Win 98se install problems

zippy · #1 12-08-2006, 05:56 AM

I am trying to install windows 98se on a older Ibm Thinkpad 600. It currently has windows 95 on it. When I try and install from windows it tells me that windows 98 files needed to continue install can't be found. If I use a boot disk and try and install it from dos it tells me that the setup.exe file needs Microsoft windows to run. What am I doing wrong?

TopFarmer · #2 12-08-2006, 07:23 AM

What 98se cd are you useing ? (a copy, from MS , or just what) If it for a new install or upgrade ?
My guess is the Setup.exe is not for installing the OS but some other program
(it happend to me)
Use a comp with windows and right click on setup.exe and select properties, post info. IF it is for a new install it will have below
Size 5.57kb
Date April 23, 1999
under version tab 4.10.2222

zippy · #3 12-08-2006, 08:27 AM

The CD is an upgrade version. The laptop and Cd are at home so I can't check the setup file size until this afternoon. The problem is it should upgrade win95 to win98se but it won't do that in the windows environment and when I try and do it from the dos prompt it tells me I need to be in windows to run the startup.exe file. The CD is over 600 meg so I know it has the full version on it even though it said it is only and upgrade. Would I be better off just reformatting the entire HD and starting over?

TopFarmer · #4 12-08-2006, 04:27 PM

If the cd is for an upgrade do NOT format unless you have the Win95 cd. There are workarounds but do not remember how. Have never had an upgrade cd so do not know if you must be booted into Windows or not but would say no. Some one may drop by and give us more info.

You could try to copy the entire Win98 setup directory to the hdd (use same folder name) and run setup from there.

zippy · #5 12-08-2006, 06:59 PM

I have tried to save the win98 folder to the HD and run setup from the win98 folder were the cab files are but I have the same problem. It always tells me it can only be run in microsoft windows. I just checked the file size and the setup.exe file located in the win98 folder is 5,712 bytes. The setup.exe file located on the main directory of the cd is 3,824 bytes. I have the win 95 cd and code but even with win95 installed it still is looking for win98 first addition files to do the upgrade.