Windows 98 SE Help in installing

OK - sorry, but I am a bit confused. Going back to post #1:

Please state exactly what it is you are trying to do. I ask this because:

"I have an old machine with software requiring windows XP."

Ok, first statement: So this unit is currently running XP with installed programs that run on XP. Correct?

"I have a disc to load but it requires a previous windows version"

> So...What is on the disc? XP? W98SE? Maybe it's data only, no OS?

> What "previous Windows version" are we talking about?  XP? W98? Are you trying to load data (only) created in XP onto a W98 computer running 98??

"I have a 98SE install disc and all my products have their OEM Codes".

>Back to my first question...are you trying to install Win98 onto a HDD that currently has XP loaded on it?  IOW....you want to wipe the XP HDD and install W98 on that drive instead and then install W98 programs??  So you are converting the XP machine to a W98 machine?

"However, my 98SE will not install, the disc is damaged and does not read half way through so the process crashes."

So am I correct that this is your current problem you are asking for help with?

Hi there Ranch Hand

Thanks for the message.

In short, I have an old pc (rack mountable for gigs) I use with a midi box (Creative Soundblaster Live with midi in / out connections on the front box.) I've used for for years, with many arrangements for my keyboards.

I went back to the PC to set it up - its not all been connected for a year or so and sat in the loft.

I found for some reason the HDD to be failing, but I have the arrangements backed up to Cds.

When I set it up (years ago) I had Win98SE running, for which I had bought an upgrade disc to get it XP to run the Cubase software. On rebuilding a couple of weeks ago, all was good, until I found my WIn98SE disc was damaged and would not load.

I have a fresh build with a new HDD, so I downloaded the Win98SE ISO from Microsoft. However having burnt 3 copies, all were not being recognised as a boot disc. Hence, I couldn't load 98SE to use my upgrade dis to get to XP. Tried the other suggested route on the thread for a different site with a 98SE ISO, burnt the disc, same issue. 

At the start of the thread, I had asked if anyone had a working bootable WIn98SE disc I could try. As I have my OEM code from my version so not asking for a illegal copy just something that will go in my CD rom, boot from switching on, so I can load 98SE and then use my own XP disc (which is an upgrade versions from 98 to a working XP.) Then I can get my music midi stuff working again

Hope that's clearer

Regards

Yep - found this and gave it a go, same issue, I remember this version as the v=code on the image is not the the true OEM code - which is in the text further down

I downloaded the ISO to my work 'modern' pc which is running Win11. I checked out the process as per Microsoft and burnt the CD

I've just had a thought, is possibly that I am burning to CD rather than DVD? Size wise, WIn98 fits on a CD, but should I be using a DVD for some strange reason?

Bleepin Madman - that's exactly the process I used - I found the same page!

I'm going to download the Winworld 98SE iso and see if it boots on my old XP machine. I'll use Imgburn to burn to a CD.

I can confirm that the Win98SE OEM iso from WinWorld does boot. I burned the iso to a CD on an old XP computer using Imgburn at 16X.

If I recall correctly, the Windows XP upgrade cd did not require Windows 98 to be installed first.

Boot from the XP cd and begin the installation

At some point it will ask you to insert your 98 cd. Do so. It will look for specific files and then proceed.

Even if your original disk is damaged use it anyway. If it finds what it wants the XP installation should proceed.

 

I had Win98SE running, for which I had bought an upgrade disc to get it XP to run the Cubase software.

Ok...so the bottom line is that you want an XP machine.

Why not just wipe the drive and install XP?  Why all the upgrading from W98?

Go to Ebay and I suspect you will find XP retail installation disks for a nominal amount. Done.

Example:  Windows XP

..just make sure that you have the motherboard drivers for that mobo for XP. In fact, if the XP unit is dedicated to only certain programs, you may not even need the drivers. Just one thing...do no go out on the internet with XP, it is grossly unprotected from hackers/viruses.

Thank you all for your posts / comments. To answer some points, my XP disc is an upgrade version and only loads over Win98. Yes there were XP discs that didn't but mine does. Hence, I needed 98 up and running to load my XP. Could get a new disc which is an option. I've seen people people selling XP, downloadable ISOs, but I have a downloaded ISO which didn't boot from 3 different sites, CD burnt with Windows11 but having tried 8 discs, with no success, I suspect the issue is something else. I will try the Imgburn (Thanks JohnC) as suggested and see how that goes!!