How to Create a Windows ME Boot Disk on a USB Drive

A boot disk is used to load an operating system on your computer from a source other than the hard drive. Loading from an external source allows you to access the computer and reinstall Windows Millennium Edition -- also known as "Windows Me" -- if your system has been invaded by a virus you can't remove. Most computers are not set up to load boot information from a USB flash drive, but it's a simple process to change the settings in the BIOS menu so that you can use a USB drive as a boot disk.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• USB flash drive

1. Restart your computer. During start-up, press the key that your computer uses to access the BIOS menu, which is usually "F2," "F10" or "Esc." Check your computer's manual if those keys don't access the BIOS menu.

2. Use the arrow keys to scroll to the option labeled "Boot Options," "Start Options" or something similar. Press "Enter."

3. Scroll through the list of boot order options and select "USB." Press Enter. Press the key to save the changes and return to the operating system, which will usually be "F10."

4. Go to the link in the Resources section for the Windows boot disk website. Click the link for the Windows Me boot disk and download the file to your computer.

5. Connect your USB flash drive to one of the computer's open USB ports. Transfer the Windows Me boot disk file to the USB drive. Leave the USB drive connected to your computer and restart the operating system.

6. Press Enter when a prompt appears to boot Windows Me from the USB drive instead of your computer's hard drive.

Tips & Warnings

• The BIOS boot options will be different for every brand and model of computer system. Go to your computer manufacturer's support website or refer to the manual that came with your computer if you are having trouble locating the correct options.

References

• Changing BIOS Boot Order

Resources

• Download Windows ME Boot Disk Data