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Windows 95: Difference between revisions
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In mid-1996, Microsoft released the second OEM Service Release of Windows 95 (codenamed ''Detroit''), which includes various new features such as FAT32 support, [[Internet Explorer 3]], a newer version of MSN, as well as features that were previously exclusive for [[Microsoft Plus! 95]] such as DriveSpace 3 or Scheduled Tasks (formerly System Agent). An update to it, known as the OEM Service Release 2.1, was released in August 1996, which not only updates Internet Explorer to version 3.02, but it also includes [[w:USB|USB]] support in form of an update package. It is not pre-installed by default, since USB support was still in an early state. It eventually caused Windows to crash more frequently. Another update, known as the OEM Service Release 2.5, was released in November 1997 and updated Internet Explorer to version 4.0, along with it the Active Desktop enhancements, although on incompatible devices, it still ships with IE 2. This is the last update for Windows 95 before being replaced with Windows 98. | In mid-1996, Microsoft released the second OEM Service Release of Windows 95 (codenamed ''Detroit''), which includes various new features such as FAT32 support, [[Internet Explorer 3]], a newer version of MSN, as well as features that were previously exclusive for [[Microsoft Plus! 95]] such as DriveSpace 3 or Scheduled Tasks (formerly System Agent). An update to it, known as the OEM Service Release 2.1, was released in August 1996, which not only updates Internet Explorer to version 3.02, but it also includes [[w:USB|USB]] support in form of an update package. It is not pre-installed by default, since USB support was still in an early state. It eventually caused Windows to crash more frequently. Another update, known as the OEM Service Release 2.5, was released in November 1997 and updated Internet Explorer to version 4.0, along with it the Active Desktop enhancements, although on incompatible devices, it still ships with IE 2. This is the last update for Windows 95 before being replaced with Windows 98. | ||
== Upgrade Check Password == | |||
Holding {{Key press|Ctrl}} and clicking Exit Setup on an Upgrade Check dialog opens a password request screen, containing a random ID Number and a random Key. | |||
The valid Password is derived from the Key: <code>password = (strrev(key) ^ 0x414d57) % 1000000</code>. | |||
Entering a valid Password passes the upgrade check. | |||
This was implemented in <code>COMPLINC.DLL</code> by [[Windows 95 build 89e|build 89e]], and was most likely used on direction from Microsoft Support Services. | |||
<gallery> | |||
Windows-95-Upgrade-Password.png|The upgrade password dialog | |||
Windows-95-Upgrade-Password-Wrong.png|Wrong password is entered | |||
</gallery> | |||
== System requirements == | |||
According to Microsoft, Windows 95 requires an 80386 processor, at least 4 MB of RAM, 50-55 MB of hard drive space (varies depending on components being installed), and an EGA, VGA, or better display adapter.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20041019021615/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/138349</ref> Windows 95 drops support for the 80286 Standard mode and the Hercules and CGA display adapters. EGA display adapters are supported but not included in Windows 95. Windows 95 allows installation to be possible without a floppy drive via CD-ROM media, but this is only possible on select bootable OEM disks. A floppy drive is otherwise required for starting setup or if one wants to make a startup disk. | |||
=== Hardware compatibility === | |||
Windows 95 does not support AMD processors faster than 350 MHz and Intel processors faster than 2.1 GHz due to divide by zero bugs from timer calibration in several drivers.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20070209000652/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/312108</ref> Additionally, Windows 95 does not support having more than 480 MB of RAM due to a bug in the memory allocator.<ref>https://devblogs.microsoft.com/oldnewthing/20030814-00/?p=42903</ref><ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20061116154817/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304943</ref> Windows 95 will often encounter system instability or crashing upon boot on these systems without additional fixes. | |||
== Product Team credits Easter egg == | == Product Team credits Easter egg == | ||
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There is another easter egg like this, but it isn't as immersive. It is also a little bit longer, but the steps are as follows. First, click on the Help option in the Start menu and click on the Find tab. Upon the setup Wizard that appears, click next and finish. Second, go to the Options and then make sure you have these options set: "All the words you typed in any order", "begin with the characters you type", and "Immediately after each keystroke, wait for a pause before searching". Press OK and then type the phrase "Who knows who built this tool?" in the textbox. Hold down both Ctrl+Shift keys and press clear button. Third, go into the options again and set the options as follows: "At least one of the words you typed", "contain the characters you type", and "Immediately after each keystroke, wait for a pause before searching". Press OK and then type the phrase "The Shadow knows!" in the textbox. Hold down both Ctrl+Shift keys and press clear button. If done correctly, a pop-up window will appear scrolling through the development team credits. | There is another easter egg like this, but it isn't as immersive. It is also a little bit longer, but the steps are as follows. First, click on the Help option in the Start menu and click on the Find tab. Upon the setup Wizard that appears, click next and finish. Second, go to the Options and then make sure you have these options set: "All the words you typed in any order", "begin with the characters you type", and "Immediately after each keystroke, wait for a pause before searching". Press OK and then type the phrase "Who knows who built this tool?" in the textbox. Hold down both Ctrl+Shift keys and press clear button. Third, go into the options again and set the options as follows: "At least one of the words you typed", "contain the characters you type", and "Immediately after each keystroke, wait for a pause before searching". Press OK and then type the phrase "The Shadow knows!" in the textbox. Hold down both Ctrl+Shift keys and press clear button. If done correctly, a pop-up window will appear scrolling through the development team credits. | ||
== List of known builds == | == List of known builds == | ||