How to Install Windows 98: Helpful Tips and Suggestions

ID: Q188881

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows 98

SUMMARY

This article provides general information about installing Windows 98. This information can help you avoid problems that may 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

How to obtain assistance with Windows 98

MORE INFORMATION

Before Purchasing Windows 98

Before you purchase Windows 98, you should make sure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements for running Windows 98. The minimum hardware requirements include:

486DX 66 MHz or faster processor (Pentium recommended)

16 megabytes (MB) 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 you choose to install)

CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive

3.5-inch high-density floppy disk drive

Display adapter and monitor that support VGA or higher resolution.

Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

For additional information about the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 98, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

ARTICLE-ID: Q182751
TITLE : Minimum Hardware Requirements for Windows 98 Installation

Although Windows 98 includes more than 1,200 new drivers, not all third- party manufacturers have had a chance to update their hardware drivers. Some existing computers or devices may require an updated BIOS or device driver to fully support Windows 98.

For information about compatibility with specific hardware or software, please contact the manufacturer of your specific hardware or software, or see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

ARTICLE-ID: Q136660
TITLE : Windows Software Compatibility List

ARTICLE-ID: Q131900
TITLE : Windows Hardware Compatibility List

NOTE: The Software Compatibility List contains a list of programs that bear the Windows logo and have been tested and found to run on Windows. The Hardware Compatibility List 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 PC or device.

You can use the Windows 98 Upgrade package to upgrade Windows version 3.1x, Windows for Workgroups version 3.1x, or Windows 95 or later to Windows 98. If Windows 3.1x, Windows for Workgroups 3.1x, or Windows 95 is not currently installed, the Windows 98 Upgrade Setup program will allow you to install Windows 98 if you can provide the disks or CD-ROM from a previous version of Windows to confirm your eligibility for the upgrade. Because the Windows 98 Upgrade package does not include a bootable floppy disk, you must be able to boot 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 a previous version of Windows, Windows for Workgroups, or MS-DOS. Because the non-upgrade version of Windows 98 includes a bootable floppy disk, you do not need to be able to boot from the computer's hard disk.

Before Installing Windows 98

Before you upgrade your existing version of Windows to Windows 98, you should perform the following steps:

Read the Setup.txt file in the Win98 folder on the Windows 98 CD-ROM, and perform any additional preinstall steps as suggested. To read the Setup.txt file online, please see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:
ARTICLE-ID: Q179756
TITLE : Windows 98 Setup.txt File

Make sure that your computer is not infected with a virus. To do so, run an anti-virus program with the latest virus signatures and allow the program to remove any viruses that it finds.

Disable any programs that run automatically, including anti-virus programs, screen savers, or system utilities.

Uninstall any utilities or tools that protect or encrypt the Master Boot Record (MBR) or partition table (for example, uninstall Bootlock included with Symantec Norton Your Eyes Only).

Back up all critical data on your hard disk. While it is unlikely that you will encounter a serious problem installing Windows 98, it is always a good idea to perform a complete system backup before installing a new operating system. When you upgrade your computer's operating system, it is possible that an error could occur (such as a problem due to incompatible hardware or a power failure) that could temporarily or permanently prevent access to the data on your hard disk.

Installing Windows 98

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 Setup.txt file for specific installation instructions.

To read the Setup.txt file online, please see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:

ARTICLE-ID: Q179756
TITLE : Windows 98 Setup.txt File

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.

Common Windows 98 Setup Issues

For information about known Setup issues, please view the Setup.txt file, or see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

ARTICLE-ID: Q140901
TITLE : Err Msg: Could Not Decode This Setup (.cab) File...

ARTICLE-ID: Q128730
TITLE : Error Message "Invalid System Disk" After Setup Reboots

How to Obtain Assistance with Windows 98

For information about how to get support for Windows 98, please visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/overview/desksyst.htm


Keywords          : kbsetup win98 
Version           : WINDOWS:98
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbinfo

Last Reviewed: February 12, 1999