Return to 98

  • Thread starter Thread starter Peter in New Zealand
  • Start date Start date
P

Peter in New Zealand

Guest
Greetings to the group from a new lurker here. Recently I acquired a
laptop about 10 years old and the recovery disk with it installs good
old 98 first edition. I have been a little startled at how slick 98 is.
Of course the machine is designed for it with a 336 Mhz Celeron and 128
Mbyte RAM. I have been using it steadily for about a week now and it
hasn't crashed, blown up, locked up or BSOD'ed on me once. In fact, so
far it's as smooth and slick and steady as XP. I used 98 SE in its
heyday but I am still impressed at how good it actually is.

I have a couple of questions the knowledgeable folk here might be able
to help me with. Is there a reasonably competent antivirus that is
comfortable on 98, doesn't take up too much in the way of system
resources, and is still updated?

Secondly, there is one lonely USB port on the back of the laptop, but
all it seems able to do is accept an external keyboard or mouse. The
computer doesn't like my flash drive, and it would be really good to
have it work for file transfers, etc. I think I need some sort of USB
driver for it to do that, but I have looked on the Internet and the
whole matter is getting confusing. If it can work with a keyboard or
mouse, why can't it work with a flash drive? Is there an installer that
will put that all in place for me, or is it a lost cause?

Lastly, and thank you for your patience if you are still reading, the
recovery disk installs 98 first edition. How great are the advantages of
upgrading to the second edition? I have an se CD, but it's all going so
well at the moment I am reluctant to make the change without a clear
advantage.

Thanks for reading through all this. And thanks for any thoughts anyone
can offer to help me get up to speed with good old 98 once again.

--
Peter in New Zealand.
Collector of old stamps, compulsive computer fiddler, musician, and good
coffee fanatic.
(Email address is fake and messages will bounce!)
 
Re: Return to 98

Peter in New Zealand wrote:
| Greetings to the group from a new lurker here. Recently I acquired a
| laptop about 10 years old and the recovery disk with it installs good
| old 98 first edition. I have been a little startled at how slick 98
| is. Of course the machine is designed for it with a 336 Mhz Celeron
| and 128 Mbyte RAM. I have been using it steadily for about a week now
| and it hasn't crashed, blown up, locked up or BSOD'ed on me once. In
| fact, so far it's as smooth and slick and steady as XP. I used 98 SE
| in its heyday but I am still impressed at how good it actually is.
|
| I have a couple of questions the knowledgeable folk here might be able
| to help me with. Is there a reasonably competent antivirus that is
| comfortable on 98, doesn't take up too much in the way of system
| resources, and is still updated?

There might be others, but the one I use now is...
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

It might take some clicking from there to get to the actual download.
The Home Edition is free, &, despite a few peccadilloes, does all you
ask.

| Secondly, there is one lonely USB port on the back of the laptop, but
| all it seems able to do is accept an external keyboard or mouse. The
| computer doesn't like my flash drive, and it would be really good to
| have it work for file transfers, etc. I think I need some sort of USB
| driver for it to do that, but I have looked on the Internet and the
| whole matter is getting confusing. If it can work with a keyboard or
| mouse, why can't it work with a flash drive? Is there an installer
| that will put that all in place for me, or is it a lost cause?

State precisely which flash drive it is, & someone will Google for the
drives. Or, go to the site of the manufacturer to see. If the machine
has a USB port, it must have USB drivers, but you may need to update
them too to Win98SE strength. Someone will surely drop in to explain
more fully. If not, I'll go Googling for the info tomorrow maybe. But
definitely some flash drives do work on Win98 (SE, at least)-- I've seen
it!

| Lastly, and thank you for your patience if you are still reading, the
| recovery disk installs 98 first edition. How great are the advantages
| of upgrading to the second edition? I have an se CD, but it's all
| going so well at the moment I am reluctant to make the change without
| a clear advantage.

Well, if you can get back to where you are now-- definitely try it! It
may be the solution to the flash drive! I've never heard of an upgrade
to SE being problematic!

Before or afterwards, you should make a full system backup of your
Win98. Get something for that. Here is a list I compiled a while ago.
Not sure these links are still functioning. The one I use is BootIt NG;
others have sworn by TrueImage & MyOwnBackup (MOB) & even Yabumoto's
XXCopy...

http://home.satx.rr.com/badour/index.html Backup & partitioning strategy
http://www.acronis.com/products/trueimage/ TrueImage
http://www.arjsoftware.com ARJ Archiver
http://www.betterbackup.com/ Retrospect CD Backup
http://www.bootitng.com/ 's BootIt NG, has a variety of backup
capabilities & works with all OS: Copy partition(s) to HDD, or Image to
HDD or to CD or DVD. Create, move, shrink or expand partitions without
data loss. Multi-boot too. To install & use beyond 30 days, $34.95.
http://www.cdrfaq.org/ CD R/W Backup
http://www.cyberiapc.com/backup.htm MyOwnBackup (MOB) (Free)
http://www.han-soft.com/habt.php Auto Backup (30-day free trial)
http://www.karenware.com/ PtReplicator (Free)
http://www.lifesaverbackup.com/
http://www.mvps.org/links.html Should have good info
http://www.pcmag.com/ Lots & lots of sturdy downloads. There is a $20
yearly charge now.
http://www.pcinspector.de/clone-maxx/uk/welcome.htm PC Inspector
http://www.powerquest.com/partitionmagic Partition Magic
http://www.ranish.com/part/ Ranish Partition Manager
http://www.simtel.net/pub/dl/58307.shtml Files Manager & other stuff
http://www.stompsoft.com/pc-backup/pc-backup.html?SourceID=BUMP_301
http://www.thirdstar.net/thirdstar_datarecovery.htm Data recovery
http://www.v-com.com/product/pc_ind.html Partition Commander
http://www.xxcopy.com/ Yabumoto's Detailed Procedure Copy (Free)
http://www.zeleps.com/ Partition re-sizer (Free)

| Thanks for reading through all this. And thanks for any thoughts
| anyone can offer to help me get up to speed with good old 98 once
| again.

You are welcome-- & welcome back to Win98! (I always said they would
return from XP/Vista as soon as their purple, XP-irradiated earlobes
fell onto their toes!)

|
| --
| Peter in New Zealand.
| Collector of old stamps, compulsive computer fiddler, musician, and
| good coffee fanatic.
| (Email address is fake and messages will bounce!)

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
Should things get worse after this,
PCR
pcrrcp@netzero.net
 
Re: Return to 98

I'd say go for the W98SE first and foremost (you can, if you want, make a
backup first, of course).

Once that is done:

There is a Universal Generic USB mass storage driver for W98 (or W98SE) like
"nusb24e.exe", which you can find if you Google for it, and which allows you
to use some of the flash drives.

FWIW, I'm still using an older version of AVG (like 7.0 or 7.5) You may
want something newer, but I'm happy with it.


Peter in New Zealand wrote:
> Greetings to the group from a new lurker here. Recently I acquired a
> laptop about 10 years old and the recovery disk with it installs good
> old 98 first edition. I have been a little startled at how slick 98 is.
> Of course the machine is designed for it with a 336 Mhz Celeron and 128
> Mbyte RAM. I have been using it steadily for about a week now and it
> hasn't crashed, blown up, locked up or BSOD'ed on me once. In fact, so
> far it's as smooth and slick and steady as XP. I used 98 SE in its
> heyday but I am still impressed at how good it actually is.
>
> I have a couple of questions the knowledgeable folk here might be able
> to help me with. Is there a reasonably competent antivirus that is
> comfortable on 98, doesn't take up too much in the way of system
> resources, and is still updated?
>
> Secondly, there is one lonely USB port on the back of the laptop, but
> all it seems able to do is accept an external keyboard or mouse. The
> computer doesn't like my flash drive, and it would be really good to
> have it work for file transfers, etc. I think I need some sort of USB
> driver for it to do that, but I have looked on the Internet and the
> whole matter is getting confusing. If it can work with a keyboard or
> mouse, why can't it work with a flash drive? Is there an installer that
> will put that all in place for me, or is it a lost cause?
>
> Lastly, and thank you for your patience if you are still reading, the
> recovery disk installs 98 first edition. How great are the advantages of
> upgrading to the second edition? I have an se CD, but it's all going so
> well at the moment I am reluctant to make the change without a clear
> advantage.
>
> Thanks for reading through all this. And thanks for any thoughts anyone
> can offer to help me get up to speed with good old 98 once again.
>
> --
> Peter in New Zealand.
> Collector of old stamps, compulsive computer fiddler, musician, and good
> coffee fanatic.
> (Email address is fake and messages will bounce!)
 
Re: Return to 98

"Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message
news:1213502708.179017@ftpsrv1...
> Greetings to the group from a new lurker here. Recently I acquired a
> laptop about 10 years old and the recovery disk with it installs good old
> 98 first edition. I have been a little startled at how slick 98 is. Of
> course the machine is designed for it with a 336 Mhz Celeron and 128 Mbyte
> RAM. I have been using it steadily for about a week now and it hasn't
> crashed, blown up, locked up or BSOD'ed on me once. In fact, so far it's
> as smooth and slick and steady as XP. I used 98 SE in its heyday but I am
> still impressed at how good it actually is.
>
> I have a couple of questions the knowledgeable folk here might be able to
> help me with. Is there a reasonably competent antivirus that is
> comfortable on 98, doesn't take up too much in the way of system
> resources, and is still updated?

Avast! antivirus. www.avast.com There's even a free version with yearly
"registration". It's biggest drawback is that it shouts at you when it has
successfully updated.

> Secondly, there is one lonely USB port on the back of the laptop, but all
> it seems able to do is accept an external keyboard or mouse. The computer
> doesn't like my flash drive, and it would be really good to have it work
> for file transfers, etc. I think I need some sort of USB driver for it to
> do that, but I have looked on the Internet and the whole matter is getting
> confusing. If it can work with a keyboard or mouse, why can't it work with
> a flash drive? Is there an installer that will put that all in place for
> me, or is it a lost cause?

Someones will come along with some links for the drivers that might work for
you, but I don't go there. Good luck. What you're lookig for are "generic
USB Mass Storage Drivers". But it looks like a minefield out there. I'd wait
for someone to come along with known-good links.

> Lastly, and thank you for your patience if you are still reading, the
> recovery disk installs 98 first edition. How great are the advantages of
> upgrading to the second edition? I have an se CD, but it's all going so
> well at the moment I am reluctant to make the change without a clear
> advantage.

Your USB problem would probably disappear with Win98 SE. But don't think of
Upgrading. If you're going to use 98SE, reformat and start over -- or dual
boot, whatever.

> Thanks for reading through all this. And thanks for any thoughts anyone
> can offer to help me get up to speed with good old 98 once again.

I happen to think Win9x systems are too limited in their abilities and it
can't possibly do the work I need done. And that even Avast! (and whatever
real-time protection AVs are still out there for 9x) will eventually stop
supporting them, also. The availability of other anti-malware apps that will
even run on Win9x is also steadily dwindling, while IE in 9x hasn't been
patched in two years and can't be upgraded or gotten rid of without turning
the OS into something else entirely.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
http://grystmill.com
 
Re: Return to 98

Hi, Peter, how about you tell us what make and model computer to perhaps
provide more informative answers.

Depending upon the abilities of that computer, SE would include: additional
USB support [2.0]; better AGP support; slightly better memory management;
better DirectX support; several system and tool tweaks; and some other
goodies. Also, depending upon the intended use, most programs were either
written for 98SE or were updated to require it. It would be reasonable to
say that SE presently has the largest amount of software written for it
available on the Internet. Provide some information on that intended use and
we might be better able to answer this as well

AVAST seems to be one of the most used Anti-Virus programs in this group,
and still has 98 support:
"System Requirements - avast! Home Edition
Please note: hardware configurations described below represent the minimum
recommended system specification for that operating system.
For a computer running Windows® 95/98/Me:
486 Processor, 32MB RAM and 50MB of free hard disk space."
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

And one of the older firewalls like Kerio PWF, Sygate, or potentially ZA,
with SpyWare Blaster, would also be needed for Internet use.

Your issue though, will be the 128 megs of memory. That's not really much
to work with, unless its just to used locally to have fun with... if its
never going to hit the Internet or be connected to a network that does, then
the extra firewall, Anti-Virus, and other would not be needed. Just connect
it to one of your other computers, image the disk when you get what you want
installed, and use that should it get *weird*.

--
MEB http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
--
_________

"Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message
news:1213502708.179017@ftpsrv1...
| Greetings to the group from a new lurker here. Recently I acquired a
| laptop about 10 years old and the recovery disk with it installs good
| old 98 first edition. I have been a little startled at how slick 98 is.
| Of course the machine is designed for it with a 336 Mhz Celeron and 128
| Mbyte RAM. I have been using it steadily for about a week now and it
| hasn't crashed, blown up, locked up or BSOD'ed on me once. In fact, so
| far it's as smooth and slick and steady as XP. I used 98 SE in its
| heyday but I am still impressed at how good it actually is.
|
| I have a couple of questions the knowledgeable folk here might be able
| to help me with. Is there a reasonably competent antivirus that is
| comfortable on 98, doesn't take up too much in the way of system
| resources, and is still updated?
|
| Secondly, there is one lonely USB port on the back of the laptop, but
| all it seems able to do is accept an external keyboard or mouse. The
| computer doesn't like my flash drive, and it would be really good to
| have it work for file transfers, etc. I think I need some sort of USB
| driver for it to do that, but I have looked on the Internet and the
| whole matter is getting confusing. If it can work with a keyboard or
| mouse, why can't it work with a flash drive? Is there an installer that
| will put that all in place for me, or is it a lost cause?
|
| Lastly, and thank you for your patience if you are still reading, the
| recovery disk installs 98 first edition. How great are the advantages of
| upgrading to the second edition? I have an se CD, but it's all going so
| well at the moment I am reluctant to make the change without a clear
| advantage.
|
| Thanks for reading through all this. And thanks for any thoughts anyone
| can offer to help me get up to speed with good old 98 once again.
|
| --
| Peter in New Zealand.
| Collector of old stamps, compulsive computer fiddler, musician, and good
| coffee fanatic.
| (Email address is fake and messages will bounce!)
 
Re: Return to 98

Gary S. Terhune wrote:
> "Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message
> news:1213502708.179017@ftpsrv1...
>> Greetings to the group from a new lurker here. Recently I acquired a
>> laptop about 10 years old and the recovery disk with it installs good old
>> 98 first edition. I have been a little startled at how slick 98 is. Of
>> course the machine is designed for it with a 336 Mhz Celeron and 128
>> Mbyte
>> RAM. I have been using it steadily for about a week now and it hasn't
>> crashed, blown up, locked up or BSOD'ed on me once. In fact, so far it's
>> as smooth and slick and steady as XP. I used 98 SE in its heyday but I am
>> still impressed at how good it actually is.
>>
>> I have a couple of questions the knowledgeable folk here might be able to
>> help me with. Is there a reasonably competent antivirus that is
>> comfortable on 98, doesn't take up too much in the way of system
>> resources, and is still updated?
>
> Avast! antivirus. www.avast.com There's even a free version with yearly
> "registration". It's biggest drawback is that it shouts at you when it has
> successfully updated.
>
>> Secondly, there is one lonely USB port on the back of the laptop, but all
>> it seems able to do is accept an external keyboard or mouse. The computer
>> doesn't like my flash drive, and it would be really good to have it work
>> for file transfers, etc. I think I need some sort of USB driver for it to
>> do that, but I have looked on the Internet and the whole matter is
>> getting
>> confusing. If it can work with a keyboard or mouse, why can't it work
>> with
>> a flash drive? Is there an installer that will put that all in place for
>> me, or is it a lost cause?
>
> Someones will come along with some links for the drivers that might work
> for
> you, but I don't go there. Good luck. What you're lookig for are "generic
> USB Mass Storage Drivers". But it looks like a minefield out there. I'd
> wait
> for someone to come along with known-good links.

Already mentioned. And it's pretty well known, too, and itt worked great
over here (and it was NEEDED, to recognize a USB flash drive that didn't
have W98 drivers)

>> Lastly, and thank you for your patience if you are still reading, the
>> recovery disk installs 98 first edition. How great are the advantages of
>> upgrading to the second edition? I have an se CD, but it's all going so
>> well at the moment I am reluctant to make the change without a clear
>> advantage.
>
> Your USB problem would probably disappear with Win98 SE.

Not likely, IF you're talking about the *flash drives*, UNLESS it has a
driver included.
(BTDT).

> But don't think of
> Upgrading. If you're going to use 98SE, reformat and start over -- or dual
> boot, whatever.

I'd respectfully differ on that one. Sure, it's BETTER to do a clean
install, however. But what a PIA. :-)

>> Thanks for reading through all this. And thanks for any thoughts anyone
>> can offer to help me get up to speed with good old 98 once again.
>
> I happen to think Win9x systems are too limited in their abilities and it
> can't possibly do the work I need done. And that even Avast! (and whatever
> real-time protection AVs are still out there for 9x) will eventually stop
> supporting them, also. The availability of other anti-malware apps that
> will
> even run on Win9x is also steadily dwindling, while IE in 9x hasn't been
> patched in two years and can't be upgraded or gotten rid of without
> turning
> the OS into something else entirely.
>
> --
> Gary S. Terhune
> MS-MVP Shell/User
> http://grystmill.com
 
Re: Return to 98

"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:unzBmcqzIHA.552@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> Gary S. Terhune wrote:
>> "Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message
>> news:1213502708.179017@ftpsrv1...
>>> Greetings to the group from a new lurker here. Recently I acquired a
>>> laptop about 10 years old and the recovery disk with it installs good
>>> old
>>> 98 first edition. I have been a little startled at how slick 98 is. Of
>>> course the machine is designed for it with a 336 Mhz Celeron and 128
>>> Mbyte
>>> RAM. I have been using it steadily for about a week now and it hasn't
>>> crashed, blown up, locked up or BSOD'ed on me once. In fact, so far it's
>>> as smooth and slick and steady as XP. I used 98 SE in its heyday but I
>>> am
>>> still impressed at how good it actually is.
>>>
>>> I have a couple of questions the knowledgeable folk here might be able
>>> to
>>> help me with. Is there a reasonably competent antivirus that is
>>> comfortable on 98, doesn't take up too much in the way of system
>>> resources, and is still updated?
>>
>> Avast! antivirus. www.avast.com There's even a free version with yearly
>> "registration". It's biggest drawback is that it shouts at you when it
>> has
>> successfully updated.
>>
>>> Secondly, there is one lonely USB port on the back of the laptop, but
>>> all
>>> it seems able to do is accept an external keyboard or mouse. The
>>> computer
>>> doesn't like my flash drive, and it would be really good to have it work
>>> for file transfers, etc. I think I need some sort of USB driver for it
>>> to
>>> do that, but I have looked on the Internet and the whole matter is
>>> getting
>>> confusing. If it can work with a keyboard or mouse, why can't it work
>>> with
>>> a flash drive? Is there an installer that will put that all in place for
>>> me, or is it a lost cause?
>>
>> Someones will come along with some links for the drivers that might work
>> for
>> you, but I don't go there. Good luck. What you're lookig for are "generic
>> USB Mass Storage Drivers". But it looks like a minefield out there. I'd
>> wait
>> for someone to come along with known-good links.
>
> Already mentioned. And it's pretty well known, too, and itt worked
> great over here (and it was NEEDED, to recognize a USB flash drive that
> didn't have W98 drivers)

Already mentioned... 2 minutes before mine posted? Is that what you're
talking about?

>>> Lastly, and thank you for your patience if you are still reading, the
>>> recovery disk installs 98 first edition. How great are the advantages of
>>> upgrading to the second edition? I have an se CD, but it's all going so
>>> well at the moment I am reluctant to make the change without a clear
>>> advantage.
>>
>> Your USB problem would probably disappear with Win98 SE.
>
> Not likely, IF you're talking about the *flash drives*, UNLESS it has a
> driver included.
> (BTDT).

I should have been clearer in what I meant, that if he installed SE it would
make the possibility of getting the flash drive(s) to work, the possibility
of finding said driversd, or even working under the generic drivers, a LOT
more likely. The possibilities under Win98FE are slim to none.

>
>> But don't think of
>> Upgrading. If you're going to use 98SE, reformat and start over -- or
>> dual
>> boot, whatever.
>
> I'd respectfully differ on that one. Sure, it's BETTER to do a clean
> install, however. But what a PIA. :-)

So you're the kind who chooses the HIGH PROBABILITY of having any number of
minor or major problems, certain DLL Hell, and continuing nuisances that you
never get figured out rather than do a little extra work? OK, I'll remember
that, <s>. Then again, you're the guy who deliberately introduces DLL Hell
to his system by doing things like replacing principle IE6 files with IE5
versions just to get rid of a minor nuisance, so you're being consistent, at
least.

Having done a number of 98 > 98SE Upgrades in place, and seen the results of
many, many more, (and heard about the results of hundreds or thousands more,
right in this NG), I think it's downright stupid to upgrade in place without
an *overriding* reason. Especially when it's over a proprietary system that
uses Restore discs. Besides, in this case, there's nothing to preserve. He
started out describing a fresh installation.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
http://grystmill.com
 
Re: Return to 98

Gary S. Terhune wrote:
> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:unzBmcqzIHA.552@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> Gary S. Terhune wrote:
>>> "Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message
>>> news:1213502708.179017@ftpsrv1...
>>>> Greetings to the group from a new lurker here. Recently I acquired a
>>>> laptop about 10 years old and the recovery disk with it installs good
>>>> old
>>>> 98 first edition. I have been a little startled at how slick 98 is. Of
>>>> course the machine is designed for it with a 336 Mhz Celeron and 128
>>>> Mbyte
>>>> RAM. I have been using it steadily for about a week now and it hasn't
>>>> crashed, blown up, locked up or BSOD'ed on me once. In fact, so far
>>>> it's
>>>> as smooth and slick and steady as XP. I used 98 SE in its heyday but I
>>>> am still impressed at how good it actually is.
>>>>
>>>> I have a couple of questions the knowledgeable folk here might be able
>>>> to help me with. Is there a reasonably competent antivirus that is
>>>> comfortable on 98, doesn't take up too much in the way of system
>>>> resources, and is still updated?
>>>
>>> Avast! antivirus. www.avast.com There's even a free version with yearly
>>> "registration". It's biggest drawback is that it shouts at you when it
>>> has successfully updated.
>>>
>>>> Secondly, there is one lonely USB port on the back of the laptop, but
>>>> all it seems able to do is accept an external keyboard or mouse. The
>>>> computer
>>>> doesn't like my flash drive, and it would be really good to have it
>>>> work
>>>> for file transfers, etc. I think I need some sort of USB driver for it
>>>> to
>>>> do that, but I have looked on the Internet and the whole matter is
>>>> getting
>>>> confusing. If it can work with a keyboard or mouse, why can't it work
>>>> with a flash drive? Is there an installer that will put that all in
>>>> place for
>>>> me, or is it a lost cause?
>>>
>>> Someones will come along with some links for the drivers that might work
>>> for you, but I don't go there. Good luck. What you're lookig for are
>>> "generic
>>> USB Mass Storage Drivers". But it looks like a minefield out there. I'd
>>> wait for someone to come along with known-good links.
>>
>> Already mentioned. And it's pretty well known, too, and it worked
>> great over here (and it was NEEDED, to recognize a USB flash drive that
>> didn't have W98 drivers)
>
> Already mentioned... 2 minutes before mine posted? Is that what you're
> talking about?

What I was saying is that there IS a Universal USB Mass Storage Driver
available for Win98SE that works with these Flash Drives (or at least some
of them).

>>>> Lastly, and thank you for your patience if you are still reading, the
>>>> recovery disk installs 98 first edition. How great are the advantages
>>>> of
>>>> upgrading to the second edition? I have an se CD, but it's all going so
>>>> well at the moment I am reluctant to make the change without a clear
>>>> advantage.
>>>
>>> Your USB problem would probably disappear with Win98 SE.
>>
>> Not likely, IF you're talking about the *flash drives*, UNLESS it has a
>> driver included. (BTDT).
>
> I should have been clearer in what I meant, that if he installed SE it
> would
> make the possibility of getting the flash drive(s) to work, the
> possibility
> of finding said driversd, or even working under the generic drivers, a LOT
> more likely. The possibilities under Win98FE are slim to none.

Yup. That's why he needs to FIRST upgrade to Win98SE.
He also should consider upgrading his RAM to 256K while he is at it.

>>> But don't think of
>>> Upgrading. If you're going to use 98SE, reformat and start over -- or
>>> dual boot, whatever.
>>
>> I'd respectfully differ on that one. Sure, it's BETTER to do a clean
>> install, however. But what a PIA. :-)
>
> So you're the kind who chooses the HIGH PROBABILITY of having any number
> of
> minor or major problems, certain DLL Hell, and continuing nuisances that
> you
> never get figured out rather than do a little extra work? OK, I'll
> remember
> that, <s>. Then again, you're the guy who deliberately introduces DLL Hell
> to his system by doing things like replacing principle IE6 files with IE5
> versions just to get rid of a minor nuisance, so you're being consistent,
> at least.

NOT a minor nuisance for me. :-)
And it wasn't DLL hell, nor DLL Purgatory. Instead, it brought Peace over
here. :-)

> Having done a number of 98 > 98SE Upgrades in place, and seen the results
> of
> many, many more, (and heard about the results of hundreds or thousands
> more,
> right in this NG), I think it's downright stupid to upgrade in place
> without
> an *overriding* reason. Especially when it's over a proprietary system
> that
> uses Restore discs. Besides, in this case, there's nothing to preserve. He
> started out describing a fresh installation.

Well, if he's got nothing to preserve, it's a no-brainer - do the clean
install. Right.

OTOH, if he had a reasonably clean, error-free system (meaning,
NON-problematic), and tons of applications installed and customized to his
liking, I'd say go for the Upgrade. And IF (and only if) that didn't work
out so well, then go for the clean install.
 
Re: Return to 98

"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:u4YFgBszIHA.3968@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> Gary S. Terhune wrote:
>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>> news:unzBmcqzIHA.552@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>> Gary S. Terhune wrote:
>>>> "Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message
>>>> news:1213502708.179017@ftpsrv1...
>>>>> Greetings to the group from a new lurker here. Recently I acquired a
>>>>> laptop about 10 years old and the recovery disk with it installs good
>>>>> old
>>>>> 98 first edition. I have been a little startled at how slick 98 is. Of
>>>>> course the machine is designed for it with a 336 Mhz Celeron and 128
>>>>> Mbyte
>>>>> RAM. I have been using it steadily for about a week now and it hasn't
>>>>> crashed, blown up, locked up or BSOD'ed on me once. In fact, so far
>>>>> it's
>>>>> as smooth and slick and steady as XP. I used 98 SE in its heyday but I
>>>>> am still impressed at how good it actually is.
>>>>>
>>>>> I have a couple of questions the knowledgeable folk here might be able
>>>>> to help me with. Is there a reasonably competent antivirus that is
>>>>> comfortable on 98, doesn't take up too much in the way of system
>>>>> resources, and is still updated?
>>>>
>>>> Avast! antivirus. www.avast.com There's even a free version with yearly
>>>> "registration". It's biggest drawback is that it shouts at you when it
>>>> has successfully updated.
>>>>
>>>>> Secondly, there is one lonely USB port on the back of the laptop, but
>>>>> all it seems able to do is accept an external keyboard or mouse. The
>>>>> computer
>>>>> doesn't like my flash drive, and it would be really good to have it
>>>>> work
>>>>> for file transfers, etc. I think I need some sort of USB driver for it
>>>>> to
>>>>> do that, but I have looked on the Internet and the whole matter is
>>>>> getting
>>>>> confusing. If it can work with a keyboard or mouse, why can't it work
>>>>> with a flash drive? Is there an installer that will put that all in
>>>>> place for
>>>>> me, or is it a lost cause?
>>>>
>>>> Someones will come along with some links for the drivers that might
>>>> work
>>>> for you, but I don't go there. Good luck. What you're lookig for are
>>>> "generic
>>>> USB Mass Storage Drivers". But it looks like a minefield out there. I'd
>>>> wait for someone to come along with known-good links.
>>>
>>> Already mentioned. And it's pretty well known, too, and it worked
>>> great over here (and it was NEEDED, to recognize a USB flash drive that
>>> didn't have W98 drivers)
>>
>> Already mentioned... 2 minutes before mine posted? Is that what you're
>> talking about?
>
> What I was saying is that there IS a Universal USB Mass Storage Driver
> available for Win98SE that works with these Flash Drives (or at least some
> of them).

OK, I got your meaning... I think.

>>>>> Lastly, and thank you for your patience if you are still reading, the
>>>>> recovery disk installs 98 first edition. How great are the advantages
>>>>> of
>>>>> upgrading to the second edition? I have an se CD, but it's all going
>>>>> so
>>>>> well at the moment I am reluctant to make the change without a clear
>>>>> advantage.
>>>>
>>>> Your USB problem would probably disappear with Win98 SE.
>>>
>>> Not likely, IF you're talking about the *flash drives*, UNLESS it has a
>>> driver included. (BTDT).
>>
>> I should have been clearer in what I meant, that if he installed SE it
>> would
>> make the possibility of getting the flash drive(s) to work, the
>> possibility
>> of finding said driversd, or even working under the generic drivers, a
>> LOT
>> more likely. The possibilities under Win98FE are slim to none.
>
> Yup. That's why he needs to FIRST upgrade to Win98SE.
> He also should consider upgrading his RAM to 256K while he is at it.

Now that you mention it, it's quite possible that the ONLY way to get
Win98SE installed on that laptop is to use the Restore Disks to install 98
and then upgrade in place to 98SE. Depends on the make & model and what
drivers may or may not be available. As for RAM, again it's a question of
make/model, and I'm betting that machine is maxed out. Just a friendly bet,
<s>.

>>>> But don't think of
>>>> Upgrading. If you're going to use 98SE, reformat and start over -- or
>>>> dual boot, whatever.
>>>
>>> I'd respectfully differ on that one. Sure, it's BETTER to do a clean
>>> install, however. But what a PIA. :-)
>>
>> So you're the kind who chooses the HIGH PROBABILITY of having any number
>> of
>> minor or major problems, certain DLL Hell, and continuing nuisances that
>> you
>> never get figured out rather than do a little extra work? OK, I'll
>> remember
>> that, <s>. Then again, you're the guy who deliberately introduces DLL
>> Hell
>> to his system by doing things like replacing principle IE6 files with IE5
>> versions just to get rid of a minor nuisance, so you're being consistent,
>> at least.
>
> NOT a minor nuisance for me. :-)
> And it wasn't DLL hell, nor DLL Purgatory. Instead, it brought Peace
> over here. :-)

Yes, ignorance IS bliss!

>> Having done a number of 98 > 98SE Upgrades in place, and seen the results
>> of
>> many, many more, (and heard about the results of hundreds or thousands
>> more,
>> right in this NG), I think it's downright stupid to upgrade in place
>> without
>> an *overriding* reason. Especially when it's over a proprietary system
>> that
>> uses Restore discs. Besides, in this case, there's nothing to preserve.
>> He
>> started out describing a fresh installation.
>
> Well, if he's got nothing to preserve, it's a no-brainer - do the clean
> install. Right.
>
> OTOH, if he had a reasonably clean, error-free system (meaning,
> NON-problematic), and tons of applications installed and customized to his
> liking, I'd say go for the Upgrade. And IF (and only if) that didn't
> work out so well, then go for the clean install.

I'll have to disagree on that one. First on the supposition that there IS
any such Win98FE system as you describe, and, second, that even if there
were such a system, I KNOW that the odds that the result of an in-place
Upgrade to SE will live up to the presumably high standards of the person
who managed to set up such a system are next to nil.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
http://grystmill.com
 
Re: Return to 98

MEB wrote:
> Hi, Peter, how about you tell us what make and model computer to perhaps
> provide more informative answers.
>
I am really grateful to all you guys for weighing in with such helpful
comments. I finally got USB working after a real tussle. But before I
did that I decided to take the plunge and clean install 98SE. That
didn't give me USB but finally locating the drivers on the
manufacturer's website did the trick on about the third try. Now I just
hope it keeps working (grin). I wish some of these flash drive
manufacturers would be a bit clearer about the make and model on the
drive itself. The one I got success with is a Lexar. I have one other
with no id on it at all, so I'll just forget about that one.

Anyway, that's OK. I downloaded and installed Avast and like the look of
it, although it certainly lets you know when it updates. Thank you for
the pointer. Enjoyed the comment about irradiated earlobes. My desktop
is running XP in a reasonably hi spec'ed box and is on broadband. This
little laptop is on dialup until I can get a network PC card for it.
It's kind of a retro experience for me, and I have to say that at this
time the little machine is doing everything I want it to, and doing it,
on the whole, pretty well.

I look forward to lurking around here and enjoying getting to know 98
all over again. Thanks again for all the really helpful responses.
--
Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake)
Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, and
compulsive computer fiddler.
 
Re: Return to 98

Peter in New Zealand wrote:
> MEB wrote:
>> Hi, Peter, how about you tell us what make and model computer to perhaps
>> provide more informative answers.
>>
> I am really grateful to all you guys for weighing in with such helpful
> comments. I finally got USB working after a real tussle. But before I
> did that I decided to take the plunge and clean install 98SE. That
> didn't give me USB but finally locating the drivers on the
> manufacturer's website did the trick on about the third try. Now I just
> hope it keeps working (grin). I wish some of these flash drive
> manufacturers would be a bit clearer about the make and model on the
> drive itself. The one I got success with is a Lexar. I have one other
> with no id on it at all, so I'll just forget about that one.
>
> Anyway, that's OK. I downloaded and installed Avast and like the look of
> it, although it certainly lets you know when it updates. Thank you for
> the pointer. Enjoyed the comment about irradiated earlobes. My desktop
> is running XP in a reasonably hi spec'ed box and is on broadband. This
> little laptop is on dialup until I can get a network PC card for it.
> It's kind of a retro experience for me, and I have to say that at this
> time the little machine is doing everything I want it to, and doing it,
> on the whole, pretty well.
>
> I look forward to lurking around here and enjoying getting to know 98
> all over again. Thanks again for all the really helpful responses.

Oh, sorry, I forgot - the laptop is an Acer Travelmate 512DX. Cheers,
and thanks again for all the help.

--
Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake)
Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, and
compulsive computer fiddler.
 
Re: Return to 98



"Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message
news:1213526292.220104@ftpsrv1...
| Peter in New Zealand wrote:
| > MEB wrote:
| >> Hi, Peter, how about you tell us what make and model computer to
perhaps
| >> provide more informative answers.
| >>
| > I am really grateful to all you guys for weighing in with such helpful
| > comments. I finally got USB working after a real tussle. But before I
| > did that I decided to take the plunge and clean install 98SE. That
| > didn't give me USB but finally locating the drivers on the
| > manufacturer's website did the trick on about the third try. Now I just
| > hope it keeps working (grin). I wish some of these flash drive
| > manufacturers would be a bit clearer about the make and model on the
| > drive itself. The one I got success with is a Lexar. I have one other
| > with no id on it at all, so I'll just forget about that one.
| >
| > Anyway, that's OK. I downloaded and installed Avast and like the look of
| > it, although it certainly lets you know when it updates. Thank you for
| > the pointer. Enjoyed the comment about irradiated earlobes. My desktop
| > is running XP in a reasonably hi spec'ed box and is on broadband. This
| > little laptop is on dialup until I can get a network PC card for it.
| > It's kind of a retro experience for me, and I have to say that at this
| > time the little machine is doing everything I want it to, and doing it,
| > on the whole, pretty well.
| >
| > I look forward to lurking around here and enjoying getting to know 98
| > all over again. Thanks again for all the really helpful responses.
|
| Oh, sorry, I forgot - the laptop is an Acer Travelmate 512DX. Cheers,
| and thanks again for all the help.
|
| --
| Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake)
| Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, and
| compulsive computer fiddler.

Thanks, when you post again, remind us of the make and model. Here's some
specs for the group:
http://www.acersupport.com/notebook/html/tm512dx_specs.html

You have 128 meg, it supports 256 meg memory at 128 meg per slot. Pretty
cheap, and would make a big difference in the long run:
http://www.memory4less.com/m4l_results.asp?ref=mem&modelid=5990


--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
--
_________
 
Re: Return to 98

Peter in New Zealand wrote:
| MEB wrote:
|> Hi, Peter, how about you tell us what make and model computer to
|> perhaps provide more informative answers.
|>
| I am really grateful to all you guys for weighing in with such helpful
| comments. I finally got USB working after a real tussle. But before I
| did that I decided to take the plunge and clean install 98SE. That
| didn't give me USB but finally locating the drivers on the
| manufacturer's website did the trick on about the third try. Now I
| just hope it keeps working (grin). I wish some of these flash drive
| manufacturers would be a bit clearer about the make and model on the
| drive itself. The one I got success with is a Lexar. I have one other
| with no id on it at all, so I'll just forget about that one.

You are welcome. Glad to hear of your success! Usually, it is said a
fresh install from an MS Windows Installation CD (instead of using
manufacturer's restore CDs) is problematic because specialized drivers
may be necessary for a laptop. Glad you didn't run into it, except for
that USB device.

| Anyway, that's OK. I downloaded and installed Avast and like the look
| of it, although it certainly lets you know when it updates. Thank you
| for the pointer. Enjoyed the comment about irradiated earlobes. My
| desktop is running XP in a reasonably hi spec'ed box and is on
| broadband. This little laptop is on dialup until I can get a network
| PC card for it. It's kind of a retro experience for me, and I have to
| say that at this time the little machine is doing everything I want
| it to, and doing it, on the whole, pretty well.

Glad to hear it. Careful you don't carry that laptop too close to the
XP-machine: It may be swallowed BIOS & all-- & end up running in an
XP-virtual partition!

| I look forward to lurking around here and enjoying getting to know 98
| all over again. Thanks again for all the really helpful responses.

Glad to have a new/old Win98 user drop in!

| --
| Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake)
| Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter,
| and compulsive computer fiddler.

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
Should things get worse after this,
PCR
pcrrcp@netzero.net
 
Re: Return to 98

"Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message
news:1213520568.470349@ftpsrv1...
> I am really grateful to all you guys for weighing in with such helpful comments. I
> finally got USB working after a real tussle. But before I did that I decided to
> take the plunge and clean install 98SE. That didn't give me USB but finally
> locating the drivers on the manufacturer's website did the trick on about the
> third try. Now I just hope it keeps working (grin). I wish some of these flash
> drive manufacturers would be a bit clearer about the make and model on the drive
> itself. The one I got success with is a Lexar. I have one other with no id on it
> at all, so I'll just forget about that one.
>
> Anyway, that's OK. I downloaded and installed Avast and like the look of it,
> although it certainly lets you know when it updates. Thank you for the pointer.
> Enjoyed the comment about irradiated earlobes. My desktop is running XP in a
> reasonably hi spec'ed box and is on broadband. This little laptop is on dialup
> until I can get a network PC card for it. It's kind of a retro experience for me,
> and I have to say that at this time the little machine is doing everything I want
> it to, and doing it, on the whole, pretty well.
>
> I look forward to lurking around here and enjoying getting to know 98 all over
> again. Thanks again for all the really helpful responses.

If you decide you want to use more than just the Lexar flash drive (such as the
generic drive you currently can't use), install the so-called Native USB Mass
Storage Driver:
http://www.technical-assistance.co.uk/kb/usbmsd98.php

http://www.technical-assistance.co.uk/kb/win98se-usb-mass-storage-drivers.php

I suggest the version 2.x drivers for your older system with no USB 2.0 support:
http://www.technical-assistance.co.uk/drivers/nusb24e.exe

To install the version 2.x drivers:
Download the exe file to the desktop
Remove ALL drivers for USB flash drives in Device Manager
Remove ALL unknown devices from Device Manager
Run the exe file you downloaded, and follow the instructions, rebooting after
installation
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Windows, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm
 
Re: Return to 98

PCR wrote:
> Peter in New Zealand wrote:
> | MEB wrote:
> |> Hi, Peter, how about you tell us what make and model computer to
> |> perhaps provide more informative answers.
> |>
> | I am really grateful to all you guys for weighing in with such helpful
> | comments. I finally got USB working after a real tussle. But before I
> | did that I decided to take the plunge and clean install 98SE. That
> | didn't give me USB but finally locating the drivers on the
> | manufacturer's website did the trick on about the third try. Now I
> | just hope it keeps working (grin). I wish some of these flash drive
> | manufacturers would be a bit clearer about the make and model on the
> | drive itself. The one I got success with is a Lexar. I have one other
> | with no id on it at all, so I'll just forget about that one.
>
> You are welcome. Glad to hear of your success! Usually, it is said a
> fresh install from an MS Windows Installation CD (instead of using
> manufacturer's restore CDs) is problematic because specialized drivers
> may be necessary for a laptop. Glad you didn't run into it, except for
> that USB device.
>
> | Anyway, that's OK. I downloaded and installed Avast and like the look
> | of it, although it certainly lets you know when it updates. Thank you
> | for the pointer. Enjoyed the comment about irradiated earlobes. My
> | desktop is running XP in a reasonably hi spec'ed box and is on
> | broadband. This little laptop is on dialup until I can get a network
> | PC card for it. It's kind of a retro experience for me, and I have to
> | say that at this time the little machine is doing everything I want
> | it to, and doing it, on the whole, pretty well.
>
> Glad to hear it. Careful you don't carry that laptop too close to the
> XP-machine: It may be swallowed BIOS & all-- & end up running in an
> XP-virtual partition!
>
> | I look forward to lurking around here and enjoying getting to know 98
> | all over again. Thanks again for all the really helpful responses.
>
> Glad to have a new/old Win98 user drop in!
>
> | --
> | Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake)
> | Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter,
> | and compulsive computer fiddler.
>

Fortunately the original recovery CD came with the laptop, although it
installs 98FE. So, after using my full license 98SE I can pick the
appropriate drivers off the recovery CD. I recently came across an
"unofficial" service pack for Win98. The web page address is
http://exuberant.ms11.net/98sesp.html. Can I ask if this is worthwhile
downloading and installing, or is it not? I realise it is unsupported by
MS, but it would be an easy way to get some of the updates. Thanks again.
--
Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake)
Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, and
compulsive computer fiddler.
 
Re: Return to 98

Thanks Glen. At least you found and posted the Generic USB Mass Storage
link.
But I'd suggest sticking with version 2.x, regardless, as it's less hassle
(if you read the fine print).

glee wrote:
> "Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message
> news:1213520568.470349@ftpsrv1...
>> I am really grateful to all you guys for weighing in with such helpful
>> comments. I finally got USB working after a real tussle. But before I did
>> that I decided to take the plunge and clean install 98SE. That didn't
>> give
>> me USB but finally locating the drivers on the manufacturer's website did
>> the trick on about the third try. Now I just hope it keeps working
>> (grin). I
>> wish some of these flash drive manufacturers would be a bit clearer about
>> the make and model on the drive itself. The one I got success with is a
>> Lexar. I have one other with no id on it at all, so I'll just forget
>> about
>> that one. Anyway, that's OK. I downloaded and installed Avast and like
>> the look of it,
>> although it certainly lets you know when it updates. Thank you for the
>> pointer. Enjoyed the comment about irradiated earlobes. My desktop is
>> running XP in a reasonably hi spec'ed box and is on broadband. This
>> little
>> laptop is on dialup until I can get a network PC card for it. It's kind
>> of a
>> retro experience for me, and I have to say that at this time the little
>> machine is doing everything I want it to, and doing it, on the whole,
>> pretty
>> well. I look forward to lurking around here and enjoying getting to know
>> 98 all
>> over again. Thanks again for all the really helpful responses.
>
> If you decide you want to use more than just the Lexar flash drive (such
> as
> the generic drive you currently can't use), install the so-called Native
> USB
> Mass Storage Driver:
> http://www.technical-assistance.co.uk/kb/usbmsd98.php
>
> http://www.technical-assistance.co.uk/kb/win98se-usb-mass-storage-drivers.php
>
> I suggest the version 2.x drivers for your older system with no USB 2.0
> support: http://www.technical-assistance.co.uk/drivers/nusb24e.exe
>
> To install the version 2.x drivers:
> Download the exe file to the desktop
> Remove ALL drivers for USB flash drives in Device Manager
> Remove ALL unknown devices from Device Manager
> Run the exe file you downloaded, and follow the instructions, rebooting
> after
> installation
> --
> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Windows, A+
> http://dts-l.net/
> http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm
 
Re: Return to 98



As others have said, SE would be a better bet, as USB is far more functional.

On the "protection" front, I use three measures here and haven't had an issue in
years on the 'net with 98SE.

1. Don't use IE. Almost all the 98 vulnerabilities were IE. I use Firefox.

2. Run an anti-virus, but it doesn't need to be an intercative one if ....

3. Use a NAT router between yourself and the 'net.
 
Re: Return to 98

who where wrote:
>
> As others have said, SE would be a better bet, as USB is far more functional.
>
> On the "protection" front, I use three measures here and haven't had an issue in
> years on the 'net with 98SE.
>
> 1. Don't use IE. Almost all the 98 vulnerabilities were IE. I use Firefox.
>
> 2. Run an anti-virus, but it doesn't need to be an intercative one if ....
>
> 3. Use a NAT router between yourself and the 'net.

Thank you for those suggestions. I agree about using Firefox in
preference to IE. I use Avast!, but turn off all but the most basic
protection. Really, I haven't experienced a virus hit in so many years I
can't remember when it last happened to me. The only time I definitely
remember virus trouble was when I was silly enough to toss a friend's
floppy into my machine without bothering to scan first.

As soon as I can get a network PC card I will be on broadband through a
router with its own firewall, and so generally I think things are OK.
Except - you wouldn't believe it - USB stopped working again this
morning. Not a twinkle from the darn thing. Oh well, think I'll just
forget about it as my network card will enable me to link to my main
desktop machine anyway. You gotta laugh though. The Lexar site has a
driver for all their jump drives and it clearly states that it is
specifically for 98SE. But when you point the system at the folder with
the drivers in it the computer just doesn't see them.

Never mind - I can easily live without USB on this machine once the
network card is in. Thanks for the help and encouragement.

--
Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake)
Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, and
compulsive computer fiddler.
 
Re: Return to 98


> AVAST seems to be one of the most used Anti-Virus programs in this group,
> and still has 98 support:
> "System Requirements - avast! Home Edition
> Please note: hardware configurations described below represent the minimum
> recommended system specification for that operating system.
> For a computer running Windows® 95/98/Me:
> 486 Processor, 32MB RAM and 50MB of free hard disk space."
> http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
>
> And one of the older firewalls like Kerio PWF, Sygate, or potentially ZA,
> with SpyWare Blaster, would also be needed for Internet use.
>
> --
> MEB http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
>
You can find the old, free Sygate firewalls (5.5-2710 and 5.6-2808)
here:
http://www.oldversion.com/program.php?n=sygate
I have been using Sygate firewalls on my Win98(fe) for years
with excellent results.
Casey
 
Re: Return to 98

On Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:15:35 +1200, Peter in New Zealand
<peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote:

>who where wrote:
>>
>> As others have said, SE would be a better bet, as USB is far more functional.
>>
>> On the "protection" front, I use three measures here and haven't had an issue in
>> years on the 'net with 98SE.
>>
>> 1. Don't use IE. Almost all the 98 vulnerabilities were IE. I use Firefox.
>>
>> 2. Run an anti-virus, but it doesn't need to be an intercative one if ....
>>
>> 3. Use a NAT router between yourself and the 'net.
>
>Thank you for those suggestions. I agree about using Firefox in
>preference to IE. I use Avast!, but turn off all but the most basic
>protection. Really, I haven't experienced a virus hit in so many years I
>can't remember when it last happened to me. The only time I definitely
>remember virus trouble was when I was silly enough to toss a friend's
>floppy into my machine without bothering to scan first.
>
>As soon as I can get a network PC card I will be on broadband through a
>router with its own firewall, and so generally I think things are OK.
>Except - you wouldn't believe it - USB stopped working again this
>morning. Not a twinkle from the darn thing. Oh well, think I'll just
>forget about it as my network card will enable me to link to my main
>desktop machine anyway. You gotta laugh though. The Lexar site has a
>driver for all their jump drives and it clearly states that it is
>specifically for 98SE. But when you point the system at the folder with
>the drivers in it the computer just doesn't see them.
>
>Never mind - I can easily live without USB on this machine once the
>network card is in. Thanks for the help and encouragement.

If you put the USB stick into your XP system it will let you see the actual
manufacturer tag for the unit. I've found that is a handy way to get to the
right SE driver.
 
Back
Top