My computer has been running fine on Windows ME. Then, when I wasn't around, the kids installed Windows 2000 (unsuccessfully). Now the computer automatically tries to start Windows 2000 when I turn it on.

When the computer starts up, it thinks that both operating systems are installed. So upon startup, if I press the "F8" key I am able to choose to start the machine with Windows ME. I have looked in the Add/Remove Programs list, but Windows 2000 is not listed. I am not sure where the kids got the Windows 2000 installation disc, or if they still have it. Is there a way to go into Safe Mode (or whatever) and get into the directory to choose to Windows ME as the default start up system?

I appreciate any help.

Welcome to SAF, dmwilliams.

Make all files visible as per the instructions here.

Locate a file called Boot.ini in C:. Post the contents in your reply.

I followed your instructions as outlined.

When performing "Select a hard drive from the left hand side of the Windows Explorer window. Select View the Entire contents of this drive.", I did not find Boot.ini; I only found the following:

BOOT
BOOTLOG.PRV
BOOTLOG
BOOTSECT

When going through Start Menu to "Search For Files or Folders"
"Boot.ini" it does not show up either. "BOOT" is the only file that shows up in Drive C

It seems that the installation of Windows 2000 did not complete. If it had, there would have been a Boot.ini file that you could have edited. However, Boot.ini is not native to Windows ME.

I'm not familiar with either operating system, so don't know how you should proceed from here. Hopefully someone else will have an answer for you.

You might try a reinstall of ME, if you still have the disc. Just start the installation, and when it gets to the part where it asks what folder you want to install it into, just select the existing Windows folder. Opt NOT to save the existing installation, since it's messed up anyway, and when completed, you should be back to normal, booting into ME. This method will not destroy any of your existing data or programs. Once booted into ME, you can delete any Windows 2000 installation folders that you find.