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Error Message When Upgrading from Windows 3.x to Windows Millennium Edition

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Article ID:248643
Last Review:January 27, 2007
Revision:1.2
This article was previously published under Q248643

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to upgrade your computer from Microsoft Windows 3.x to Windows Millennium Edition (Me), you may receive the following error message:
Setup has detected that Windows 3.x is installed on this computer. Windows 3.x cannot be upgraded to this version of Windows. You must first install Windows 95 or Windows 98 and then install this version of Windows.

Click OK to exit Setup.

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WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, install the complete version of Windows Me in a new folder.

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STATUS

This behavior is by design.

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MORE INFORMATION

This workaround is only valid if you have the full version of Windows Me. The upgrade version of Windows Me searches for Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft Windows 98, or Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition to confirm eligibility for the upgrade.

It is not necessary to install Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows 98 Second Edition to use the Windows Me upgrade; to do so, you simply need to insert the floppy disk or CD-ROM of either Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows 98 Second Edition, during the Windows Me Setup.

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APPLIES TO
•Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition

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Keywords: 
kberrmsg kbprb kbprod2web KB248643

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