Is it worthwhile spending time trying to find WinNT 4 SP6 for Win 95?

Question

I was going to throw an old PC into the garbage but then decided on a use for it. But when I instal the software it informs me that "this software can only be installed on WinNT 4 (from SP6) Win2000 SP4" etc. There is Win 95 on the PC and I'm curious if it worthwhile spending time trying to find such a thing for Win 95. Does anyone know for sure?

Answer 1

At least some of the fixes and plug-ins for old versions of Windows still come up on the Microsoft web site.

The following links may be of interest.

Windows 95:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/Browse.aspx?displaylang=en&productID=635138C9-D296-4260-88B2-55FEDB495C92

Windows 98:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/Browse.aspx?displaylang=en&productID=E884B137-98CA-464B-964D-1BDDCAF3081A

And you may want to browse the downloads at

http://www.download.com/

for OS-specific downloads.

Another good link is

http://www.all-freeware.com/

but it seems reasonable that many of the downloads offered there are for the most recent versions of Windows. It probably wouldn't hurt to look around, though.

Answer 2

It's really difficult to find software that still supports Windows 95. Even Windows 98 is a goner and 2000 won't be far behind.

The software you were trying to install needed NT4 or Win2000 as operating systems (plus appropriate service packs). Win 95 is a different, older operating system. Here's a summary of the various Windows operating systems: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/lifecycle/default.mspx

I would say that the only time it is worthwhile to keep a Win 95 box laying around is if it already has all the software you need (older versions, but they still run and are of use to you), and you have no need to run a web browser on it.

Answer 3

It depends on what the program is of course. Many programs that were written for NT4 and 2000 usually had an older 'original' version that was for win95. You could always upgrade the computer to win2000. I often see win2000 still for sale at the computer show that I go to in Pomona, California.

Win95 usually goes for $15, Win98 for $35, Win2k still goes for $100 though since it is still popular with computer geeks.

Answer 4

These are all dead systems, as they have not been supported for years. You may have trouble obtaining copies. Also there is no USB support in NT. Considering 95 could only handle up to a 2GB drive, and I can't remember exactly but very little ram, it may cost you more than buying a good second hand machine for your purpose.
Note : SP6 for NT was a little unstable, it never got fixed because NT development was discontinued.

Answer 5

Not worth it. Reason = Windows 95 and 98 have officially stopped its support for the software. So that means no drivers, no security updates, nada.