Installing Windows 98SE over top of 98, Thanks everyone, I am going for it!!

[kitty28]

Recently I did a Windows update. When the update was done, it said to restart your computer. I restarted the computer and kept getting a shdoc401.dll error. I had to change using the explorer.exe to using winfile.exe. I finally got it back to where I can get back into Windows with the desktop. Since this, my computer has not been right. I lost the sound, and when I keep it on for a long time (such as overnight) it will be slow if not locked up when I use it again. It will not shut down on its own or by the button, it has to be unplugged. I have alot of important files and programs on my computer and would rather not reformat. My question is, could I install Windows 98SE over top of Windows 98SE again safely? I have read both ways of yes you can do it safely, and no, to reformat. Has anyone tried this with success and no loss of files? Thanks for any information given.

 

[Buddha Bart]

IIRC it can be done, but one of the things you should do first is backup all your data, just in case something goes wrong (microsoft will probably even tell you that in a warning screen).

Which begs the question, if you've backed all your stuff up... why not just reformat?

bart

 

[kitty28]

I'd rather not reformat because this is my work computer, and some of the programs which are installed on it, takes alot to load them back on. One takes about an hour to load. Which is why I stated I would rather not reformat. I have backed up the system, and I will go ahead and try, but if all else fails, I will have no choice but to reformat. Thanks for you input.

 

What have you got to lose but 40 minutes of your time reinstalling.

 

[bozo1]

If you want to upgrade from Win98 to Win98se, keeping your settings and stuff, you'll need the version of Win98se that was sold to specifically update 98 to 98se. The upgrade version of Win98 (like to upgrade from Win95) will not do it for you. I'm not quite sure, but I don't believe the full version of Win98se will do it either.

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

This here would have been a good case for Norton's Ghost or Powerquest's Drive Image. When you get this problem sorted out and your machine running good again, Seriously look into one of these products. Would have saved all this trouble from the start to have a good backup of your system.

 

[corkyg]

I did it safely and successfully to 5 computers using Win98SE Upgrade CD. No problem at all.

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

My question is, could I install Windows 98SE over top of Windows 98SE again safely?

Yes..

Somehow, myself and others missed the 98SE over 98SE and thought 98SE over 98FE.

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

Originally posted by: AthlonXP
Win98SE is old, get Winme, better hardware support.

You are friggin' joking right?