What is the cheapest way to get a full copy of Windows 98 ?

[vinayag]

What is the cheapest legal way to get Windows 98 first or second edition other than buying it for $150 retail. This is a problem with building your own computer !!!

I did put up a WTB notice in the sale section, but I doubt if anybody will sell !!!

 

[The Stigenator]

If you got an earlier version of windows operating system (3.1/95/98), then go ahead get the SE upgrade cd.. search pricewatch.. some people are selling SE disks for $20. That was teh actual price of the CD when it first came out from microsoft...I believe it doesnt have ICS though.

You can do a full fresh install from an upgrade cd. If you dont have an OS cd.. borrow one for a friend, and you will need it for a minute only.
Start the install from DOS, typing setup and then when asked for a qualifiying CD.. pop in the other cd and then point to it.. now your home free.

Since the EULA doesnt state that you have to have a original cd to get teh upgrade working, it will be worthwile.. plus its legal, you do have a copy of the operating system .. its just an Upgrade cd.

 

[Thanatopsis]

You don't need to do what the good guy suggested either. All you need is an OEM version of Windows 98, which can be had for 56 dollars or so. I picked one up a week ago from Downsoftwaretech - http://store.yahoo.com/downsoftwaretech/win98secedoe.html - I got it for 66.68 shipped. It is full version and sure beats $150. The only thing you don't get is the pretty little box and manual

 

[Thanatopsis]

Hmm, I should have checked first. Seems like the price is now 75. Check pricewatch.com for prices - that's where I found this place.

 

[Jhhnn]

Check Pricewatch, Full Win98 OEM < $90 from several vendors. They are supposed to be selling a Harddrive or barebones etc. to offer it at this price, somebody will sell it to you all by itself, no questions asked. Check the description carefully, be sure what you are buying.

 

[vinayag]

Ha Ha Ha...

I miscalculated the amount of people wanting to get rid of windows !!! Have good offers for the first edition because a lot of people have moved to SE. Thanks to all though.

 

[Ulysses]

You might try a second hand bookstore - some sell used software.

 

[HepDude]

<< If you got an earlier version of windows operating system (3.1/95/98), then go ahead get the SE upgrade cd.. search pricewatch.. some people are selling SE disks for $20. That was teh actual price of the CD when it first came out from microsoft... >>

I find it hard to believe that this doesn't require that you have specifically 98 before getting the SE for $20 - is that right??

 

[RossGr]

My 98SE upgrade disk, bought from MS for $26.00, requires Win98 to be installed. It will not run from DOS.

This upgrade does include ICS.

 

[HepDude]

<< It will not run from DOS. >>

And I assume it will not run from Win95...

 

[IonBlade]

Actually, hepdude, the good guy seems to have made a mistake. The win98se upgrade disk that he was talking about (the $20 from ms one) is not a 3.1/95 upgrade cd. All it can do is upgrade win98 first edition to second edition. Hope I cleared up some confusion.