Member Avatar for usoptions

I get the message that C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\UMM.32UXD is missing. I have the ME disk but when I put it in nothing happens.

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Dani AI

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OP summary and likely cause: saw the boot error about C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\UMM.32UXD and could not start Windows ME; replies in-thread looked at boot order and software repairs, but the machine worked after a friend replaced the hard drive. That final result strongly points to disk corruption or a failing HDD rather than a simple missing-file glitch. (dummies.com)

What to take away (quick diagnostic path):

  • If the data on the old drive matters, make a non-destructive image first — do not run risky write-repair steps before imaging. GNU ddrescue is designed for this use: copy the drive to an image while rescuing good sectors first. Read the manual and use a separate destination drive. Example (run from a Linux rescue system): 

    ddrescue -f -n /dev/sdX /path/to/image.img /path/to/image.map

    See the ddrescue manual for safe usage and mapfile details. (gnu.org)

  • If you only need a quick filesystem check and you already have an image or the data is expendable, use a Windows ME startup floppy and run ScanDisk from the minimal boot (ScanDisk can do an automatic surface scan and fixes). Example command at the DOS prompt: 

    scandisk /all /autofix /surface

    Instructions for creating a Win9x/ME startup disk and ScanDisk switches are documented. (terabyteunlimited.com)

  • Run manufacturer diagnostics / SMART tests to confirm hardware faults (for Seagate drives use SeaTools bootable or Windows tools). If tests show bad sectors or SMART failures, replacement is the correct fix. (seagate.com)

Practical notes: imaging first preserves chances for file recovery; running writable repair tools on a physically failing disk can make recovery harder. The thread’s final action (swap drive) is a common, valid resolution when diagnostics point to hardware failure. (dummies.com)

References (examples):

Recommended Answers

All 7 Replies

Member Avatar for Xlphos

You should be able too boot from the CD Drive. Is the CD drive at the top of boot priority?

Member Avatar for gdpafred

I get the message that C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\UMM.32UXD is missing. I have the ME disk but when I put it in nothing happens.

Go to and read about how to fix you MBR,
i.e. Master Boot Record. Since you are using Windows ME, you could also try restoring your computer to a previous System Check Point from System Restore. This is found under System Tools, Accessories, System Restore. Alternate way to get to System Restore is to turn on computer, during boot up, continue to hit key F8. This will present a screen asking you what you want to do. From this screen you can chose to use System Restore.

Member Avatar for usoptions

You should be able too boot from the CD Drive. Is the CD drive at the top of boot priority?

There is no CD drive option in the boot menu. The options that are shown are normal setup, logged, safe mode & step-by step. I have tried all of them but keep getting the same message shown in my thread. Thank you for trying to help me.

Member Avatar for usoptions

Go to and read about how to fix you MBR,
i.e. Master Boot Record. Since you are using Windows ME, you could also try restoring your computer to a previous System Check Point from System Restore. This is found under System Tools, Accessories, System Restore. Alternate way to get to System Restore is to turn on computer, during boot up, continue to hit key F8. This will present a screen asking you what you want to do. From this screen you can chose to use System Restore.

I do not get a System Restore option after I hit the F8 key. I get the following options. Normal, logged, safe mode & step-by step. I tried all options but always get the same missing file message shown in my thread. Thank you for trying to help me.

Member Avatar for usoptions

I do not get a System Restore option after I hit the F8 key. I get the following options. Normal, logged, safe mode & step-by step. I tried all options but always get the same missing file message shown in my thread. Thank you for trying to help me.

Member Avatar for Xlphos

Did you try entering BIOS? Try pressing F2 or delete at startup look for boot devices and make sure CD drive is at the top of the list then save and quit if changes are made. You are pressing F8 at boot up try entering BIOS it should not come up with safe mode, normal etc...

Member Avatar for usoptions

Tried all suggestions but nothing worked. A friend put a used hard drive in it & it now works fine. Thanks to all for your help.

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