With Windows 98, Microsoft raised the level of expectation in an operating system by adding a number of improvements to previous Windows OSs. Windows 98 brought end users a better user interface, improved Plug and Play (PnP), and support for new devices like DVD, FireWire, and modems. Windows 98 can support both FAT16 and FAT32 partitions. Networking added support for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP). Internet capability improved with tighter integration between Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer. The Internet Connection Wizard integrated dial-up networking, making it simpler to connect to the Internet. The use of new wizards made all tasks easier to complete, ranging from setting up devices to installing the operating system.
Windows 98’s was the first user-friendly installation that resulted in a complete installation. This section will cover the installation by having you follow the Installation Wizard to complete the entire configuration. The key to following the wizard is to read the screens and follow the recommendations made by the computer.
The minimum hardware requirements for installing Windows 98 are as follows:
Processor | 486–66MHz |
RAM | 16MB |
Disk Space | 110MB |
Upon completion of this lab, you will be able to install Windows 98.
For this lab, you will need a computer that meets the hardware requirements for installing Windows 98 and a Windows 98 Installation CD.
You will use the hard drive you partitioned and formatted in the previous lab.
Set the CMOS boot sequence to seek the CD-ROM drive first.
Place the Windows 98 installation CD in the CD-ROM drive and boot the computer.
If you are prompted during the POST sequence, select Boot from CD-ROM.
When you are prompted, select Start Windows 98 Setup from CD-ROM.
Setup performs a number of routine checks. The first is ScanDisk. Press Enter to allow the system to verify the integrity of the hard drive.
When all the files have been copied to the hard drive and you are instructed to reboot the computer, choose Boot to the Hard Drive.
Set the CMOS to seek drive A: first, and reboot the computer.
The first screen that appears is the License Agreement window. Click I Accept the Agreement and click Next.
The Product Key window appears. Enter the 25-digit product key that can be found on the back of the CD container. Click Next to continue.
In the next window, select the directory where Windows 98 is to be installed. Click on the C:\WINDOWS option and then click Next.
The Setup utility creates the directory, looks for any installed components, and verifies drive space. The next screen prompts you for the type of installation. For this install, click Typical and then click Next.
The setup wizard asks for the user information. Type in your name and your company’s name. It is mandatory to enter something in the Name field; once you do, the Next button is available. Click Next.
The next window asks which Windows Components you want to install. Select Install the Most Common Components and click Next.
Setup asks for your location. Select the appropriate location from the list and click Next.
Setup now wants to create a startup disk. Place a blank floppy into the floppy drive and click Next.
Windows begins to install the necessary components to your hard drive. Once it is finished, the system will restart and Windows 98 will attempt to detect any Plug-and-Play devices. You should have the files on hand to complete the installation of the device drivers. Once the device drivers have been installed, you computer is ready for you to use.