Help Please, Can I replace Win Xp with Win 98 ? 2

[MrBoney]

I have a Dell that is less than 12 mths old. I would like to replace Win XP with Win 98, is this possible ?
Thank you for any help with this.

 

[bcastner]

Was your Dell model every sold with a pre-install of Windows 98? I am very concerned that some of the hardware my leave you stranded without a Win98 compliant device driver.

The steps to remove XP and install Win98 are trivial:
Insert the Windows 98 disk, boot from CD, remove any existing partitions, repartition, format and install.

Prior to attempting this:

. Backup existing device drivers. I use:

http://www.driverguidetoolkit.com/

These are obviously XP drivers, but make sure you do this step.

. Run Belarc Advisor. Print out the results:

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

The printed Belarc results will save your bacon.

Personally, I see no need to revert XP to Win98. If there is a specific problem you are having, please advise.

 

[MrBoney]

The reason that I would like to go back to Win 98 is because my old pute had Win 98 and I never had any problems with viruses. I have had this pute less than 12 months and have had so many viruses that Dell sent me the 4 disc to do a complete restore. I am using the same anti virus programs as I did with my old pute. Norton and Ad-aware. I personally like Win 98 and am hoping it will help improve my fight against viruses.
p.s thnx for the help

 

[bcastner]

Keep XP and install Service Pack 2. This will make it goof-proof:

http://protect.microsoft.com/security/protect/WSA/en/default.asp

 

[edfair]

I share BC's concern about the lack of drivers. On a 12 month old Dell I would almost guarantee that there will be nothing for 98 available. Their hardware changes almost constantly and they don't seem to worry about those who desire earlier OSes.
I think your problem with virus attacks is more a lack of patch installation, but I would agree that there seems to be more vulnerabilities to exploit.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[cdogg]

Another thing for you to consider is how you're connected to the internet. If it's a high-speed broadband connection, you need to invest in a firewall and router. Both will help block incoming attacks and monitor outgoing activity. Any infection beyond that would be blamed on infected downloads or falling into spyware traps, which is something you can help control. A lot of it usually has a lot to do with the type of sites you are going to.

For spyware, this site may help you get started:

http://www.geocities.com/cc210026/spywareinfo.html

Even if you are on dial-up, it would be best to at least get a firewall like Zonealarm. The free version is better than nothing, but the Pro version gives you access to clamp down on certain applications and ports.


~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[bcastner]

Thank you EdFair for your apt comments to the original question.

We have had in this forum a lot of recent requests about reverting the OS version.

A couple of years ago this was a relatively easy thing to do. But as you emphasized, it is decidedly non-trivial to ensure that your hardware will have an earlier and compliant device driver support for an OEM installed OS.

For this original poster, I agree with EdFair's comment to keep XP, and keep it up to date. Window 98 is not going to offer you relief from malware due to your internet connection; Windows XP offers you a fighting chance.

And I write this as one who really liked Win98SE, who adopted XP kicking and fighting.

For what it is worth, my professional opinion is to stick with the OEM install by Dell of Windows XP, and sort any issues you might have.

There are some terrificly smart guys on this Forum to help you, and forum member EdFair just proved this.

Bill Castner

 

[Madawc]

On my home machine I had just the reverse experience, the Windows 98 mahcine got badly infected and eventually suffered a total wipe-out. Luckily I had already transferred everthing I valued to my new machine which uses Windows XP and has been fine. I do get all of the patches - I was very careful after we were hit by MS Blaster at work. I also paid extra for regular virus updates from Norton.

I also use Broadband, but switch off Internet Explorer when I am not actually at the machine. Possibly this helps, including maybe making the machine a less attractive target for those who'd like to take it over as a source of 'span' which some users are unknowingly sending thanks to invaiding software.

Nothing is safe, of course, but I'd advise sticking with XP and taking more precautions.

Madawc Williams (East Anglia)

 

[jfp23]

If you want to go back to 98 which I perfectly understand as it took me a long time to upgrade from it. You can probably find the device driver you need for 98 but from the component manufacturers themselves not from Dell but it will take a bit more work.
My recommendation though is to stick with XP and buy a firewall/router Linksys or D-Link would be my recommendation for a home network. Depending what you do with your home PC XPsp2 may breakstuff so you may have to tweak or disable the Windows ICF after applying sp2.

 

[jurgen36]

The best protection against a virus attack would be not to use Internet Explorer. This program is wide open to any attack and also very slow, refer to all the security issues. Use Netscape, Mozilla Firefox or Opera and you will have much less problems. Especially opera is also very fast indeed. We never use IE at all and have very little, if any, problems. Regards

Jurgen