Link to home
Start Free TrialLog in
Avatar of jd3324
jd3324

asked on

From Win95 to Win98

Desktop computer currently running win 95 - want to install Win98SE - i want to format hard drive first - and clean everything up - can you give me step by step directions of what to do - i have a good Win98SE CD for the install. Thank you
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of Pete Long
Pete Long
Flag of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland image

Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
jd3324,
Then reboot with your bootdisk in

type

cd d:\     (where d: is your CD drive)

then type setup

make sure you backup anything important first, and you have all your unlock codes handy

jd3324,
Knowledge Base  

How to Install Windows 98: Helpful Tips and SuggestionsPSS ID Number: 188881

Article Last Modified on 8/17/2001


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:


Microsoft Windows 98

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This article was previously published under Q188881
NOTE: This article is for informational use only. It does not contain any troubleshooting information. If you are searching for troubleshooting information that is not mentioned in this article, search the Microsoft Knowledge Base again by using keywords that are listed in the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:
242450 How to Query the Microsoft Knowledge Base Using Keywords

SUMMARY
This article provides general information about installing Windows 98. This information can help you avoid problems that might arise during the installation process and help make the installation process as smooth as possible. The following topics are discussed:
Before Purchasing Windows 98
Before Installing Windows 98
Installing Windows 98
Common Windows 98 Setup Issues
Highlights for Windows Web Site
How to Obtain Assistance with Windows 98
MORE INFORMATION
Before Purchasing Windows 98
Before you purchase Windows 98, make sure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements for running Windows 98. The minimum hardware requirements include:
486DX 66 megahertz (MHz) or faster processor (Pentium recommended)
16 megabytes (MBs) of memory (24 MB recommended)
120 MB of free hard disk space (typical installation requires approximately 195 MB of free hard disk space, but the required space may vary from 120 MB to 295 MB, depending on your computer's configuration and the options that you choose to install)
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
3.5-inch high-density floppy disk drive
Video adapter and monitor that support video graphics adapter (VGA) or higher resolution
Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
For additional information about the minimum hardware requirements forWindows 98, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
182751 Minimum Hardware Requirements for Windows 98 Installation

Although Windows 98 includes more than 1,200 new drivers, not all third-party manufacturers' hardware drivers are compatible with Windows 98. Some older computers or devices may require an updated basic input/output system (BIOS) or device driver to fully support Windows 98.

For information about compatibility with specific hardware or software, contact the manufacturer of your specific hardware or software, or click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
136660 Windows Software Compatibility List

131900 Windows Hardware Compatibility List

The Software Compatibility List (SCL) contains a list of programs that bear the Windows logo and have been tested and found to run on Windows. The Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) contains a list of computer systems and peripherals that have been tested and found to run Windows.

For additional information about your specific computer or device, or to identify known incompatibilities or possible workarounds, please check with the manufacturer of your computer or device.

You can use the Windows 98 Upgrade version to upgrade Microsoft Windows version 3.1x, Microsoft Windows for Workgroups version 3.1x, or Microsoft Windows 95 or later to Windows 98. If Windows 3.1x, Windows for Workgroups 3.1x, or Windows 95 is not currently installed, you can use the Windows 98 Upgrade Setup program to install Windows 98 if you can provide the disks or CD-ROM from an earlier version of Windows to confirm your eligibility for the upgrade. Because the Windows 98 Upgrade version does not include a Startup disk, you must be able to start from the computer's hard disk to install the Windows 98 Upgrade.

To install the non-upgrade version of Windows 98, you do not need an earlier version of Windows or MS-DOS. Because the non-upgrade version of Windows 98 includes a Startup disk, you do not need to be able to start from the computer's hard disk.

back to top
Before Installing Windows 98
Before you upgrade your existing version of Windows to Windows 98, perform the following steps:
Read the Setup.txt file in the Win98 folder on the Windows 98 CD-ROM, and perform any additional preinstallation steps as suggested. To read the Windows 98 Setup.txt file online, click Windows 98 Setup.txt on the following Microsoft Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/support/windows/readme/98/Windows_98.asp

Make sure that your computer is not infected with a virus. To do so, run an antivirus program that has the latest virus signatures and allow the program to remove any viruses that it finds.
Disable any programs that run automatically, including antivirus programs, screen savers, and system utilities. After Setup is finished, you can re-enable these programs.
Uninstall any utilities or tools that protect or encrypt the master boot record (MBR) or partition table (for example, uninstall the Bootlock utility that is included with Symantec Norton Your Eyes Only). Make sure that you check with the software manufacturer before you reinstall the program to make sure that the version that you want to install is compatible with Windows 98.
Back up all critical data on your hard disk. Although it is unlikely that you will encounter a serious problem when you install Windows 98, it is always a good idea to perform a complete system backup before you install a new operating system. When you upgrade your computer's operating system, an error might occur (such as a problem that is the result of incompatible hardware or a power failure) that could temporarily or permanently prevent you from gaining access to the data on your hard disk.
back to top
Installing Windows 98
If you want to install Windows 98 on a computer that does not have an installed operating system, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
221829 How to Install Windows 98 on a Computer with No Operating System

If you are upgrading Windows 95, start Windows 95, and then insert the Windows 98 CD-ROM. Follow the instructions on your screen to install Windows 98.

If you are not upgrading Windows 95, see the appropriate section of the Windows 98 Setup.txt file for specific installation instructions.

To read the Windows 98 Setup.txt file online, click Windows 98 Setup.txt on the following Microsoft Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/support/windows/readme/98/Windows_98.asp

NOTE: When Setup prompts you to make a new Startup disk for Windows 98, be sure to do so. See the Setup.txt file for additional information about creating a Windows 98 Startup disk.

back to top
Common Windows 98 Setup Issues
For information about known Setup issues, please view the Setup.txt file, or click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
232142 Troubleshooting 'Invalid Product Key' Error Message During Setup

225252 Error Message: Your Computer Already Has an Operating System Installed, Which Cannot Be Upgraded by...

140901 Err Msg: Could Not Decode This Setup (.cab) File...

128730 Error Message 'Invalid System Disk' After Setup Reboots

129971 "SU" Error Message List for Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Me Setup

162453 OEM Product ID Not Accepted During Reinstallation

For information about running Setup from a command prompt, please see the "Installing Windows 98 from MS-DOS" section of the Windows 98 Setup.txt file on the following Microsoft Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/support/windows/readme/98/Windows_98.asp

back to top
Highlights for Windows Web Site
You can view a list of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) and highlights for Windows 98 on the following Microsoft Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/faqs.asp?fr=0&sd=gn

After the page is displayed, click Windows 98, and then click the topic of your choice.

back to top
How to Obtain Assistance with Windows 98
You can view information about how to get support for Windows 98 on the following Microsoft Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/opt/offer23.asp

You can view more information about Windows 98 on the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows98/default.asp

back to top

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.



Additional query words: boot bootable disk

Keywords: kbhowto kbinfo kbsetup KB188881
Technology: kbWin98 kbWin98search



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Send feedback to Microsoft

© 2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
jd3324,
Heres the full walkthrough with screenshots

http://www.windowsreinstall.com/win98/install98stepbystep2/page1.htm
Avatar of jd3324
jd3324

ASKER

Question Pete - wondering what the advantages are of partitioning the HD - is this used to divide the storage into a C drive D drive E drive etc. to store documents and such on separate drive from operating system? Also i will be doing upgrade toonight - let you know how i make out in the morning - Thanks for help I will award points also......
Avatar of jd3324

ASKER

Everything wemt fine - Win98 loaded fine - i may have a further question regarding the modem - no recognized - will try a few things then may also ask for some more help latr...Thanks again
sorry wasnt ignoring you :0)

I never bother partitioning unless Im gonna multiboot, but some people like different partitions for games, work stuff etc

And ThanQ