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Windows 98 OS disk?

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3 replies

by supz

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For some reason - with both of my computers which run Win98, I do not have the OS Disks that are used to install win98...so sometimes software prompts me to insert the disk to install things, and I dont have it. I have found windows98.exe online available for download which is the Operating system. Is it safe to download this and attempt to burn it to a CD-R data disk and run it as the OS disk when prompted, or what should I do. any help would be nice. Thx

3 replies

by thechas

Many PCs come with a restore disk, or you can purchase the CD from the manufacture.

If you have a system that did not come with a Windows CD, it is very likely that the install files are actually on your hard drive.

I would start by searching the drive for *.cab
Once you find the folder with the Windows cabinet (cab) files, you know where to point the installer should you ever need Windows files to install a device.
(I copy the CD onto the drive to a folder such as C:\Windows\Options. Or, D:\Win98.)

As to a download, I would be very leary of it.
First, it is not a legal posting.
2nd, you have no guarantee that ALL the files are there.
3rd, the files could be infected by a virus.

Looking at a Windows 98 SE OEM CD, there are 11 directories and files in the root.
101 files and 2 folders in the Win98 folder.

Keep in mind, that there are at least 6 W98 distributions, if you get the wrong version, the files may not work with your system, and your product key will not be recognized by the installer.

Chas

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