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Windows 98
| Version of Microsoft Windows | |
 | |
 | |
| OS family | Windows 9x |
|---|---|
| Version | 4.10 |
| Codename | Memphis |
| Architecture | x86 (PC/AT, PC-98) |
| Latest build | 4.10.2222B (98 SE) |
| Release date | 1998-06-25 (original release) 1999-05-05 (Second Edition) |
| Support end | 2006-07-11 |
| Replaces | |
| Windows 95 | |
| Replaced by | |
| Windows Me | |
Windows 98 (codenamed Memphis) is an operating system developed by Microsoft and is the second major release in the Windows 9x operating system line released in 1998. It was designed as an evolution of Windows 95 and introduced features such as the Windows Driver Model, Internet Explorer 4.0 (which included Active Desktop, Windows Desktop Update, and integration with Windows Explorer itself),[1] FAT32 file system (though this was already part of the OEM-only Windows 95 OSR2 two years earlier) and improved setup. It is the first version of Windows to include the Windows Desktop Update by default, an addition which carried over to the NT-based Windows 2000 in 1999.
Two versions of Windows 98 were released: the original release in 1998, known simply as "Windows 98" and sometimes retroactively called "First Edition", and "Windows 98 Second Edition" in 1999. The latter fixed major issues from the original release, updated Internet Explorer to version 5.0, included updated drivers and introduced features such as Internet Connection Sharing. Mainstream support for both releases ended on 30 June 2002, and extended support was discontinued later on 11 July 2006—together with Windows Me.
System requirements[edit | edit source]
According to Microsoft, Windows 98 requires a 486DX2 66 MHz processor, at least 16 MB of RAM, 175 MB of hard drive space (varies depending on components being installed), and a VGA or better display adapter.[2] The original version of Windows 98 is the last version to be available on 3.5" floppy disks via a mail order, as the Second Edition was only released on CD-ROM discs.
It is possible to bypass most of these requirements via the /nm parameter for SETUP.EXE. By doing so, it becomes possible to install the original release of Windows 98 on an 80386 processor with as low as 4 MB of RAM.
Hardware compatibility[edit | edit source]
The original release of Windows 98 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.[3] Additionally, Windows 98 (both the original release and Second Edition) does not support having more than 1 GB of RAM due to a bug in the memory allocator.[4][5] Windows 98 will often encounter system instability or crashing upon boot on these systems without additional fixes.
Product Team credits Easter Egg[edit | edit source]
This Easter egg showcases the people who worked on the operating system during development, much in the same fashion as the one in Windows 95. There are two methods of accessing it. The first method involves navigating to WINDOWS\Application Data\Microsoft\Welcome and creating a shortcut for Weldata.exe. At the end of the target textbox in the shortcut properties, add the phrase "You_are_a_real_rascal" without quotes after a space and select the Minimized run option. The second method requires going into the Control Panel and opening Regional Settings. This method is more difficult as it requires spotting and clicking three places on the map, which are Memphis, Egypt; Memphis, USA; and Redmond, USA.
List of known builds[edit | edit source]
Available build Confirmed build Unconfirmed build Fake build Original release[edit | edit source]
This release is known simply as "Windows 98" and also retroactively referred to as the "First Edition".
Developer Release[edit | edit source]
Beta 1[edit | edit source]
Beta 2[edit | edit source]
Beta 2.1[edit | edit source]
Beta 3[edit | edit source]
Release Candidate 0[edit | edit source]
Release Candidate 1[edit | edit source]
Release Candidate 2[edit | edit source]
Release Candidate 3[edit | edit source]
Release Candidate 4[edit | edit source]
Release Candidate 5[edit | edit source]
Pre-RTM[edit | edit source]
RTM[edit | edit source]
February 2004 Security Update[edit | edit source]
International Beta[edit | edit source]
Service Pack 1[edit | edit source]
Second Edition[edit | edit source]
Second Edition was originally meant to be released as a Service Pack 1 update for First Edition users, as well as a full OEM Service Release, just like Windows 95 OSR 2.x. Early builds were thus made in both forms before SP1 was canceled and OSR1 rebranded as Second Edition that would also be available in retail stores.
Multimedia Update/Service Pack 1 Alpha[edit | edit source]
Service Pack 1 Beta[edit | edit source]
OEM Service Release/Second Edition Beta 1[edit | edit source]
OEM Service Release/Second Edition Beta 2[edit | edit source]
Second Edition Release Candidate 1[edit | edit source]
Second Edition Release Candidate 2[edit | edit source]
Second Edition Release Candidate 3[edit | edit source]
Second Edition RTM[edit | edit source]
February 2004 Security Update[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Internet Explorer 4.0 and true Web Integration, CMP Web Review. 31 October 1997.
- ↑ How to Install Windows 98 on a Computer with No Operating System, Microsoft Support. 20 December 2004. Archived from the original on 4 January 2005.
- ↑ Windows protection error in NDIS with a CPU that is faster than 2.1 GHz, Microsoft Support. 31 January 2007. Archived from the original on 9 February 2007.
- ↑ Chen, Raymond. Windows 95 doesn’t boot with more than 1GB of RAM, The Old New Thing. 14 August 2003.
- ↑ Computer May Reboot Continuously with More Than 1.5 GB of RAM, Microsoft Support. 17 December 2004. Archived from the original on 16 November 2006.
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