Unofficial Windows 98SE Service Pack 2.1a

[bobster]

I have a good performing Windows 98SE machine with the following
characteristics:

PII 300 MHz processor
324 megs ram
2 - 20 GHz hard drives, each about 50% full
All updates from MS Windows update site
ZA
AVAST!
Host file
SpywareBlaster
AdAware
Lot of Apps
Comcast cable

The machine works fine and is free of spyware and viruses. I would like to
keep 98SE as long as possible. Except for the speed limitation and poor
performance on videos, it suits my needs quite well.

My question:

I have read quite a lot about an unofficial Windows 98SE Service Pack 2.1a,
a free download touted to greatly improve the performance of 98SE. Should I
try it out? What is the risk that it could trash my machine, and if it did,
could I recover with a simple scanreg /restore operation if something went
astray?

I'd be interested in the opinions of some of the MS MVPs and anyone else on
this site who has had experience with the subject mods

Thanks in advance

 

[Gary S. Terhune]

I, personally, would not install it. The author has taken the "kitchen sink"
approach and there's at least some stuff listed as included that I certainly
wouldn't install on any routine basis. 120 patches and hotfixes? Not
including any IE upgrades, DX, etc? Note that Hotfixes, by definition, are
not recommended UNLESS the specific problem they address is present in your
system.

If you decide to try it, be sure to create a FULL backup first, and be
really ready to restore the backup. Or to do a clean install.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
www.grystmill.com

"bobster" <fauxie@bogus.net> wrote in message
news:OcweEh9XIHA.4532@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>I have a good performing Windows 98SE machine with the following
> characteristics:
>
> PII 300 MHz processor
> 324 megs ram
> 2 - 20 GHz hard drives, each about 50% full
> All updates from MS Windows update site
> ZA
> AVAST!
> Host file
> SpywareBlaster
> AdAware
> Lot of Apps
> Comcast cable
>
> The machine works fine and is free of spyware and viruses. I would like
> to
> keep 98SE as long as possible. Except for the speed limitation and poor
> performance on videos, it suits my needs quite well.
>
> My question:
>
> I have read quite a lot about an unofficial Windows 98SE Service Pack
> 2.1a,
> a free download touted to greatly improve the performance of 98SE. Should
> I
> try it out? What is the risk that it could trash my machine, and if it
> did,
> could I recover with a simple scanreg /restore operation if something went
> astray?
>
> I'd be interested in the opinions of some of the MS MVPs and anyone else
> on
> this site who has had experience with the subject mods
>
> Thanks in advance
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

 

[Jim]

no.
Where did you find this sp2.1a? Not from Microsoft.
Read with caution: http://www.softpedia.com/progViewOpinions/13-9-191,.html

"bobster" <fauxie@bogus.net> wrote in message
news:OcweEh9XIHA.4532@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> I have a good performing Windows 98SE machine with the following
> characteristics:
>
> PII 300 MHz processor
> 324 megs ram
> 2 - 20 GHz hard drives, each about 50% full
> All updates from MS Windows update site
> ZA
> AVAST!
> Host file
> SpywareBlaster
> AdAware
> Lot of Apps
> Comcast cable
>
> The machine works fine and is free of spyware and viruses. I would like
to
> keep 98SE as long as possible. Except for the speed limitation and poor
> performance on videos, it suits my needs quite well.
>
> My question:
>
> I have read quite a lot about an unofficial Windows 98SE Service Pack
2.1a,
> a free download touted to greatly improve the performance of 98SE. Should
I
> try it out? What is the risk that it could trash my machine, and if it
did,
> could I recover with a simple scanreg /restore operation if something went
> astray?
>
> I'd be interested in the opinions of some of the MS MVPs and anyone else
on
> this site who has had experience with the subject mods
>
> Thanks in advance
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

 

[MEB]

"bobster" <fauxie@bogus.net> wrote in message
news:OcweEh9XIHA.4532@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
| I have a good performing Windows 98SE machine with the following
| characteristics:
|
| PII 300 MHz processor
| 324 megs ram
| 2 - 20 GHz hard drives, each about 50% full
| All updates from MS Windows update site
| ZA
| AVAST!
| Host file
| SpywareBlaster
| AdAware
| Lot of Apps
| Comcast cable
|
| The machine works fine and is free of spyware and viruses. I would like
to
| keep 98SE as long as possible. Except for the speed limitation and poor
| performance on videos, it suits my needs quite well.
|
| My question:
|
| I have read quite a lot about an unofficial Windows 98SE Service Pack
2.1a,
| a free download touted to greatly improve the performance of 98SE. Should
I
| try it out? What is the risk that it could trash my machine, and if it
did,
| could I recover with a simple scanreg /restore operation if something went
| astray?
|
| I'd be interested in the opinions of some of the MS MVPs and anyone else
on
| this site who has had experience with the subject mods
|
| Thanks in advance
|

I'll put it like this, I just re-tried [during the last several months
testing session] that particular un-official updates. Both with an
un-updated OS and with an officially updated OS [an over-install].
I would NOT recommend an over install into a well running system. If you
want to tweak areas, then spend the time looking for individual un-official
files specific to your actual issues and needs.
You may or may not like an un-updated install, and you must finalize the
updates [21a ended in 2005]. Myself, I have tried other un-official updates
which seem to have provided more, and more current fixes [such as Maximus
Decim's]. Though each brings its own potential issues with it, depending
upon your particular application configuration, devices, etc., and some
contain 'eye candy' junk which doesn't suit my own needs or wants [oh yeah,
like I really want 98 to look like XP or VISTA, ah %$&* NO!!!!.]..

A registry /restore will NOT remove the changes and may cause issues due to
file changes.
Someone recently suggested that it may have had a un-install via the
ADD/REMOVE Windows area [or that may have been one of the other un-official
updates] search this News group for that discussion. I did not check that as
it was not the reason for the testing.

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
_________

 

[bobster]

Thanks Gary, Jim and MEB for the sage words of advice. Sounds like I was
heading for big trouble had I downloaded and installed the SP.

Yes, there was an uninstall alluded to via the add-remove route but my
experiences are that they don't always do a clean job.

============================================================
"MEB" <meb@not here@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:uEoH5I%23XIHA.2268@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...


"bobster" <fauxie@bogus.net> wrote in message
news:OcweEh9XIHA.4532@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
| I have a good performing Windows 98SE machine with the following
| characteristics:
|
| PII 300 MHz processor
| 324 megs ram
| 2 - 20 GHz hard drives, each about 50% full
| All updates from MS Windows update site
| ZA
| AVAST!
| Host file
| SpywareBlaster
| AdAware
| Lot of Apps
| Comcast cable
|
| The machine works fine and is free of spyware and viruses. I would like
to
| keep 98SE as long as possible. Except for the speed limitation and poor
| performance on videos, it suits my needs quite well.
|
| My question:
|
| I have read quite a lot about an unofficial Windows 98SE Service Pack
2.1a,
| a free download touted to greatly improve the performance of 98SE. Should
I
| try it out? What is the risk that it could trash my machine, and if it
did,
| could I recover with a simple scanreg /restore operation if something went
| astray?
|
| I'd be interested in the opinions of some of the MS MVPs and anyone else
on
| this site who has had experience with the subject mods
|
| Thanks in advance
|

I'll put it like this, I just re-tried [during the last several months
testing session] that particular un-official updates. Both with an
un-updated OS and with an officially updated OS [an over-install].
I would NOT recommend an over install into a well running system. If you
want to tweak areas, then spend the time looking for individual un-official
files specific to your actual issues and needs.
You may or may not like an un-updated install, and you must finalize the
updates [21a ended in 2005]. Myself, I have tried other un-official updates
which seem to have provided more, and more current fixes [such as Maximus
Decim's]. Though each brings its own potential issues with it, depending
upon your particular application configuration, devices, etc., and some
contain 'eye candy' junk which doesn't suit my own needs or wants [oh yeah,
like I really want 98 to look like XP or VISTA, ah %$&* NO!!!!.]..

A registry /restore will NOT remove the changes and may cause issues due to
file changes.
Someone recently suggested that it may have had a un-install via the
ADD/REMOVE Windows area [or that may have been one of the other un-official
updates] search this News group for that discussion. I did not check that as
it was not the reason for the testing.

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
_________

 

[philo]

"bobster" <fauxie@bogus.net> wrote in message
news:OoTX1d%23XIHA.5348@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Thanks Gary, Jim and MEB for the sage words of advice. Sounds like I was
> heading for big trouble had I downloaded and installed the SP.
>
> Yes, there was an uninstall alluded to via the add-remove route but my
> experiences are that they don't always do a clean job.
>
>

I tried out the SP on a fresh install of win98 and it worked fine...
but as mentioned...it probably would not be a good idea to use it on an
existing install that already
has some of the updates...as who knows what would happen then.

BTW: you can still get the win98 updates from Microsoft...
so might as well apply any that you've missed

 

[bobster]

Yes, I have all of the updates from the Microsoft Windows Update site.
Probably the only thing the SP would have given me was the "eye candy" XP
and Vista skins both of which probably use valuable processor time and
memory space. Like other 98SE devotees, I don't particularly care to "sex"
up my computer with fluff.

===============================================================
"philo" <philo@privacy.net> wrote in message
news:O%239b6IBYIHA.536@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

"bobster" <fauxie@bogus.net> wrote in message
news:OoTX1d%23XIHA.5348@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Thanks Gary, Jim and MEB for the sage words of advice. Sounds like I was
> heading for big trouble had I downloaded and installed the SP.
>
> Yes, there was an uninstall alluded to via the add-remove route but my
> experiences are that they don't always do a clean job.
>
>

I tried out the SP on a fresh install of win98 and it worked fine...
but as mentioned...it probably would not be a good idea to use it on an
existing install that already
has some of the updates...as who knows what would happen then.

BTW: you can still get the win98 updates from Microsoft...
so might as well apply any that you've missed

 

[Rick Chauvin]

I agree whole heartedly with Gary, while at the same time have appreciation
for the people who take the time to put these things together... a
dichotomy at best, but bottom line is for myself I would not install it per
my own fussy personal preferences.

Rick

"Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message
news:OZ3UT$9XIHA.1132@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl
> I, personally, would not install it. The author has taken the "kitchen
> sink" approach and there's at least some stuff listed as included that I
> certainly wouldn't install on any routine basis. 120 patches and
> hotfixes? Not including any IE upgrades, DX, etc? Note that Hotfixes, by
> definition, are not recommended UNLESS the specific problem they address
> is present in your system.
>
> If you decide to try it, be sure to create a FULL backup first, and be
> really ready to restore the backup. Or to do a clean install.
>
> --
> Gary S. Terhune
> MS-MVP Shell/User
> www.grystmill.com

 

[philo]

"bobster" <fauxie@bogus.net> wrote in message
news:eR2LeOFYIHA.1168@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> Yes, I have all of the updates from the Microsoft Windows Update site.
> Probably the only thing the SP would have given me was the "eye candy" XP
> and Vista skins both of which probably use valuable processor time and
> memory space. Like other 98SE devotees, I don't particularly care to
"sex"
> up my computer with fluff.
>
>

I agree.
Even when I setup a machine with XP...
the first thing I do is set the system for "best performance"
and turn off all the eye candy.

Heck I even setup a machine to do some Vista evaluation...
and I set the desktop to look just like my Win2k machine...
right down to the "paisley" wall paper!

 

[pixturesk@gmail.com]

On Jan 25, 11:59 pm, "bobster" <fau...@bogus.net> wrote:
> I have a good performing Windows 98SE machine with the following
> characteristics:
>
> PII 300 MHz processor
> 324 megs ram
> 2 - 20 GHz hard drives, each about 50% full
> All updates from MS Windows update site
> ZA
> AVAST!
> Host file
> SpywareBlaster
> AdAware
> Lot of Apps
> Comcast cable
>
> The machine works fine and is free of spyware and viruses. I would like to
> keep 98SE as long as possible. Except for the speed limitation and poor
> performance on videos, it suits my needs quite well.
>
> My question:
>
> I have read quite a lot about an unofficial Windows 98SE Service Pack 2.1a,
> a free download touted to greatly improve the performance of 98SE. Should I
> try it out? What is the risk that it could trash my machine, and if it did,
> could I recover with a simple scanreg /restore operation if something went
> astray?
>
> I'd be interested in the opinions of some of the MS MVPs and anyone else on
> this site who has had experience with the subject mods
>
> Thanks in advance

http://www.msfn.org/board/Auto-Patcher-Windows-98se-English-t80800.html

http://www.msfn.org/board/Revolutions-Pack-711-Windows-98-SE-t58357.html

Not being of the computer generation, a non-techie, I am suggesting
the above website, as the primary source for updating Win98SE. I have
this software on my 98SE install, to my eye it has never run better.
To clear my conscience, I always warn "USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!". This
programmer is continuing to update, patch, hotfix 98SE so that the new
final release of AutoPatcher coming soon, will update 98SE to December
2007, fully 18 months after Microsoft canceled their support. Check
out the info on this forum, its just too much to explain, the
AutoPatcher install can take almost 90 minutes (requires the Win98SE
cd) with numerous computer reboots. Because I backup my "C" drive with
Norton Ghost, I took the chance installing AutoPatcher, my P3 600, 256
megs, ATI Radeon 7000 32 megs, ultra lite cable internet computer runs
great with it, just my experience. There is also another program that
comes in the AutoPatcher package, Revolutions Pack 7.11 (REALLY USE AT
YOUR OWN RISK!!!), which must be installed after AutoPatcher for
Win98SE, which changes the 98SE GUI into either XP or Vista. I chose
the Vista Aero Blue theme with Vista Wallpaper, Vista icons (requires
ATI etc that can handle 32 bit icons), this program completely
rejuvenates my computing experience. So I feel I have the best of
everything, a complete 98SE update + a graphically contemporary
looking OS GUI. Both programs have uninstallers. Again, just my
experience, perhaps I got lucky, whatever, but, as long as,
AutoPatcher for Win98SE continues ( the programmer, Soporific,
continues to work on new versions), I will happily continue to using
Win98SE. Again I warn USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

 

[pixturesk@gmail.com]

On Jan 28, 11:04 am, "pixtur...@gmail.com" <pixtur...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> On Jan 25, 11:59 pm, "bobster" <fau...@bogus.net> wrote:
>
>
>
> > I have a good performing Windows 98SE machine with the following
> > characteristics:
>
> > PII 300 MHz processor
> > 324 megs ram
> > 2 - 20 GHz hard drives, each about 50% full
> > All updates from MS Windows update site
> > ZA
> > AVAST!
> > Host file
> > SpywareBlaster
> > AdAware
> > Lot of Apps
> > Comcast cable
>
> > The machine works fine and is free of spyware and viruses. I would like to
> > keep 98SE as long as possible. Except for the speed limitation and poor
> > performance on videos, it suits my needs quite well.
>
> > My question:
>
> > I have read quite a lot about an unofficial Windows 98SE Service Pack 2.1a,
> > a free download touted to greatly improve the performance of 98SE. Should I
> > try it out? What is the risk that it could trash my machine, and if it did,
> > could I recover with a simple scanreg /restore operation if something went
> > astray?
>
> > I'd be interested in the opinions of some of the MS MVPs and anyone else on
> > this site who has had experience with the subject mods
>
> > Thanks in advance
>
> http://www.msfn.org/board/Auto-Patcher-Windows-98se-English-t80800.html
>
> http://www.msfn.org/board/Revolutions-Pack-711-Windows-98-SE-t58357.html
>
> Not being of the computer generation, a non-techie, I am suggesting
> the above website, as the primary source for updating Win98SE. I have
> this software on my 98SE install, to my eye it has never run better.
> To clear my conscience, I always warn "USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!". This
> programmer is continuing to update, patch, hotfix 98SE so that the new
> final release of AutoPatcher coming soon, will update 98SE to December
> 2007, fully 18 months after Microsoft canceled their support. Check
> out the info on this forum, its just too much to explain, the
> AutoPatcher install can take almost 90 minutes (requires the Win98SE
> cd) with numerous computer reboots. Because I backup my "C" drive with
> Norton Ghost, I took the chance installing AutoPatcher, my P3 600, 256
> megs, ATI Radeon 7000 32 megs, ultra lite cable internet computer runs
> great with it, just my experience. There is also another program that
> comes in the AutoPatcher package, Revolutions Pack 7.11 (REALLY USE AT
> YOUR OWN RISK!!!), which must be installed after AutoPatcher for
> Win98SE, which changes the 98SE GUI into either XP or Vista. I chose
> the Vista Aero Blue theme with Vista Wallpaper, Vista icons (requires
> ATI etc that can handle 32 bit icons), this program completely
> rejuvenates my computing experience. So I feel I have the best of
> everything, a complete 98SE update + a graphically contemporary
> looking OS GUI. Both programs have uninstallers. Again, just my
> experience, perhaps I got lucky, whatever, but, as long as,
> AutoPatcher for Win98SE continues ( the programmer, Soporific,
> continues to work on new versions), I will happily continue to using
> Win98SE. Again I warn USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Just one other point. AutoPatcher installs from a DOS window, the
program takes complete control of your computer, I just sat back, let
it tell me what to do, freaky but ultimately successful.