Question

Tips for Upgrading Win98FE to Win98SE? MS Apps Replaced? DM Entries to Delete?

Asked by: Mercury351

Hello,
I have Windows 98 First Edition, v4.10.1998.  It works fine and I have no problems or complaints with it.  Because I bought some new hardware which requires new drivers, I am going to be upgrading to Windows 98 SE using a Windows 98 SE "Upgrade" CD.  I do NOT want to do a fresh install.  I have too many non-MS apps and I have forgotten how install some of them (many were patched after installation).  I do not want to upgrade to XP because of these apps I have.  They would be too expensive to upgrade for XP.  I have done some searches in http://groups.google.com and I have the following concerns:

I.  I am concerned the 98SE upgrade will overwrite some of my built-in 98FE apps.  Will the SE Upgrade CD overwrite them?  Here are some of the built-in Win98FE apps I have:
  1.  Windows Media Player 6.4.  I understand SE comes with 6.1.
  2.  Internet Explorer 5.5 SP1.  SE comes with 5.01.
  3.  DirectX 8.1.  SE comes with 6.1
  4.  Windows Installer 1.20.1827.0 (Copyright 2000).  SE probably comes with 1.0.

I still have the IE 5.5 SP1 install files (thankfully).  I just downloaded the DX 8.1 install file, but I don't know if I can still update WMP 6.1 to 6.4 on the MS update site.  I prefer to use 6.4 because the latest WMP is just so much bloatware.  Will the SE Upgrade overwrite these built-in apps with its own older apps?  Can I still upgrade WMP 6.1 to 6.4?  I have done a lot of Win98FE upgrades over the years.  In general, is the SE Upgrade going to overwrite newer files with older files?

II.  DEVICE MANAGER
Am I supposed to delete all the entries in my Device Manager in Safe Mode just before the upgrade?  If I don't delete the DM entries, will I see duplicate entries in Safe Mode after the upgrade?

I am going to use an MS-DOS bootdisk to minimize the TSR's.  I copied all the Win98SE CAB files and folders to my drive under the "W98Flat" folder to accelerate the installation.  Because of this, I won't need an MS-DOS CD-ROM driver loaded.  The 98SE Setup.EXE will be run from MS-DOS.  If anyone reading this has gone through the Win98FE to Win98SE upgrade before, please let me know what your experience was.  Any additional hints/tips will be appreciated.  I will wait awhile longer before upgrading.

Thanks In Advance,
Mercury351

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Asked On
2004-05-20 at 07:53:57ID20996262
Tags

win98se

,

win98fe

,

upgrade

Topic

Windows 98 Operating System

Participating Experts
6
Points
500
Comments
29

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Answers

 

by: blue_zeePosted on 2004-05-20 at 10:08:15ID: 11119331



Bootup with a startup floppy disk, if you don't have it, create one (you need a clean formatted floppy):

Add/Remove Programs > Startup Disk > click Create Disk and follow the prompts.

Put the floppy in the drive, bootup select with CD-ROM support.

Put the CD in the drive and run setup from the CD drive (usually E:). No fears. Your software and configuration will remain identical, unless there is a catastrophic issue with your rig or previous Windows insallation.

My personal opinion on other points:

- Windows Media Player: At least go to WMP 7.1: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/

- Internet Explorer: IE6SP1 is a MUST. Use Windows Update.

- DirectX: again, I believe 9.0b is the best: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=141D5F9E-07C1-462A-BAEF-5EAB5C851CF5&displaylang=en

- Windows Installer shouldn't be a problem.

- Don't touch Device Manager before the upgrade.

Zee

 

by: rossfingalPosted on 2004-05-20 at 11:19:39ID: 11120110

Hi!

Also, as soon as possible go to Windows Update and update Win98SE with all fixes, patches, etc.!

Good luck!

 

by: stevenshealthcarePosted on 2004-05-20 at 13:54:50ID: 11121613

Your question was pretty much answered above. My only input is that you might want to back up any data you don't want lost prior to the upgrade. Just a word of caution. Good luck. David

 

by: Mercury351Posted on 2004-05-20 at 18:49:10ID: 11123291

I will eventually upgrade to IE 6SP1.  The problem with versions of IE later than 5.5 SP1 is they no longer support the older style plug-ins.  After I upgrade to IE6SP1, I will be forced to also upgrade my QuickTime Pro install, RealPlayer Basic, and probably a few others.  I will also no longer be able to use my QuickView Plus plug-ins.  In other words, upgrading past IE5.5SP1 is a real bother.  That's why I plan to wait after my system is fully functioning after upgrading to SE.

Thanks to all for your help and comments.  I am going to do the upgrade soon, after which I will award the 500 points.  I suspect the process, which includes installing new drivers and patches, could take up to a week.

 

by: rayt333Posted on 2004-05-20 at 20:45:31ID: 11123759

I disagree with the install method listed above, since you are using a Win98SE upgrade disk, the best way to use it is to be running windows, pop the CD in the drive. It should bring up a windows asking you if you want to install (or words to that effect) and all you need to do is answer yes and follow the prompts.

The best way to install from an upgrade CD is from inside of the OS you are upgrading.

 

by: Mercury351Posted on 2004-05-21 at 00:10:26ID: 11124422

rayt333,
why do you say I should install from inside the O/S instead of from MS-DOS?  Keep in mind, Windows uses certain system files.  During use, the O/S cannot remove them.  It must be done from outside Windows, or MS-DOS.

 

by: rayt333Posted on 2004-05-21 at 04:14:45ID: 11125486

As part of the install, the system will reboot a couple of times and this allows all needed files to be installed, even the ones in use.
You should of course shut down any anti-virus programs or for that matter any program running in Windows before you insert the CD into the drive.
See this MS article for more info.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;250928

 

by: Mercury351Posted on 2004-05-21 at 04:25:36ID: 11125547

Thanks to all for your help and comments.  I am going to do the upgrade soon, after which I will award the 500 points.  I suspect the process, which includes installing new drivers and patches, could take up to a week.

 

by: netmonPosted on 2004-05-21 at 20:09:27ID: 11131702

I kind of quickly skimmed the previous comments so if someone else has said this I apologize in advance and will certianly DEFER to them. But I didn't see it.

1. the best way to upgrade is not to "upgade" at all but to do a CLEAN install.
2. an "UPGRADE" edition permits you both options.

My personal favorite is (was) to boot from a 98 rescue disk with CD-ROM support and then run the ROM setup from Dos.

Ideally personal data should be "backed-up" to the "D-Drive" assuming you're partitioned.

If the previous ver Windows currently installed on the hard drive is your ONLY "proof of purchase" (no floppy's no rom)
then I don't know if the setup on the upgade rom will format or not... I forget... but it should give a choice of upgrade or clean install.
that's my advice. Clean Install.

 

by: netmonPosted on 2004-05-21 at 20:23:39ID: 11131736

I'm sorry I just saw the question "again"(?) and I swear to god it's not the same question, or same as..... anyway, pretty much disregard my previous. 98 to 98se is a pretty tame procedue. Not much more than an over-blown "service pac" patch.  re your specific questions:
Media Player can be uninstalled and you can reinstall the ealier version from any number of older game roms...
Windows explorer. I see no advange of keeping the pre-6.01 IE's, and plenty of disadvantages. No security being the biggest.
Backpeddling the Direct-X   could be a problem but again, why?
the 9.0b is backward compatible with the old aps.
the windows installer? not sure why that's even a concern either.
Most of the above will not be part of the upgrade but will take place when you visit the Windows Update page anyway and to a certian excent you can de-select what you don't want.

 

by: rayt333Posted on 2004-05-21 at 20:28:55ID: 11131748

netmon
It would be nice if you would at least take the time to read the question before posting advice that the questioner already stated he didn't want to do.
<<  I do NOT want to do a fresh install. >>

 

by: netmonPosted on 2004-05-21 at 20:42:01ID: 11131780

Yup. agreed.
(again), my bad.

 

by: rayt333Posted on 2004-05-21 at 20:48:14ID: 11131794

Sorry, your second comment wasn't there when I was typing.
:>)

 

by: netmonPosted on 2004-05-21 at 20:56:11ID: 11131813

no problem. that's happened to me too. stuff sneeks in whist-ye be typing.

 

by: blue_zeePosted on 2004-06-13 at 11:13:40ID: 11300653


I don't agree that is the best way to upgrade.

Zee

 

by: blue_zeePosted on 2004-06-13 at 12:36:17ID: 11300914


I object your decision, not the comment.

Zee

 

by: blue_zeePosted on 2004-06-13 at 12:42:36ID: 11300937


Maybe Mercury351 would care to come back and select the answers that helped him most, or that he found useful.

And ellaborating a little bit more why I don't agree with your decision: the question asks for a bit more help and info beyond the simple "best way to ugrade Win98 to Win98SE".

And that, everyone else has missed.

Zee

 

by: rayt333Posted on 2004-06-13 at 18:12:52ID: 11302498

blue_zee
I think you failed to read what Mercury351 wanted to do " I do NOT want to do a fresh install" and what he had to do it with. "Windows 98 SE "Upgrade" CD"

The easiest way is to simply insert the CD into the drive and let it do what it was intended to do "upgrade the OS"

Your suggestion would work as well but it also has many more steps that needs to be taken, I used the KISS system (Keep It Simple Stupid)    Why make it so difficult when it can be done so easily.

Of course I would normally reccomend a clean install but since he stated that was not an option then I suggested the simpliest way to do the "upgrade"

 

by: rayt333Posted on 2004-06-13 at 18:20:34ID: 11302548

 

by: Mercury351Posted on 2004-06-13 at 22:13:15ID: 11303554

I award my points to the person who came the closest to answering my question, blue_zee:
http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/Win98/Q_20996262.html#11119331

I apologize for not awarding the points sooner.  Some things came up and I haven't had the chance to do the upgrade yet.  As I mentioned before, with all the tweaks involved and all the driver upgrades, I expect the Windows upgrade to require at least a week.  I need to use my PC for at least another week, so I can't do the upgrade yet.  

I am still not 100% sure if the Win98SE upgrade will overwrite all my upgraded built-in Windows apps or what the effect is to my Device Manager.  However, that's OK.  During this time, I have managed to find all of these apps in order to restore them to their pre-98SE upgrade state, if necessary.  Also, I will not need to use the Win98SE upgrade CD.  According to the README.TXT file included on the CD, I have copied all of the Win98SE files to a folder named "W98Flat".  This will greatly accelerate the upgrade process.

Thanks to all for your help.
Mercury351

 

by: blue_zeePosted on 2004-06-13 at 23:59:28ID: 11303976

Mercury351,

Thank you.

*** off topic remark removed by Netminder, Site Admin ***

Zee

 

by: netmonPosted on 2004-06-14 at 11:26:36ID: 11309169

If your current 98 install is running nice with no significant "idiosycracies" the "98 to 98SE" upgrade should be
pretty much seamless... 1 hour. One for sure, maybe 2 restarts.
no muss no fuss.
I trust this 98 box isn't accessing the internet.  (is it?) if so I assume you have a good firewall, norton or better.

 

by: ericpetePosted on 2004-06-17 at 13:32:51ID: 11338783

Just my own two cents worth: I upgraded from Win98 to Win98SE about five years ago, for the same reason (all I had was an upgrade CD) -- and didn't lose a thing; the upgrade wizard seamlessly brought over everything, including the Cisco VPN and Citrix. Since then, I've had to replace the hard drive, the printer, and the monitor, I've added programs, removed others, and generally beat the hell out of my computer, and haven't had a problem that wasn't PEBKAC yet. I suppose I should upgrade one of these days, but if it ain't broke, why fix it?

I know the question is closed, but I just thought that while rayt333 may occasionally have issues, his advice in this question was perfectly valid.

Regards,
ep

 

by: Mercury351Posted on 2004-06-17 at 23:44:14ID: 11341884

ericpete,
you must have done the upgrade to SE right when it came out.  My problem is I'm upgrading 5 YEARS after it came out (arg).  Had I known I was going to have all these problems today, I would've done the same.  I was wondering, since it was 5 years ago, did you upgrade your IE between FE and SE?  If so, did SE downgrade your IE to the version included in SE?  Did you upgrade your DirectX between FE and SE?  If so, did SE downgrade your DirectX?

If possible, there's something I'd like for you to do for me.  Could you go into Safe Mode and look at your Device Manager?  Please look at all the categories, particularly the "System Devices" category.  Are there duplicate entries in there?  They will only show up in Safe Mode, not regular mode.

Thanks in Advance,
Mercury351

 

by: netmonPosted on 2004-06-18 at 08:52:27ID: 11345765

MS IE 6 CANNOT be "downgraded".  Period.
As far I know the only way can be done is a procedure
that includes "format C:\"

Nor will the SE setup choke attempting to, it will automatically
skip-over newer files. Which brings up another worth reitterating point. Since you HAVE installed a small ton of
more up to date applicatios chances are good a lot of "subsystems" and "DLL" and "VX*" extension files have already beed updated beyond what will come with SE. SO
Here's the deal on THAT,
AS SE is "setting up", stand by, you will get a series, maybe a LOT of "halts" when it will ask you "a newer version of "such-n-such" already exists, what do you want to do"? with 3 self explanitory choices. In most cases the answer will be "NO. Leave me the one that's on there now, don't replace" But you should look closely at the file name. It may be part of something you long ago took out or TRIED TO take out or just isn't working right anyway. IN WHICH case you may want to consider letting SE setup overwrite it. That's a judgment call.
When in doubt say no. You can also make a list and later look up the locations of the file giving you a better clue as to what it may have been part of, or is part of.

 

by: netmonPosted on 2004-06-18 at 11:44:39ID: 11347398

to clarify one point.

the setup halts about newer files applies to apps other than IE.

SE setup "skipping over" the newer IE SHOULD BE pretty much automatic.

 

by: ericpetePosted on 2004-06-18 at 12:15:30ID: 11347648

Mercury351,

Couldn't tell you for certain; it was right around the time I joined EE, and the only reason I upgraded was because the CD was made available to me through the company I worked for at the time. I know that my IE was the most current version available, because we were required to use it (I also had Netscape on my machine, because I was doing their web development), so I can only assume it was a higher version than the one that came on the CD.

If I get caught up today, I'll look at the System Devices file.

ep

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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