Microsoft no longer sells this, so its abandonware. I can not purchase it, and who knows what eBay or other online stores will give me. (I am not looking for upgrading to XP, 98 is the highest my computer will go, and its a computer that I need to use. )
I currently have 95, but I need to upgrade because of a driver problem, that and it would go a lot faster as well.
2006-10-31 07:42:27 · 7 answers · asked by TS2 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
www.microsoft.com
2006-10-31 07:45:01 · answer #1 · answered by xerocs 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
This software is no longer supported, sold or given by Microsoft for a good reason: it's obsolete. People using this on a system that's a Pentium 4 or better need to upgrade to Windows XP/Vista. People using a Pentium 3 or slower need to consider getting a new machine.
Most Windows 95 systems are completely off of support from third party manufacturers, developers, and Microsoft for a very good reason as well: they don't have the resources to develop fixes and solutions to older machines and newer machines at the same time spanning a decade. Not to mention the ROI of supporting older systems would be completely be a waste of time compared to development on new systems.
But because something isn't supported anymore doesn't mean that they don't hold rights to it.
Microsoft still retains the rights to the intellectual property to Windows 98, so it is not 'abandonware.' Abandonware is software of a defunct company that no one is supporting, adding to or selling, which is EXTREMELY RARE and not plausible for any Microsoft product: they're still in business, and hold all the patents to their work still. Even if they don't sell it anymore.
Installing a stolen copy or an OEM Copy after Windows 98 was taken off of the shelves is as much a crime as installing a stolen copy of Windows XP.
And Windows 98 is not faster than Windows 95: in fact because of Windows Desktop Update, Themes, and Active Desktop, Windows 98 is slower than 95 in almost all areas except for one: bootup time is reduced by 25%. A faster machine will do things faster, not software. Even if you put Linux on your system, you will not be capable of doing things as well as if you put the same Linux copy on a faster machine. (Bear in mind I did not say NEW.)
If I were you, I'd consider a used machine on eBay or in the newspaper. Lots of people upgrade and separate from perfectly useful computers for the fastest and newest stuff, when there is NOTHING WRONG WITH THEM. I'm using a 1400 Athlon for my work just fine, when I know a new Athlon 64 would do the job as well, but I have no need for it.
Consider your needs when you look for an answer to this question: is an older system going to work for you, or would an updated system do the job better without forking out over $400 in hardearned cash? From the Win 95/98 standpoint, today's secondhand systems for you would be a complete upgrade.
2006-10-31 07:58:28 · answer #2 · answered by Intentionality 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok. You need to make a decision. I know you will not like it. 15+ years professional experience here, so listen up!! :)
Windows 98 will NOT make your computer go FASTER. it will make it go SLOWER.
Two Choices:
1. Fix what you have. 2. buy a new computer (rant, curse... I know! :)
1. Fixing your computer.
#1: Your item needs a new driver... I am sure the skunks-that-be did not choose to support Windows 95. What item needs the driver? If its a printer, just buy a $40-80 printer. If its anything else... just check the manufacturer's website for the "Dumb-Luck" that they MAY still offer a Windows 95 driver. Call them to make sure.
#2 If your computer meets the minimum requirements to upgrade to Windows 98, DON'T BOTHER. There is NO LEGAL WAY TO DO IT. Besides it WILL slow u down worse. Call the computer manufacturer if its a brand name and ask them for a memory upgrade. RESIST ALL URGES AND SALES PITCHES THEY'LL GIVE U FOR BUYING A NEW COMPUTER.
#3 Download PC Tools Registry Mechanic 5.2 at download.com. It is the BEST computer maintenance software still available for Windows 95. Its free for 30 days. USE IT AND FIX YOUR PC!! :) Buy it if you wish to, its good stuff. You are interested in the DEFRAG, the REGISTRY FIXER, and the STARTUP PROGRAMS features here... they will give your PC new life and speed!!
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2. Ok if you have exhauted all these free and low cost options... we both know what you will need to do. But dont waste your money. Look here anyway just so you do not spend more money FIXING your PC than it would cost to buy a new one. Dont go to Staples or Office MAX... you will pay thru the NOSE for a PC here.
Try My favorite... Newegg.com They have been in business (the old Egghead software stores if you remember them) for over 20 years... click on PC's and notebooks and then Desktops. Just saw an Acer decked out with all you'll need for $329. Just hook your monitor you have into it and Puff, problem solved and u have a PC that will last you for another 4-8 years...
Best of luck!
Good luck!!
2006-10-31 08:50:19 · answer #3 · answered by HowardSternMorning 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
are u sure it can only go to 98 i ahppen to have windows 2000 and wouldn't mind givin to u but its kinda wierd that u can only got tom 98 moust computer that run 95 can go to 2000 unless u need to upgrade memory
2006-10-31 07:50:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might want to try the Windows 95 Optipack - you can order it for $3.99
http://on-disk.com/product_info.php/cPath/21_22_23/products_id/28?osCsid=08733da95e6843778faa41c226baecf9
2006-10-31 08:33:16 · answer #5 · answered by topgun h 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Download it as a torrent or download from Limewire. Best option is as a torrent from ISOHunt.com. Oor-reet
2006-10-31 07:48:02 · answer #6 · answered by Gangsta 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋