Where Do I Get WIndows 98SE And Is It Easy To Install

stressedoutmum

We have an old computer - as you may have guessed. Just bought my son a game which says compatible with Windows 98. After installing it he went to play it and got a message saying need version 98SE or 2000 or better and now he's gutted he cant play it. Where do I get Windows 98SE and is it easy to install. I was given this computer by someone with all the programs on so didnt have to do anything apart from connect to internet. thanks.

albertross_2

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WINDOWS-98-SE-full-version-NEW-SEALED_W0QQitemZ200031096937QQihZ010QQcategoryZ41884QQtcZphotoQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Windows-98-SE-Second-Edition-Sealed-with-serial-NEW_W0QQitemZ140029964907QQihZ004QQcategoryZ41884QQtcZphotoQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

xp (possibly with a newer PC) might be better, try https://www.ebuyer.com

you'll need to wipe the hd unless you get the upgrade versions.

stressedoutmum

This sounds silly but how do you wipe the hard drive and will I lose everything on the computer than. ALso how can I tell if its the full WIndows 98SE program or just the update?

johnmc

Do you know what the current spec of the machine is?

If it's running Win98 then it's likely to be less than 500mhz and a small (by modern standards) hard drive. That will rule out XP as it is rather memory hungry and runs like a three legged dog on anything less than 1Ghz in my experience.

Do you have anything on the PC you want to keep? If so, the upgrade version is the line to take, else a full format of the drive and install of the new operating system. It's been a while since I last updated one so not sure whether a full version will offer an upgrade or not. If not, and you've got the room, split the drive and install a dual boot.



Usually one or 2 copies on Ebay. Also try Micromart magazine, who currently have the following on the classified ads of their web site (phone numbers removed): -

Windows 98SE £10.00
Unused complete pack including sticker, manual and boot disk. Price includes 1st class p+p. Please email.
conrad@theinterfacesystem.net

Windows 98 SE £10.00
Windows 98 Second Edition genuine cd, boot floppy disk manual/serial no.Postage included.
willcooles@bigfoot.com

Windows 98se £15.00
Windows 98se CD and Boot Floppy Disk. £15
jdavis144@btinternet.com

stressedoutmum

Dont know the spec of the machine and don't know anything about computers and wouldnt know where to start to 'split the drive and install dual boot:eek:

I have 1 or 2 games installed, security (spybot etc), my printer information and everything on my favourites folder from theinternet and the programmes for 3 different MP3 players and my digital camera. Is this what you mean when you ask is there anythign you need? Sorry if it sounds silly but I am not technical at all. Most times I get stuck I get help from clever folks such as you :T

cargo

Is it legal to pass my 98 se disc on as I no longer have this on my pc?
Have book and number.

abdulinyourface

am i correct in saying you are currently running windows 95? maybe even windows ver3.whatever?

this is a tricky one because although you can still obtain copies of window98 i do remember not too long ago that microsoft said they are going to stop doing updates for this version of windows because it is outdated now especially with windows vista coming along. they just havent got the time to keep sorting out problems with windows 98. so this may come back to bite you in the !!! if you do start developing problems.

id suggest seeing a friend and seeing if you can upgrade the pc. it wont cost too much but will at least save u the hassle for a good year or two. a pentium III pc which is relatively cheap can run windows xp so you should be safe for awhile with that. you may be lucky enough that your motherboard can be upgraded to that so the costs will be even lower i.e. the main thing youll replace is the main intel processor chip

by splitting the drive i think you mean partitioning it? this isnt hard to do but id suggest talking to a friend who is pc-minded as they'll probs be able to sort that out. much easier than someone doing a step-by-step guide (unless someone here is kind enough to do one for you?).

HTH

Abs

muddyfox470

Windows XP does allow for apps to be run in compatibility mode so you can run programs as if running in win 98 etc.

if installing win98 is the only option, the downloads are supposedly still available download but no support and no further downloads will be available. but if it is just for a game and doesn't need to access the internet you should be fine. you may be able to pick up an update cd on ebay anyway.

ian

Contains_Mild_Peril

Even if you can obtain an upgrade version, it's advisable to make back-up copies on disc of all your important data before you make any major changes on your computer. I'm afraid I never did figure out how to save and re-install Internet Explorer favourites lists, and I've had to compile mine again from scratch twice after having my virus-infected computer reformatted.
Windows 98 SE is widely regarded as the most reliable version ever (which still isn't a great recommendation because it's still Windows!), but it won't run a lot of more modern software. You'll probably find that the hardware specs on your elderly machine would seriously limit the software you can use anyway.

superscaper

Might be worth mentioning to be wary of the fact that Microsoft no longer give any support to Windows 98.

johnmc

Win98SE is a fairly stable platform and is suitable for any PC running at 100 to 1000Mhz. Anything over that should use XP.

To answer Cargo; Yes, you can sell your copy along with the sticker on the PC. Microsoft tried to stop this but was overturned by the EU. Google will confirm, no doubt.

Stressedoutmum; as you are only using the PC for a few basic games and possibly internet, my personal advise would be to buy a copy of Win98SE, they can be got for £10, as above, and do a full installation.