If you're still using the Internet Explorer that came with ME then you're a generation or two behind in your browsing and updates. ME, which is notorious for crashing (I got it out of my computer a while back), also has updates you need.

Try some diagnostic stuff before you try to turn on the Internet Explorer. Rapaire's suggestion of defragging (and also do disk cleanup, it's in those system tools) is a good one. Start there. Then you might look at your settings and see if you have it set to Active Desktop (you right click on an unoccupied portion of the screen). For some reason Active Desktop will freeze up in some operating systems and ME is one of them. So for now turn off the Active Desktop.

There were a few years when computer sales folks weren't including disks of the OS and installed software with the computers they sold. It was bundled and put on the hard drive and they expected you to make a backup of it and keep 40 or 50 little floppy disks for backup, so don't worry about not having the originals (except for the fact that fixing problems is difficult). It was short-sighted of manufacturers, and computers now come with recovery software.

When you get it to where it will start, go directly to Microsoft and in the left column drop down to Windows Update. Click on that, and then allow Microsoft to analyse your system by choosing "Scan for Updates." You'll find several critical updates and service packs that should have been added in. Some of these service packs will go on one at a time only and need the computer to be restarted after installation. It will take time, but start with the critical stuff first. In this case, I would update the ME service pack then immediately after that update to Internet Explorer 6. When that is in place a series of updates pertaining to IE 6 will turn up and put those on next, then go back to any others you need. It will mean turning the computer on and off a lot.

Meanwhile, you may have one of those bugs that made the rounds last summer that require a visit to Symantec to find the fix. Be sure to update your virus definitions and any security software.

If this stuff doesn't work, then it is likely time to update your OS. I would stay away from XP myself, and put on Win2000Pro, because you can upgrade from ME. XP is not meant to be an upgrade, it will mess your computer up to try it. This is what the IT guys at the library where I work tell me. You have to wipe the drive and start over, but you'd lose your data. One guy told me that he's heard of it working for some people, but look at the software and you'll see that it says not to do it. Upgrades of the OS may mean that some of your devices won't work like before, so think about it carefully before you attempt even this fix. It may mean you need to buy some more software to run a burner or DVD, etc. Always try the Microsoft upgrades and service packs first.

Sorry to make it sound grim and technical, but this is one of the points each of us reaches with our computers when decisions have to be made. Start with the small stuff (at the top of the post) first and work downward through the list.

Good luck!

SRS