How to Install Windows 1998 on a PC

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Add the classic operating system to your computer

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Last Updated: May 21, 2025

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Booting from CD

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Installing Windows 98

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

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Things You'll Need

Windows 98 was a closed source 16 bit/32bit hybrid operating system released on June 25, 1998. It succeeded Windows 95 and was succeeded by Windows ME. Upgrades were available with the release of Windows 98 Second Edition (released 5th May 1999) and Windows 98 Plus. Support ended for Windows 98 11th July 2006 so this guide is for techies who wish to relive their Windows 9x past.

Installing Windows 98 from a CD

Insert the Windows 98 install disk into your CD-ROM.
Power on your PC.
Select "Start Windows 98 setup from CD-ROM" then press "Enter."
Choose whether or not you want to enable large disk support.
Select "Boot from CD-ROM" and press "Enter."

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Booting from CD

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and press ↵ Enter.
This is all down to personal preference but "Yes, enable large disk support" was selected in this tutorial.

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Installing Windows 98

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and press ↵ Enter.
4
Choose where you want the computer to install Windows 98 then click "Next".
- It is recommended to use the directory that Windows recommends (in this case C:\\WINDOWS).
This is all down to personal preference, however, "Typical" was chosen for this tutorial.
"Install the most common components (Recommended)" was chosen for this tutorial but this is all down to personal preference.
7
Give the computer a name and a Workgroup and click "next".
- If the first two text boxes are filled, you may leave them.
- The "Computer Description" field is not essential for the installation.
13
Accept the agreement and click "next".
- It's always a good idea to read the License Agreement so you know what you're signing up for.

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What happens if I restart windows 98 in MS-DOS mode?

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It will boot into a DOS-like environment, using command-line instructions instead of a graphical interface. This is for playing MS-DOS games.

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Can I install Windows 98 while on Windows 95?

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Yes. If you insert the Windows 98 installation CD while Windows 95 is running, you should be given the option to upgrade there and then. Alternatively, you can place the CD into the computer while it's turned off, then turn it on, go into your boot menu and boot from the CD to install. If you use this method, be careful, as you might end up formatting your hard drive inadvertently. Be sure to back up your files before attempting this.

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Why would anyone do this?

Acyclist

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If someone has a lot of DOS programs, installing Windows 98 onto either a Virtual Machine or real hardware will allow that user to use those programs again. While some DOS programs may run on newer machines, they may run into compatibility issues.

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Tips

In this menu, it shows "Time remaining: 10" If you need more time, press either the ↑ or ↓ arrow key and you will have unlimited time to make a choice.

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You upgrade to Windows 98 from 95 by inserting the Windows 98 installation disk into a computer running Windows 95.

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Warnings

Modern programs may not be compatible with Windows 98.

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Do not unplug/turn off the computer at any stage of the installation unless an instruction during the installation permits. This could cause the installation process to corrupt and will need to be repeated.

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Windows 98 is no longer a supported operating system which makes it vulnerable to viruses.

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