I have an older computer that is used simply for word procesing and for the “wee ones” to play on and I want to give it to the “wee ones” as a first computer. But Windows 98 is screwed up on it. Is there somewhere that I can buy the old OS new to reinstall it and make it a proper up to par-ish first computer?
thanks for all the help.
Legitimate copies of Win98 sell on Ebay for about $50. You might also try a local “computer show and sale” type event, if they have those in Reality, where you apparently live. There’s also a chance that someone on these Boards has a copy in a drawer somewhere that’s no longer being used on any PC.
Sure, lotsa places! Go here and use the “Software” button at the top. You should see a software menu with a listing of different operating systems below. Click on Windows 98 to see a VERY long list of vendors sorted by price.
CAVEATS: Avoid “upgrade” editions. Forget the original “first edition” and go with the second, usually abbreviated “SE.” Be sure you’re buying the actual CD-ROM media and not just a license. (Price is a giveaway here; the full package will start around $80.)
One other suggestion: Windows Millenium Edition (“Me”) is essentially a gussied-up Win98SE, and is generally easier to find and actually a bit cheaper (go figure). I’ve heard lots of people complain about Me (usually compatibility issues), but I’ve been using it for over two years and I’ve found absolutely nothing to bitch about.
Windows Me sucks. Don’t go there.
Is this an OEM computer - that is, one made by Dell or Compaq or somesuch? If so, look for the installation files in C:\WINDOWS\OPTIONS\CABS. If you see a SETUP.EXE file, a bunch of *.cab files and some other stuff, you can just burn this to CD and reinstall from there. If you have two partitions on your hard drive (a C: and a D: drive), copy the files to D: and reformat C: and install from D:.
NB: Whichever way you decide to reinstall (my way, buying new, or something else), be sure to open Device Manager and write down the make and models of your video card, sound card, NIC and\or modem, Sometimes it can be a weapons-grade pain to figure this stuff out later!
If you have a CD copy of Win 95 lying around the Win 98SE upgrade will install and work fine, even from DOS floppy boot after formatting for clean install. It is identical to the the full version in every respect except the verification check of previous ownership which takes 20 seconds to insert and remove the old 95 CD.
My understanding:
95 and 98 would die when an application went bad. The old ‘blue screen of death’.
NT based operating systems would give a blue screen, but not be harmed. It’s just saying ‘this program has become hostile and I’ve stopped it’.
So if your programs don’t go nuts, 98 works fine. If you don’t mind a reboot when you get blue, 98 works fine.
When you have some time on your hands, try Windows Update.
For Windows 98 and other software, try Recycled Software. You can get premium software packages at great savings. I’ve bought from them before.
Windows ME is not that bad. It had problems when it first came out, but if you update IE and get latest updates via MS’s web site it should be fine. If it’s less expensive than Win98 I’d say go for it.
It’s what I use on my spare PC too.
FWIW, my brother has been using ME for about two years now, and says he has no problems with it at all. He describes it similarly to TBone as a upgraded Win98SE.