the Windows Security
Update CD. According to the Microsoft Order Desk, this CD is no longer
available.
There are two options I'm considering.
Option 1: On another PC, download the critical updates from the Windows
Update Catalog. Burn the updates to CD.
Option 2: Visit Windows Update and let it select the critical updates. After
updates are installed, take a disk image and burn to CD.
One question is common to both approaches. Should I first install WMP9 and
IE6 (or is IE6 itself an update?).
I started by trying to use Option 1 (Windows Update Catalog). The list of
critical updates from Windows Update Catalog is much shorter than my
installation history list. Many updates on my installation history are for
earlier versions of IE and WMP. However, I'm concerned that the list from
Windows Update Catalog may omit some needed updates. Also, there are a few
updates listed from Windows Update Catalog that are not on my installation
history.
IE6 does not appear on the list from Windows Update Catalog.
Has anyone yet posted the list and order of critical updates for a Windows
ME clean reinstall?
How shoud I proceed?
PS: Prior to posting this, I searched the web for recommendations. This
search included checking websites aumha.org, windowsreinstall.com, and
crashfixpc.com. From the archives of this newsgroup I viewed the thread
"Windows ME Update Order" posted in November 2005.