How is this book different from its predicessor, Windows 98 Annoyances?

For starters, Windows Me is a new operating system, with a lot of new features and pitfalls, and this book accurately covers this operating system. For example, it covers Internet Connection Sharing in great detail, discusses the pros and cons of the System File Checker, and delves into small touches here and there that actually end up being useful improvements to Windows. And while it has some solutions in common with previous books, each of these solutions has been extensively updated for this operating system.

But I heard that Windows Me sucks!

I'm afraid that's not a question.

Ok, how about this: Does Windows Me suck?

Honestly, Windows Me is the best general-purpose, DOS-based operating system Microsoft has ever released. Not only is it faster and a little more stable than its predicessor, Windows 98 SE, but it contains a number of design improvements as well.

The problem is that the silly animation and cutesy pictures Microsoft has put in Windows Me has ended up putting off the more advanced users, who, in turn, suggest to others that they stick with Windows 98 SE. Our advice is to use Windows Me, but only if you have Windows Me Annoyances to make Windows Me a lot more bearable, uncovering the lean, smart OS that lies underneath all the fluff.

Why buy the book when the website is free?

This website is only a sampling, a taste, if you will, of what is to be found in the book. There's much more detail and background, not to mention more solutions and even screenshots - all things not found on this site.

I'm not that annoyed with Windows - what's in it for me?

The book is not full of complaints about Windows - it's full of solutions. No matter how pro- or anti- Microsoft you may be, you can still make use of the variety of information in Windows Me Annoyances.

What if I'm using Windows 95, Windows NT 4.0, or Windows 98?

This book will definitely be helpful, but you may prefer one of the earlier volumes that discuss these operating systems more specifically; see Annoyances Books for details.

And what if I have Windows 2000?

Windows 2000 is a funny operating system, and not because it's good at puns. The user interface in Windows 2000 is nearly identical to Windows Me, thereby making the information in Windows Me Annoyances very relevant. (For example, the book will help you tame the annoying new search feature found in Windows Me and Windows 2000.)

The core of Windows 2000, on the other hand, is based upon Windows NT technology, as is Windows XP. In fact, Windows XP is merely a minor update to Windows 2000 (they're known internally as Windows NT 5.1 and Windows NT 5.0, respectively). For this reason, Windows XP Annoyances is probably more appropriate for users of Windows 2000.

Where do I find the "Creative Element Power Tools" software you talk about in the book?

You can get it here.

Chapter 1, "Making the Most of Windows ME," discusses not only some of the more common annoyances in the operating system, but many of the improvements in this version over its successor, Windows 98 Second Edition, as well as some of the problems that weren't fixed. Also discussed is ME's sister product, Windows 2000.

Chapter 2, "Basic Explorer Coping Skills," starts by examining Windows' user interface and how to overcome its limitations. What follows is a discussion of the way you work with Windows and how to take advantage of some of its lesser-known tricks and customization features. This includes advanced tips on Explorer, file manipulation tricks, undocumented interface tweaks, and best of all, some workarounds for the awful new Search feature.

Chapter 3, "The Registry," covers the structure of the Registry and the use of the Registry Editor. This is important, because most of the subsequent solutions make use of this knowledge. In addition to Registry basics, there are some advanced topics, such as effective searching techniques, finding the right Registry keys, and restoring a corrupted registry.

Chapter 4, "Tweaking the Interface," continues with customization and problem-solving topics that take advantage of the Registry techniques discussed earlier. There are solutions for reducing clutter, protecting your file types, and customizing Windows ME beyond Microsoft's intentions; editing the Start Menu has a whole new meaning in this chapter.

Chapter 5, "Maximizing Performance," is often a neglected topic. The goal is to get the best possible performance from your system without spending a lot of money or time. If and when you decide to upgrade, you'll also find tips here to help make informed decisions. Special subjects include gaming and virtual memory.

Chapter 6, "Troubleshooting," starts with general troubleshooting techniques and hardware conflicts, and then proceeds to everyone's favorite topic: error messages. Get the inside scoop on System File Protection and System Restore, two new features in Windows ME. Troubleshooting is then wound up with preventative maintenance and data recovery.

Chapter 7, "Networking," allows you to expand your desktop and your repertoire with setting up a local-area network and connecting to the Internet. More than just the basics, this chapter explores protocols, troubleshooting, and new technologies, such as Internet Connection Sharing and virtual private networking.

Chapter 8, "Taking Control of Web Integration," is an in-depth examination of the so-called integration of Microsoft's web browser, Internet Explorer, with the fundamental interface. This chapter explores the components that constitute Web Integration and how to configure them, including making use of the "Web View."

Chapter 9, "Scripting and Automation," rounds out the book with a discussion of simple programming using the Windows Scripting Host included with Windows ME. In addition to an introduction to scripting with WSH, you'll find advanced solutions, such as functions for registry access and file system access, and using scripts and batch files to solve a wide range of problems. The chapter is wrapped up with several cool examples and a look at the seemingly simple Scheduled Tasks feature, and how it can be used in conjunction with scripts for a truly automated environment.

Three appendixes are included as references; Appendix A is a comprehensive list of nearly every setting scattered throughout Windows ME, from folder options to removing tray icons. Appendix B covers DOS commands, which can be surprisingly useful in the Windows world, as well as DOS batch files, which have been around since the beginning of time, yet still are undocumented in Windows ME. Finally, Appendix C is a listing of common Class IDs (special registry codes for system objects) used throughout the book.