Is it possible to prevent Windows 95/98 from detecting new hardware?

Question

I would like to stop the "new hardware found" wizard appearing automatically when Windows 95/98 loads, no matter if I did install new hardware or not.

I meant a way of prevent the wizard from appearing at all, not a way to cancel it once it appears.
A solution other than 'safe mode booting' if possible. Thanks!

Answer 1

well, that program is written into the OS, so it would be kind of hard to stop it from working at all, you would have to go into the registry and delete the data keys for it, then go into the program files for windows and delete the autorun file for the scanner that detects the new hardware, by doing this you might currupt windows so that it will not work at all

Answer 2

you need to check into the device manager to determine what windows sees but doesnt recognize. it has been so long since i worked on a 95 that i dont remember the exact clicks but you can find the device manager in xp under a right click on my computer and then click on properties and then on hardware tab. click on device manager and anything with a yellow question mark or a red x needs your attention so click on it then click properties then update driver and you wont have that problem anymore. if it is doing it because of a glich in windows then i suggest you do a repair install and start over but back up your files or upgrade your system. 98 is no longer supported online by microsoft as of the 11th of this month so you cant even download drivers from them or patches or even security updates. upgrading is a better choice in my mind.

Answer 3

Only in Safe Mode, from what I recall. You get to Safe Mode by starting your computer up and, as soon as you hear the first 'beep', start hitting the F8 key on your keyboard. This should bring up the boot context window where Safe Mode is a choice.

Answer 4

I don'tnecessarily think you can. Maybe if you do some deep digging into the settings, or go onto windows help.
last week i would have reccomended going to the microsoft website for support, but they just stopped support for 98/95

Answer 5

is it that you don't have a driver for your device and everytime you boot the message appears and you're getting tired of it? well, you can try looking at the bios see it you can disable the detect plug and play device or something of this sort i don't really remember the exact message. or just choose any driver this way you get to fool the sw that driver is already installed. hope this helps...

Answer 6

sounds like there is something already in your system that windows cant identify and needs a driver for. the best thing to do is to find the driver and resolve it. but...
if its just a headache go to the device manager, right click on the devices that windows keeps trying to add ( the ones with the yellow 'splat' over the icon), choose DISABLE.

Answer 7

Did you install the software for a printer or some other device without going through windows? I had the problem when I installed software for a printer. I just gave it its way and let it install it again.

Answer 8

Yes... when it comes pres cancel and then goto Control panel. - System - hardware - device manager - and the delete the hardware which appears in yellow....I think this will help.

ok...
bye..

Answer 9

Hmmm, would disabling "Plug and Play" at the BIOS level (if that is even possible) be the root of this?

Answer 10

the best way is, u install a new operating system. windows sp home/professional would help.