I couldn't actually find any free dll repair programs any more. One nowadays has to find out how much free costs it seems. But thanks to the msconfig that Windows Me has I was able to uncheck a program called Deac to get rid of error message that msvcr71.dll was giving.

That is very common in Windows ME. ME was discontinued very quickly and was a failed product. You should consider going up to XP or 2000 depending on your system. I have dealt with this before. I am an IT director at VT's Equine Medical Center.

I was impressed with Windows 2000 professional. Have been considering the move to XP. Just know my way around ME. Sure would miss msconfig though.

xp has it and in 2000 you can add it remember np sp for me

If you have decided to run a windows OS, witch I wouldn't, the very best windows OS to use is windows XP pro. I didn't realize that so many people were still running a windows OS that is not supported anymore. I think that the new microsoft thing says that winXP will not even be supported after JANURAY2008. If you want to run windows, you almost will have to upgrade to vista. Linux OSs will always support for free. If it doesn't, you can install the free upgrade. It is just approx. a two click upgrade. ( This is without reformatting you hard drive and losing everything not backed up.) All of your docs and stuff stays intact.
Did I mention that you probably don't have to upgrade your computer or parts just to run a Linux OS.

thats becous M.E WAS BUILT AS A FIX FOR 98 WAS NOT SUPOSE TO HOLD ALL OCX AND DLL'S FOR THE FULL PROSESS WAS KINDA WHAT WE CALL A PATCH NOW SEE VISTA IS A FULL WORKING ENTITEE BUT SEE THE PROBLEM IS IT WASNT WRITTEN TO COMPLY WITH ALL EXSISTING DLL AND OCX'S THATS WHY NOTHING WORKS ON VISTA I CONSIDER IT JUNK LOL

Did I mention that even if you are upgrading from a windows OS to Linux, You can even import all of your documents and stuff from windows to your linux desktop. Even your desktop background. As far as DLLs. Right now I think that wine and cedega does a better job at DLLs than windows vista does. Windowz DLLs LOL.

So it doesn't upgrade but transfers? Everything that was on ME is carried over to Linux without having to have two OSes? Not like a Mozilla Firefox from Internet Explorer with favorites but a complete melding of the two OSes where the new OS takes everything from the old where the new OS doesn't have to format the old OS and the new Linux OS is the actual upgrade with everything from the old OS already in place?

Linux = better stability

Windows = better compatibility for games AND hardware

Windows XP Professional FTW if you're trying to game...

...but with DirectX 10, I wonder if we'll all have to make the horrible transition to Vista.

Windows Vista makes baby Jesus

A DLL is just the same as an executable (same file format, can contain code, data and resources). Their is no YES or NO for DLL compatibility.

An OCX file is they same as a DLL, but commonly contains ActiveX controls.

If a DLL / OCX links other libraries, and they are found on the OS, then they will work. If they are not found, they won't work.

Wine tries to implement the Win32 API (set of DLL and OCX files) in Linux. Its not an emulator, it tries to simulate the environment.

For instance, if a program expects the DLL and OCX files ADOX supplies, and these haven't been installed with Wine, then they program will not run. If I recall correctly, ADOX was installed with IE5 and if you remember, spawned a lot of programs requiring IE5 to be installed before they would work.

My first job after college was writing installations for various pieces of software. This brings back a lot of bad memories about DLL hell, I'm going to sit in the corner and cry now.

----

@HillFolk - What netuserila is trying to say is that Linux is compatible with most all file formats Windows programs commonly use. It is not binary compatible, in fact their are some programs Wine will not run. But most of your documents (be they, Word, Excel, Images, Music etc etc) will open natively, depending on your distribution.

If I recall correctly Netuserila recommends Ubuntu, and this is a damn fine idea! I recommend you download a copy, you can try it without having to install it, and check it is compatible with your documents.

If you need a specific file format to open in Linux, please don't give up! Ask in the forums and I'm sure someone will help quite quickly.

Ta,

~C

Ok. Looks like I will have plenty of time to wash the clothes and use the new dryer while Ubuntu 7.10 is downloading.

I will just have to find a new Spider Solitaire program.

I'm thrilled to bit you have decided to have a go with Ubuntu!

If you like Solitaire, then you will love AisleRiot Solitaire.

You can play it while it installs (if you choose to install it) .

Please let us know how you get on!

Ta,

~C

Wow, I was washing clothes and found my AC phone charger for my phone in my scrub top pocket. Dayum, I got to wash clothes more often this could be profitable. Ok, it is at 25% download.

On the third attempt the Ubuntu iso file of 7.10 finally downloaded. I found the Ubuntu forums.

Trying Wubi which is ubuntu 7.04.04 but it has the exec file.

Roy,
Go back to the piece of tree and the crayon.

It upgrades to paper and a pen ... much easier, no transfer problems, no dll issues, certainly loads of support ... and it useful when you get into a fight with the beloved, you can throw the paper at her.

Cant do that with your laptop!!

The wubi downloaded finally after I went to sleep. My server would keep stopping on me. Then it went through the final process and rebooted then I couldn't find it again. Good morning, Duncan.

Oh ok, I found the problem. What Operating Systems are supported?
Windows Vista, XP, and 2000 are known to be working fine with Wubi. Windows 98 should also work, but it has not been thoroughly tested. Windows ME is not supported. Linux is supported through Lubi http://lubi.sourceforge.net/.

Another great decision on Linux. I am happy for you. I prefer the 7.04 distro right now. 7.10 is still new, but it does have some great additions, like pidgion. The multi messenger even supports myspace IM. If you want to try and run .exe files on your linux box, you will need to install wine. You should be able to find it easily in your package manager. Inside the package manager of 7.04, change the server search to all available software. There is a lot more packages ready to easily install. Like Beryl. (you have to have a 3d card, and enable desktop effects under system preferences.)Check it out. If you need help, or have questions, ask.