Hello all, I want to reformat my computer and put Win98 SE on it. But I'm not sure exactly what I need. What I think I need is a Windows 98 SE Full version, am I correct? Do I need the full version everytime I want to reformat? I know with XP you need a keycode to reformat, is that the same with 98? Please help.

To reformat you need a DOS boot floppy or CD with FORMAT.COM on it.

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If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.

M2

When re-installing Win98 you will need a KEY code. You could however reformat the HDrive and not install an OS. I don't think that is what you want to accomplish. As far as installing Win98se is concerned, an upgrade CD will work IF you have proof of ownership of a qualifying earlier version. That version doesn't need to be installed, simply have the disk when prompted. Can't recall what versions of Windows fit that eligability but I am sure that all versions of Win95 & Win98FE would qualify. Possibly, Win. 3.11 or WinFWG 3.11.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/255...

Hi, thanks for the repsonses. It looks like I'll have to buy a full version because when I first bought the computer the store didn't give me any OS CD's in case I ever wanted to reformat. Does the actual disk say "Windows 98 Full Version" on it anywhere? Is it just one CD?

re' the dos boot-floppy etc... it needs to be a '98SE version; as used to boot a system (and provide CDROM drivers etc.) and then to install '98.

This disk sometimes comes with a Full version CD; otherwise you download an image ('98SE with CDROM drivers - and the Fdisk/format utils) from bootdisk.com; save to a hard-drive; expand to a floppy; use that floppy...

Need more input... and I think you will... post back folks here will help you.

I don't think you'll find 98 installation cd's being sold in retail stores anymore. So you'll have to check ebay or maybe a used software store. The floppy bootdisk to get things started can be downloaded at several places.

There are some tricks to use an upgrade cd for a new install but if you have none anyway you might as well get a full version. You'll either need a retail or OEM version. The retail ones were originally bought at compUSA or whatever. Those are blue cd's with the microsoft logo in white over the blue.

OEM versions originally came with new computers. They are white disks with black writing. On those it will say 'For distribution with a new PC only. For product support contact the manufacturer of your PC.' Although they came bundled with a new PC, OEM disks will work with any computer. They are not to be confused with restore disks which only work with the PC model they came with.

Both OEM and retail will have:

. . . . . .Microsoft
. . . . . . . Windows98

on them in that approximate font size. There are a lot of cd's people confuse with installation disks simply because they say 'windows 98' on them. Hopefully the above info will keep you from getting stuck with one of those.

Also there are two 98 versions, the first edition (FE or 'gold') and the second edition (SE). You mentioned you think you need SE, which would be the better choice. But make sure you know what version you're getting before spending any money.

Buy a stick of 256mb memory and install XP Home, W98SE is obsolete....

If you are going to buy, try Pricewatch.com., Google, or EBay.

Rechecking the specs for PC under discussion... I agree with "orbital" - XP-Home would be a better option; just add at least another 256Meg of RAM and you ought to be fine.

XP-Home can bought on the www for reasonably decent price; and unless you resolve the "qualifying OS" CD aspect to allow you to use the XP upgrade CD, you will need the FULL version CD of XP-Home.

You may have to find a few drivers if XP doesn't have them included; sound/vga cards are likely to be OK as XP may well recognise them?

I just checked ebay for 256mb memory sticks and it turned some results for cell phone memory stick, digital camera memory sticks etc. Is there a certain type of memory stick I should be looking for? Would this be something that is installed into the computer?

I thought that Win98 would be the best thing for the computer since that was the original system installed on it when I got it. But as long as the computer doesn't slow down when running multiple problems then I guess XP would be fine.

So you want to reformat.

Can you access the drives now?
If so then perhaps you have the Win98 folder already on there.
If so then copy it to a CD or even a USB memory stick. Or upload it to a data storage site such as http://www.egoshare.com/
It is only around 170MB.

Then using Magic Jelly Bean KeyFinder discover your Product key.

Format using the Win98 floppy, copy the Win98 folder back onto the drive and run it's setup from there.

HTH
Bryan

From: http://computing.net/windows95/wwwb...

Response Number 3
Name: L.G.
Date: January 02, 2001 at 09:40:49 Pacific
Subject: product id

Reply:
Heres another way,
save this in notepad on your desktop & name it pid.js DBL Clk &.....?
Well...a bit easier I'd say.

var WSHShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell");
var ProductKey = WSHShell.RegRead("HKLM\\Software\\Microsoft
\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\ProductKey");
WSHShell.Popup(ProductKey, 0, "Windows 98 Product CD Key", 64);

I guess what we don't know is if you have ANY Win98 disks?

No I don't have ANY Win 98 disks at all.

Then unless you can get a copy for free or next to free you would probably be better off installing WinXP home edition. If you are located in the USA Newegg.com has WinXP home for $89.99 with a coupon for vista upgrade. Look here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...

CompUSA currently has the WinXP Home Upgrade CD on sale for $40. It's a straight out sale w/no rebates to contend with. Win98SE qualifies as an upgrade path & you could even do a clean install, provided you have a Win98SE CD to pop in as proof (I realize you don't have it). If someone knows the specific files the CD looks for, you could just copy them to a disk & insert it during the installation process as proof.

And since this appears to be an HP PC, you *may* have all the .cab files on your HDD to be able to perform a reinstall of Win98, but I believe a Recovery disk is necessary.

This post touches on the upgrade topic I mentioned above:

http://www.computing.net/windowsme/...

When you reformat you lose everything, so whatever you need for reformat will be required again next time you reformat.

DerekW

What I think I'm just going to do is buy a full version of 98 off ebay for $50. I don't think this computer could handle XP. Thanks for all the responses.

Check Pricewatch.com, you will find a lesser price than that and it will be a new CD.

$50 almost the same value as the PC base unit!

"Buy a stick of 256mb memory and install XP Home, W98SE is obsolete...."

98se is the best DOS based win. And XP will surely be a dog on a 366.

=====================================
If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.

M2

The cpu is a 733Mhz - not 366 - or have I misinterpreted the specs? Nonetheless the comment re' '98SE and dos is very valid... and if happy with '98 SE and can get it for relatively few pennies... go for it.

trvlr,

oops... guess I have a touch of 'threaditis' LOL.

Still, nobody is gonna get wind burns.

=====================================
If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.

M2

Linux is FREE!!!

P3 733/ 128, yep more memory is required, where did the 366 come from M2GO??

I musta been thinking of another thread.

=====================================
If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.

M2

too much tasting of the cooking sherry whilst making the trifle... - duz it ervy tyme...

Ok, just a final question. Does it really matter if the Win98 full version is used or not? Will the computer still accept the keycode if it's been used before?

A full version is much to be preferred. You need to get up to fiddles to make an Upgrade CD work like a full version so it is best avoided.

The CD is read-only and so cannot record anything about the number of times it has been used (keycode or otherwise).

DerekW