TimeWarner (OH) Cable Roadrunner not running off Windows 98?

Question

A family members' PC was equipped with Windows 98 and had been recieving the RoadRunner Internet service from TimeWarner Ohio. She recieved word recently that it is no longer capable running w/98, she would need to upgrade to Vista. This sounds like BS. Suggestions?

Answer 1

Whoa... that just popped the bubble on the BS meter !

I know that Road Runner works on Windows 98... It just has to be configured properly.. they just don't have techs qualified on Win98 to step you through it anymore..

Though you can probably still fix it by researching the problem on GOOGLE.

It is unlikely the the Win98 system is capable of being upgraded, cost effectively, to WinXP much less WinVista..

So effectively they are saying ... get a new system.. they must have made some kind of back-room deal with MicroSoft (and/or DELL, Gateway, & HP)... to sell more systems.

You know the old adage.... "If its not broke don't fix it"... well its broke... :)

OK so now what... You've got 2 basic choices:

1) Bite the bullet and buy a new system.
Dell has some under $400.
You could get a used system from most builders/repair shops
that would work for under $200, Windows included.

2) Pay a Guru to come out and fix it for you.
Now if you are lucky and the neighbor across the hall is one..
or the techie from work will come do it for a free meal...
Then this would be the best course...

Otherwise by the time you pay to have it fixed you would be
better off with a new system.

Make sure to get a copy of the Files & Settings Transfer Wizard (free) from Microsoft so that you can move your stuff from the old computer to the new one yourself.. follow the instructions carefully and you should be able to do it.

GOOD LUCK

Answer 2

Actually, it's probably not though I'm amazed it's working with Windows 98. It's more likely that the latest version of their software and/or drivers are not compatible with Windows 98. Not that would would need any of that provided it's plugged into the LAN port. I'm saying it's possible... around our parts, Comcast high speed no longer supports Windows 95, 98, ME. Can you blame them, those operating systems are ANCIENT. 98 is nine years old, would you want to support a NINE year old OS, I don't think so. I don't blame them for not supporting Windows 98, not one bit.

I doubt an upgrade to Vista is required, she might be better off with XP but since new computers come with Vista anyway, sure, why not.

Oh, she'll have to get new printers, scanners and so on to use with Vista. 98 drivers won't work on Vista, even most XP drivers won't work on Vista so make sure all the new peripherals have Vista drivers available.

Just playing devils' advocate. I'd call the company and find out but I would not be at all surprised if they are no longer supporting customers using Windows 98, that doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't be able to get service, it just means you're on your own when it comes to tech support.

I don't work on Windows 98 machines any more either, because, I don't want to and it's a pain to deal with. And I freelance...

Answer 3

Stuff like that happens. If she doesn't want to spend the money for Vista, she should just get Windows XP. Plus, if her computer is really that old, it probably doesn't meet the requirements to run Vista, which has a lot of bells and whistles that only newer computers can handle. Unfortunately, WinXP still costs up to $200, unless you can find a cheaper copy on Ebay or something. If you know any college students, they might be able to use a student discount through their school to get it cheaper yet.

Answer 4

Whether it's true or not may depend on how she is connected. We use RoadRunner Cable internet and there's no special software required. For us, it's an always on TCP/IP connection that doesn't require any special configuration. One thing that might cause problems with older systems though is IPv6 (a new IP protocol) but I'm not sure if that's even being used yet. (A lot of routers won't support IPv6 without a firmware update.)