Life after Windows 98SE

B

bobster

For several years I have been dreading the day when my old 300 MHz P11
Windows 98 machine could no longer cut it. That happened recently with the
failure of my master hard drive. Fortunately, my slave was a bootable clone
of the master so with a jumper change, I got back up and running. But the
handwriting was on the wall so I started looking for a new machine. After
much personal research, and advice from knowledgeable friends (all of whom
said, "avoid Vista like the plague"), I was able to get an Intel-based, dual
core Dell XP model that met my relatively modest needs for a bit over $500,
less display. Surprisingly, It worked fine out of the box. I was able to
use my existing 19" flat panel display and my "natural" angled keyboard with
the help of a $15, PS2-to-USB adaptor. Since my scanner and printer were
ancient ten-year-olds, I found a middle grade, all-in-one Canon unit for
$130. I love it.

To my delight, I found that by configuring XP in the "classical" mode, I was
able to emulate the look and feel of Windows 98SE. As I am the only user, I
avoided the cmos administrator and user passwords so that when I press the
"on" button, it boots right up ready for use in about half the time of my
old machine. I also opted out of all the MS "protection", staying with my
comfortable old freebies, Avast!, ZoneAlarm, AdAware, Host file,
SpywareBlaster and SpyBot S&D. The end result is that the main differences
I see between my reliable, but slooow old 98SE machine and my new one is the
lightning speed with which everything happens and the smooth video
renditions that were so jerky and out-of-sync with the old dog. Also, I
should add that I haven't had a crash in the 3 weeks I have been using it.

At the suggestion of several on this board, I have kept the old machine
handy so that with a quick change of the display, internet connection and
keyboard, I can be back in business with it. I did that several times
during the first week or so but I am finding that the speed of the new
machine is so addictive that I probably won't be reverting very often.

So, the message for you Windows 98SE guys, who like me, just couldn't bear
the thought of moving out of your comfort zone, is that you may be
surprised at how little you lose and how much you can benefit by moving up
to an XP-based dual core machine. The cost is surprisingly low and the
result is a machine with the look and feel of a very fast 98SE PC.

A word about XP availability. Dell seems to be the only ready- made PC
supplier who still offers XP. You can still go to the customs guys for it
but MS plans to quit selling it by the end of this year AFAIK. And, of
course if you want to be daring, you could go for Vista and hope they get it
cleaned up soon.
 
R

rpgs rock dvds

On 19 Apr, 22:21, "bobster" <fau...@bogus.net> wrote:
> For several years I have been dreading the day when my old 300 MHz P11
> Windows 98 machine could no longer cut it. That happened recently with the
> failure of my master hard drive.  Fortunately, my slave was a bootable clone
> of the master so with a jumper change, I got back up and running.  But the
> handwriting was on the wall so I started looking for a new machine.  After
> much personal research, and advice from knowledgeable friends (all of whom
> said, "avoid Vista like the plague"), I was able to get an Intel-based, dual
> core  Dell XP model that met my relatively modest needs for a bit over $500,
> less display.  Surprisingly, It worked fine out of the box.  I was able to
> use my existing 19" flat panel display and my "natural" angled keyboard with
> the help of a $15, PS2-to-USB adaptor.  Since my scanner and printer were
> ancient ten-year-olds, I found a middle grade, all-in-one Canon unit for
> $130.  I love it.
>
> To my delight, I found that by configuring XP in the "classical" mode, I was
> able to emulate the look and feel of Windows 98SE.  As I am the only user, I
> avoided the cmos administrator and user passwords so that when I press the
> "on" button, it boots right up ready for use in about half the time of my
> old machine.  I also opted out of all the MS "protection", staying with my
> comfortable old freebies, Avast!, ZoneAlarm, AdAware, Host file,
> SpywareBlaster and SpyBot S&D.  The end result is that the main differences
> I see between my reliable, but slooow old 98SE machine and my new one is the
> lightning speed with which everything happens and the smooth video
> renditions that were so jerky and out-of-sync with the old dog.  Also, I
> should add that I haven't had a crash in the 3 weeks I have been using it.
>
> At the suggestion of several on this board, I have kept the old machine
> handy so that with a quick change of the display, internet connection and
> keyboard, I can be back in business with it.  I did that several times
> during the first week or so but I am finding that the speed of the new
> machine is so addictive that I probably won't be reverting very often.
>
> So, the message for you Windows 98SE guys, who like me, just couldn't bear
> the thought of  moving out of your  comfort zone, is that you may be
> surprised at how little you lose and how much you can benefit by moving up
> to an XP-based dual core machine.  The cost is surprisingly low and the
> result is a machine with the look and feel of a very fast 98SE PC.
>
> A word about XP availability.  Dell seems to be the only ready- made PC
> supplier who still offers XP.  You can still go to the customs guys for it
> but MS plans to quit selling it by the end of this year AFAIK.  And, of
> course if you want to be daring, you could go for Vista and hope they get it
> cleaned up soon.

A new fast XP-based PC is great fun. But if you still enjoy using old
software that dates back to MS-DOS and Win9x, then it's really nice to
have a PC that will cater for that too. (Please note that I am aware
of the "DOSBox emulator" and also Win9x compatibility mode in XP -
both are great, but not perfect.)

Also, they don't have to be slow either - you can build a fast and
cheap Pentium III-based PC from used components on ebay for instance.

Best regards, Robert.
 
B

Bill in Co.

bobster wrote:
> For several years I have been dreading the day when my old 300 MHz P11
> Windows 98 machine could no longer cut it. That happened recently with the
> failure of my master hard drive. Fortunately, my slave was a bootable
> clone
> of the master so with a jumper change, I got back up and running. But the
> handwriting was on the wall so I started looking for a new machine. After
> much personal research, and advice from knowledgeable friends (all of whom
> said, "avoid Vista like the plague"), I was able to get an Intel-based,
> dual
> core Dell XP model that met my relatively modest needs for a bit over
> $500,
> less display. Surprisingly, It worked fine out of the box. I was able to
> use my existing 19" flat panel display and my "natural" angled keyboard
> with
> the help of a $15, PS2-to-USB adaptor. Since my scanner and printer were
> ancient ten-year-olds, I found a middle grade, all-in-one Canon unit for
> $130. I love it.
>
> To my delight, I found that by configuring XP in the "classical" mode, I
> was
> able to emulate the look and feel of Windows 98SE.

It's pretty close. :)


> As I am the only user, I
> avoided the cmos administrator and user passwords so that when I press the
> "on" button, it boots right up ready for use in about half the time of my
> old machine. I also opted out of all the MS "protection", staying with my
> comfortable old freebies, Avast!, ZoneAlarm, AdAware, Host file,
> SpywareBlaster and SpyBot S&D.

Same here on all of the above. :)

>The end result is that the main differences
> I see between my reliable, but slooow old 98SE machine and my new one is
> the
> lightning speed with which everything happens and the smooth video
> renditions that were so jerky and out-of-sync with the old dog. Also, I
> should add that I haven't had a crash in the 3 weeks I have been using it.
>
> At the suggestion of several on this board, I have kept the old machine
> handy so that with a quick change of the display, internet connection and
> keyboard, I can be back in business with it. I did that several times
> during the first week or so but I am finding that the speed of the new
> machine is so addictive that I probably won't be reverting very often.
>
> So, the message for you Windows 98SE guys, who like me, just couldn't bear
> the thought of moving out of your comfort zone, is that you may be
> surprised at how little you lose and how much you can benefit by moving up
> to an XP-based dual core machine. The cost is surprisingly low and the
> result is a machine with the look and feel of a very fast 98SE PC.

It seems so. Plus it runs some programs I now have that wouldn't install
on Win98.

> A word about XP availability. Dell seems to be the only ready- made PC
> supplier who still offers XP. You can still go to the customs guys for it
> but MS plans to quit selling it by the end of this year AFAIK. And, of
> course if you want to be daring, you could go for Vista and hope they get
> it
> cleaned up soon.

Actually, it's more like *June 30* of this year - not the end of this year!
And I just bought a Dell too, like you (but it's an Inspiron) - before XP
goes out the window. It is almost silent when it is turned on - which is
REALLY nice.

Actually, it "seems" this was a "blessing" in disguise, as I just tried
"upgrading" my Win98 Dell's power supply to a quieter one, and, due to
Dell's proprietary pin layouts, now have a dead MB. Ironically, I bought
one of those "quiet power supply" replacements (even with some special Dell
connectors) in the hopes of quieting that PC down. It is VERY quiet now,
as in .... completely dead.

The old power supply doesn't work with it now either, so I figure the MB is
toast - nothing happens when it's plugged in anymore. After reading some
more on line, it seems I'm not the only one who has discovered this painful
anomoly (with certain older Dell models). A word of warning to some out
there: be verrry careful if you're going to replace your old Dell power
supply.
 
B

bobster

BTW, Bill, I too bought an Inspiron -- model 530, less display, and with an
extra gig of ram as the only add- on. Took advantage of a $100 off deal so
the cost was just a bit over $500. Great machine for the price!

==============================================================
"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:ukBNRlooIHA.3556@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
bobster wrote:
> For several years I have been dreading the day when my old 300 MHz P11
> Windows 98 machine could no longer cut it. That happened recently with the
> failure of my master hard drive. Fortunately, my slave was a bootable
> clone
> of the master so with a jumper change, I got back up and running. But the
> handwriting was on the wall so I started looking for a new machine. After
> much personal research, and advice from knowledgeable friends (all of whom
> said, "avoid Vista like the plague"), I was able to get an Intel-based,
> dual
> core Dell XP model that met my relatively modest needs for a bit over
> $500,
> less display. Surprisingly, It worked fine out of the box. I was able to
> use my existing 19" flat panel display and my "natural" angled keyboard
> with
> the help of a $15, PS2-to-USB adaptor. Since my scanner and printer were
> ancient ten-year-olds, I found a middle grade, all-in-one Canon unit for
> $130. I love it.
>
> To my delight, I found that by configuring XP in the "classical" mode, I
> was
> able to emulate the look and feel of Windows 98SE.

It's pretty close. :)


> As I am the only user, I
> avoided the cmos administrator and user passwords so that when I press the
> "on" button, it boots right up ready for use in about half the time of my
> old machine. I also opted out of all the MS "protection", staying with my
> comfortable old freebies, Avast!, ZoneAlarm, AdAware, Host file,
> SpywareBlaster and SpyBot S&D.

Same here on all of the above. :)

>The end result is that the main differences
> I see between my reliable, but slooow old 98SE machine and my new one is
> the
> lightning speed with which everything happens and the smooth video
> renditions that were so jerky and out-of-sync with the old dog. Also, I
> should add that I haven't had a crash in the 3 weeks I have been using it.
>
> At the suggestion of several on this board, I have kept the old machine
> handy so that with a quick change of the display, internet connection and
> keyboard, I can be back in business with it. I did that several times
> during the first week or so but I am finding that the speed of the new
> machine is so addictive that I probably won't be reverting very often.
>
> So, the message for you Windows 98SE guys, who like me, just couldn't bear
> the thought of moving out of your comfort zone, is that you may be
> surprised at how little you lose and how much you can benefit by moving up
> to an XP-based dual core machine. The cost is surprisingly low and the
> result is a machine with the look and feel of a very fast 98SE PC.

It seems so. Plus it runs some programs I now have that wouldn't install
on Win98.

> A word about XP availability. Dell seems to be the only ready- made PC
> supplier who still offers XP. You can still go to the customs guys for it
> but MS plans to quit selling it by the end of this year AFAIK. And, of
> course if you want to be daring, you could go for Vista and hope they get
> it
> cleaned up soon.

Actually, it's more like *June 30* of this year - not the end of this year!
And I just bought a Dell too, like you (but it's an Inspiron) - before XP
goes out the window. It is almost silent when it is turned on - which is
REALLY nice.

Actually, it "seems" this was a "blessing" in disguise, as I just tried
"upgrading" my Win98 Dell's power supply to a quieter one, and, due to
Dell's proprietary pin layouts, now have a dead MB. Ironically, I bought
one of those "quiet power supply" replacements (even with some special Dell
connectors) in the hopes of quieting that PC down. It is VERY quiet now,
as in .... completely dead.

The old power supply doesn't work with it now either, so I figure the MB is
toast - nothing happens when it's plugged in anymore. After reading some
more on line, it seems I'm not the only one who has discovered this painful
anomoly (with certain older Dell models). A word of warning to some out
there: be verrry careful if you're going to replace your old Dell power
supply.
 
B

Bill in Co.

Same model I got - the Inspiron 530. Nice and QUIET, too!

Now all I need to do is decide whether or not it's "worth" fixing up my
other Dell with Win98SE, by buying a new MB on eBay. And possibly a new
power supply (not sure about that though the old one might work ok with a
new MB (all this is related to my comments below).

bobster wrote:
> BTW, Bill, I too bought an Inspiron -- model 530, less display, and with
> an
> extra gig of ram as the only add- on. Took advantage of a $100 off deal
> so
> the cost was just a bit over $500. Great machine for the price!
>
> ===================================================
> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:ukBNRlooIHA.3556@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> bobster wrote:
>> For several years I have been dreading the day when my old 300 MHz P11
>> Windows 98 machine could no longer cut it. That happened recently with
>> the
>> failure of my master hard drive. Fortunately, my slave was a bootable
>> clone
>> of the master so with a jumper change, I got back up and running. But
>> the
>> handwriting was on the wall so I started looking for a new machine.
>> After
>> much personal research, and advice from knowledgeable friends (all of
>> whom
>> said, "avoid Vista like the plague"), I was able to get an Intel-based,
>> dual
>> core Dell XP model that met my relatively modest needs for a bit over
>> $500,
>> less display. Surprisingly, It worked fine out of the box. I was able
>> to
>> use my existing 19" flat panel display and my "natural" angled keyboard
>> with
>> the help of a $15, PS2-to-USB adaptor. Since my scanner and printer were
>> ancient ten-year-olds, I found a middle grade, all-in-one Canon unit for
>> $130. I love it.
>>
>> To my delight, I found that by configuring XP in the "classical" mode, I
>> was able to emulate the look and feel of Windows 98SE.
>
> It's pretty close. :)
>
>
>> As I am the only user, I
>> avoided the cmos administrator and user passwords so that when I press
>> the
>> "on" button, it boots right up ready for use in about half the time of my
>> old machine. I also opted out of all the MS "protection", staying with
>> my
>> comfortable old freebies, Avast!, ZoneAlarm, AdAware, Host file,
>> SpywareBlaster and SpyBot S&D.
>
> Same here on all of the above. :)
>
>> The end result is that the main differences
>> I see between my reliable, but slooow old 98SE machine and my new one is
>> the lightning speed with which everything happens and the smooth video
>> renditions that were so jerky and out-of-sync with the old dog. Also, I
>> should add that I haven't had a crash in the 3 weeks I have been using
>> it.

Forgot to mention that. I haven't had a blue screen yet (which, frankly,
is still amazing me). Maybe I need a few more months. :)

>> At the suggestion of several on this board, I have kept the old machine
>> handy so that with a quick change of the display, internet connection and
>> keyboard, I can be back in business with it. I did that several times
>> during the first week or so but I am finding that the speed of the new
>> machine is so addictive that I probably won't be reverting very often.
>>
>> So, the message for you Windows 98SE guys, who like me, just couldn't
>> bear
>> the thought of moving out of your comfort zone, is that you may be
>> surprised at how little you lose and how much you can benefit by moving
>> up
>> to an XP-based dual core machine. The cost is surprisingly low and the
>> result is a machine with the look and feel of a very fast 98SE PC.
>
> It seems so. Plus it runs some programs I now have that wouldn't
> install
> on Win98.
>
>> A word about XP availability. Dell seems to be the only ready- made PC
>> supplier who still offers XP. You can still go to the customs guys for
>> it
>> but MS plans to quit selling it by the end of this year AFAIK. And, of
>> course if you want to be daring, you could go for Vista and hope they get
>> it cleaned up soon.
>
> Actually, it's more like *June 30* of this year - not the end of this
> year!
> And I just bought a Dell too, like you (but it's an Inspiron) - before XP
> goes out the window. It is almost silent when it is turned on - which
> is
> REALLY nice.
>
> Actually, it "seems" this was a "blessing" in disguise, as I just tried
> "upgrading" my Win98 Dell's power supply to a quieter one, and, due to
> Dell's proprietary pin layouts, now have a dead MB. Ironically, I bought
> one of those "quiet power supply" replacements (even with some special
> Dell
> connectors) in the hopes of quieting that PC down. It is VERY quiet now,
> as in .... completely dead.
>
> The old power supply doesn't work with it now either, so I figure the MB
> is
> toast - nothing happens when it's plugged in anymore. After reading
> some
> more on line, it seems I'm not the only one who has discovered this
> painful
> anomoly (with certain older Dell models). A word of warning to some out
> there: be verrry careful if you're going to replace your old Dell power
> supply.
 
L

Lil' Dave

"bobster" <fauxie@bogus.net> wrote in message
news:uzxmWNmoIHA.1772@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> For several years I have been dreading the day when my old 300 MHz P11
> Windows 98 machine could no longer cut it. That happened recently with the
> failure of my master hard drive. Fortunately, my slave was a bootable
> clone
> of the master so with a jumper change, I got back up and running. But the
> handwriting was on the wall so I started looking for a new machine. After
> much personal research, and advice from knowledgeable friends (all of whom
> said, "avoid Vista like the plague"), I was able to get an Intel-based,
> dual
> core Dell XP model that met my relatively modest needs for a bit over
> $500,
> less display. Surprisingly, It worked fine out of the box. I was able to
> use my existing 19" flat panel display and my "natural" angled keyboard
> with
> the help of a $15, PS2-to-USB adaptor. Since my scanner and printer were
> ancient ten-year-olds, I found a middle grade, all-in-one Canon unit for
> $130. I love it.
>
> To my delight, I found that by configuring XP in the "classical" mode, I
> was
> able to emulate the look and feel of Windows 98SE. As I am the only user,
> I
> avoided the cmos administrator and user passwords so that when I press the
> "on" button, it boots right up ready for use in about half the time of my
> old machine. I also opted out of all the MS "protection", staying with my
> comfortable old freebies, Avast!, ZoneAlarm, AdAware, Host file,
> SpywareBlaster and SpyBot S&D. The end result is that the main
> differences
> I see between my reliable, but slooow old 98SE machine and my new one is
> the
> lightning speed with which everything happens and the smooth video
> renditions that were so jerky and out-of-sync with the old dog. Also, I
> should add that I haven't had a crash in the 3 weeks I have been using it.
>
> At the suggestion of several on this board, I have kept the old machine
> handy so that with a quick change of the display, internet connection and
> keyboard, I can be back in business with it. I did that several times
> during the first week or so but I am finding that the speed of the new
> machine is so addictive that I probably won't be reverting very often.
>
> So, the message for you Windows 98SE guys, who like me, just couldn't bear
> the thought of moving out of your comfort zone, is that you may be
> surprised at how little you lose and how much you can benefit by moving up
> to an XP-based dual core machine. The cost is surprisingly low and the
> result is a machine with the look and feel of a very fast 98SE PC.
>
> A word about XP availability. Dell seems to be the only ready- made PC
> supplier who still offers XP. You can still go to the customs guys for it
> but MS plans to quit selling it by the end of this year AFAIK. And, of
> course if you want to be daring, you could go for Vista and hope they get
> it
> cleaned up soon.
>
>
>
>

Started to reply with what I got now, but, that will also support the end
towards Mr. Gates money coffers.

There was nothing wrong with 98SE or ME. But, I won't go there. I will go
to where hardware and software went. To the easily enticed public that bit
off on the next OS that feed them all.

Yes, I went. No choice...
--
Dave

Hypocrisy. Big SUV, filament lights on all night. You think your neighbor
should be changiing to compact fluorescent light bulbs and driving the
hybrid.
 
T

thanatoid

"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in
news:ukBNRlooIHA.3556@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl:

<SNIP>

> Actually, it "seems" this was a "blessing" in disguise, as
> I just tried "upgrading" my Win98 Dell's power supply to a
> quieter one, and, due to Dell's proprietary pin layouts,
> now have a dead MB. Ironically, I bought one of those
> "quiet power supply" replacements (even with some special
> Dell connectors) in the hopes of quieting that PC down.
> It is VERY quiet now, as in .... completely dead.
>
> The old power supply doesn't work with it now either, so I
> figure the MB is toast - nothing happens when it's plugged
> in anymore. After reading some more on line, it seems
> I'm not the only one who has discovered this painful
> anomoly (with certain older Dell models). A word of
> warning to some out there: be verrry careful if you're
> going to replace your old Dell power supply.

Another very good reason to ONLY ever get custom-made non-brand
name machines unless your boss /makes/ you buy 200 Acers or
something.

BTW: anomaly.


--
Of course, it is no easy matter to be polite in so far, I mean,
as it requires us to show great respect for everybody, whereas
most people deserve none at all and again in so far as it
demands that we should feign the most lively interest in people,
when we must be very glad that we have nothing to do with them.

- Arthur Schopenhauer
 
B

Bill in Co.

So what are you doing with your older Win98 computer? Do you still use
it?

bobster wrote:
> BTW, Bill, I too bought an Inspiron -- model 530, less display, and with
> an
> extra gig of ram as the only add- on. Took advantage of a $100 off deal
> so
> the cost was just a bit over $500. Great machine for the price!
>
> ==============================================================
> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:ukBNRlooIHA.3556@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> bobster wrote:
>> For several years I have been dreading the day when my old 300 MHz P11
>> Windows 98 machine could no longer cut it. That happened recently with
>> the
>> failure of my master hard drive. Fortunately, my slave was a bootable
>> clone
>> of the master so with a jumper change, I got back up and running. But
>> the
>> handwriting was on the wall so I started looking for a new machine.
>> After
>> much personal research, and advice from knowledgeable friends (all of
>> whom
>> said, "avoid Vista like the plague"), I was able to get an Intel-based,
>> dual
>> core Dell XP model that met my relatively modest needs for a bit over
>> $500,
>> less display. Surprisingly, It worked fine out of the box. I was able
>> to
>> use my existing 19" flat panel display and my "natural" angled keyboard
>> with
>> the help of a $15, PS2-to-USB adaptor. Since my scanner and printer were
>> ancient ten-year-olds, I found a middle grade, all-in-one Canon unit for
>> $130. I love it.
>>
>> To my delight, I found that by configuring XP in the "classical" mode, I
>> was
>> able to emulate the look and feel of Windows 98SE.
>
> It's pretty close. :)
>
>
>> As I am the only user, I
>> avoided the cmos administrator and user passwords so that when I press
>> the
>> "on" button, it boots right up ready for use in about half the time of my
>> old machine. I also opted out of all the MS "protection", staying with
>> my
>> comfortable old freebies, Avast!, ZoneAlarm, AdAware, Host file,
>> SpywareBlaster and SpyBot S&D.
>
> Same here on all of the above. :)
>
>> The end result is that the main differences
>> I see between my reliable, but slooow old 98SE machine and my new one is
>> the
>> lightning speed with which everything happens and the smooth video
>> renditions that were so jerky and out-of-sync with the old dog. Also, I
>> should add that I haven't had a crash in the 3 weeks I have been using
>> it.
>>
>> At the suggestion of several on this board, I have kept the old machine
>> handy so that with a quick change of the display, internet connection and
>> keyboard, I can be back in business with it. I did that several times
>> during the first week or so but I am finding that the speed of the new
>> machine is so addictive that I probably won't be reverting very often.
>>
>> So, the message for you Windows 98SE guys, who like me, just couldn't
>> bear
>> the thought of moving out of your comfort zone, is that you may be
>> surprised at how little you lose and how much you can benefit by moving
>> up
>> to an XP-based dual core machine. The cost is surprisingly low and the
>> result is a machine with the look and feel of a very fast 98SE PC.
>
> It seems so. Plus it runs some programs I now have that wouldn't
> install
> on Win98.
>
>> A word about XP availability. Dell seems to be the only ready- made PC
>> supplier who still offers XP. You can still go to the customs guys for
>> it
>> but MS plans to quit selling it by the end of this year AFAIK. And, of
>> course if you want to be daring, you could go for Vista and hope they get
>> it
>> cleaned up soon.
>
> Actually, it's more like *June 30* of this year - not the end of this
> year!
> And I just bought a Dell too, like you (but it's an Inspiron) - before XP
> goes out the window. It is almost silent when it is turned on - which
> is
> REALLY nice.
>
> Actually, it "seems" this was a "blessing" in disguise, as I just tried
> "upgrading" my Win98 Dell's power supply to a quieter one, and, due to
> Dell's proprietary pin layouts, now have a dead MB. Ironically, I bought
> one of those "quiet power supply" replacements (even with some special
> Dell
> connectors) in the hopes of quieting that PC down. It is VERY quiet now,
> as in .... completely dead.
>
> The old power supply doesn't work with it now either, so I figure the MB
> is
> toast - nothing happens when it's plugged in anymore. After reading
> some
> more on line, it seems I'm not the only one who has discovered this
> painful
> anomoly (with certain older Dell models). A word of warning to some out
> there: be verrry careful if you're going to replace your old Dell power
> supply.
 
S

someone watching

I'm with you Robert. I bought an IBM T41 laptop last year specifically
because I wanted a good laptop which would handle, of all things,
WIN98SE! Why? Because I like the way it handles all the -OLD- DOS
software I still use, some of which runs very poorly in XP and is
irreplaceable in other OS's.

Hoping I can SOMEHOW keep 98SE going until the fate of all men comes my
way!

BTW: have you ever tried 98 on the FREE MS Virtual PC software? I've not
but would really like to ... just don't have time to do it now.
___
 
B

Bill in Co.

I am curious about this. Which DOS software did you have problems with
running poorly in XP? Just some games? (I'm still debating whether or
not to fix that PC)

someone watching wrote:
> I'm with you Robert. I bought an IBM T41 laptop last year specifically
> because I wanted a good laptop which would handle, of all things,
> WIN98SE! Why? Because I like the way it handles all the -OLD- DOS
> software I still use, some of which runs very poorly in XP and is
> irreplaceable in other OS's.
>
> Hoping I can SOMEHOW keep 98SE going until the fate of all men comes my
> way!
>
> BTW: have you ever tried 98 on the FREE MS Virtual PC software? I've not
> but would really like to ... just don't have time to do it now.
> ___
 
F

Fan924

I recently added to my collection a 2.6Ghz machine with Windows 2000
installed and a second 2.8Ghz machine that had Windows XP installed.
Both are now running on Windows 98SE.
)
 
S

someone watching

Bill, I use an old bible program called 'OnLine Bible' which runs BEST
in a DOS environment. DosBox for NT systems just does not provide robust
performance as does DOS. Another is an indispensable DOS program called
CalMaster (great calendar program). NT systems cannot even display it
without DosBox, but again performance is lacking and actually the
graphical display of CalMaster is not right even in DosBox. Another is a
checking program which I've had for nearly 20 years! So, you get the
point. It's not that I don't like change but change for the sake of just
something new (which it seems a LOT of people do) is insanity to me.
When I find software I like, it stays, and often do not upgrade.

That works best for me!
___
"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:e$OjU#xoIHA.5916@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> I am curious about this. Which DOS software did you have problems
with
> running poorly in XP? Just some games? (I'm still debating
whether or
> not to fix that PC)
>
> someone watching wrote:
> > I'm with you Robert. I bought an IBM T41 laptop last year
specifically
> > because I wanted a good laptop which would handle, of all things,
> > WIN98SE! Why? Because I like the way it handles all the -OLD- DOS
> > software I still use, some of which runs very poorly in XP and is
> > irreplaceable in other OS's.
> >
> > Hoping I can SOMEHOW keep 98SE going until the fate of all men comes
my
> > way!
> >
> > BTW: have you ever tried 98 on the FREE MS Virtual PC software? I've
not
> > but would really like to ... just don't have time to do it now.
> > ___
>
>
 
B

Bill in Co.

someone watching wrote:
> Bill, I use an old bible program called 'OnLine Bible' which runs BEST
> in a DOS environment. DosBox for NT systems just does not provide robust
> performance as does DOS. Another is an indispensable DOS program called
> CalMaster (great calendar program). NT systems cannot even display it
> without DosBox, but again performance is lacking and actually the
> graphical display of CalMaster is not right even in DosBox. Another is a
> checking program which I've had for nearly 20 years! So, you get the
> point. It's not that I don't like change but change for the sake of just
> something new (which it seems a LOT of people do) is insanity to me.

Same here!! I was just curious, though. (I'm still debating whether or
not to fix my other computer with W98SE)

> When I find software I like, it stays, and often do not upgrade.

Same here.

> That works best for me!

Also the same here in large part. ("You're preachin to the choir...")
:)

> ___
> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:e$OjU#xoIHA.5916@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> I am curious about this. Which DOS software did you have problems with
>> running poorly in XP? Just some games? (I'm still debating whether
>> or
>> not to fix that PC)
>>
>> someone watching wrote:
>>> I'm with you Robert. I bought an IBM T41 laptop last year specifically
>>> because I wanted a good laptop which would handle, of all things,
>>> WIN98SE! Why? Because I like the way it handles all the -OLD- DOS
>>> software I still use, some of which runs very poorly in XP and is
>>> irreplaceable in other OS's.
>>>
>>> Hoping I can SOMEHOW keep 98SE going until the fate of all men comes my
>>> way!
>>>
>>> BTW: have you ever tried 98 on the FREE MS Virtual PC software? I've not
>>> but would really like to ... just don't have time to do it now.
>>> ___
 
S

someone watching

Bill, considering your thoughts about keeping Se, have you thought about
dual booting? Or perhaps you are dual (or multi-booting) already?
Remember, the Win98SE OS takes very little HDD space. I have SE
installed on a multitude of computers, most of which have a 4GB
partition for it. That's all! And heck, if you install it and don't use
it or like it, delete it!
___

"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:uZhyOtyoIHA.4928@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> someone watching wrote:
> > Bill, I use an old bible program called 'OnLine Bible' which runs
BEST
> > in a DOS environment. DosBox for NT systems just does not provide
robust
> > performance as does DOS. Another is an indispensable DOS program
called
> > CalMaster (great calendar program). NT systems cannot even display
it
> > without DosBox, but again performance is lacking and actually the
> > graphical display of CalMaster is not right even in DosBox. Another
is a
> > checking program which I've had for nearly 20 years! So, you get the
> > point. It's not that I don't like change but change for the sake of
just
> > something new (which it seems a LOT of people do) is insanity to me.
>
> Same here!! I was just curious, though. (I'm still debating
whether or
> not to fix my other computer with W98SE)
>
> > When I find software I like, it stays, and often do not upgrade.
>
> Same here.
>
> > That works best for me!
>
> Also the same here in large part. ("You're preachin to the
choir...")
> :)
>
> > ___
> > "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> > news:e$OjU#xoIHA.5916@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> >> I am curious about this. Which DOS software did you have problems
with
> >> running poorly in XP? Just some games? (I'm still debating
whether
> >> or
> >> not to fix that PC)
> >>
> >> someone watching wrote:
> >>> I'm with you Robert. I bought an IBM T41 laptop last year
specifically
> >>> because I wanted a good laptop which would handle, of all things,
> >>> WIN98SE! Why? Because I like the way it handles all the -OLD- DOS
> >>> software I still use, some of which runs very poorly in XP and is
> >>> irreplaceable in other OS's.
> >>>
> >>> Hoping I can SOMEHOW keep 98SE going until the fate of all men
comes my
> >>> way!
> >>>
> >>> BTW: have you ever tried 98 on the FREE MS Virtual PC software?
I've not
> >>> but would really like to ... just don't have time to do it now.
> >>> ___
>
>
 
B

Bill in Co.

Yup, I've thought about that option of dual booting. That's been (yet
another) decision to think about.

That possibility is a bit complicated by the fact that I've got a Dell which
is already using two primary partitions for the Dell stuff (in addition the
one I'm using for WinXP, making 3 total, out of the max possible 4 allowed).

But the idea of having a fallback computer - is another consideration.

The big question is, how much do I really need or want it (since it's now
broken, but still fixable), or is it just time to clean house and move on.
That's often hard for me to do. :)

someone watching wrote:
> Bill, considering your thoughts about keeping Se, have you thought about
> dual booting? Or perhaps you are dual (or multi-booting) already?
> Remember, the Win98SE OS takes very little HDD space. I have SE
> installed on a multitude of computers, most of which have a 4GB
> partition for it. That's all! And heck, if you install it and don't use
> it or like it, delete it!
> ___
>
> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:uZhyOtyoIHA.4928@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> someone watching wrote:
>>> Bill, I use an old bible program called 'OnLine Bible' which runs BEST
>>> in a DOS environment. DosBox for NT systems just does not provide robust
>>> performance as does DOS. Another is an indispensable DOS program called
>>> CalMaster (great calendar program). NT systems cannot even display it
>>> without DosBox, but again performance is lacking and actually the
>>> graphical display of CalMaster is not right even in DosBox. Another is a
>>> checking program which I've had for nearly 20 years! So, you get the
>>> point. It's not that I don't like change but change for the sake of just
>>> something new (which it seems a LOT of people do) is insanity to me.
>>
>> Same here!! I was just curious, though. (I'm still debating whether
>> or
>> not to fix my other computer with W98SE)
>>
>>> When I find software I like, it stays, and often do not upgrade.
>>
>> Same here.
>>
>>> That works best for me!
>>
>> Also the same here in large part. ("You're preachin to the choir...")
>> :)
>>
>>> ___
>>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>>> news:e$OjU#xoIHA.5916@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>> I am curious about this. Which DOS software did you have problems
>>>> with
>>>> running poorly in XP? Just some games? (I'm still debating
>>>> whether
>>>> or not to fix that PC)
>>>>
>>>> someone watching wrote:
>>>>> I'm with you Robert. I bought an IBM T41 laptop last year specifically
>>>>> because I wanted a good laptop which would handle, of all things,
>>>>> WIN98SE! Why? Because I like the way it handles all the -OLD- DOS
>>>>> software I still use, some of which runs very poorly in XP and is
>>>>> irreplaceable in other OS's.
>>>>>
>>>>> Hoping I can SOMEHOW keep 98SE going until the fate of all men comes
>>>>> my
>>>>> way!
>>>>>
>>>>> BTW: have you ever tried 98 on the FREE MS Virtual PC software? I've
>>>>> not
>>>>> but would really like to ... just don't have time to do it now.
>>>>> ___
 
B

bobster

Yep,

Ran the old 98SE dog today. Takes about 5 minutes to switch the display,
internet connection and keyboard and I'm in business. I still haven't
figured the best way to migrate all my old apps, pictures and personal stuff
to the new machine but when I get that completed I probably won't be using
the old one much as I really like the speed and video rendition of the new
one.

============================================ new
"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:uHiYCMsoIHA.1736@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
So what are you doing with your older Win98 computer? Do you still use
it?

bobster wrote:
> BTW, Bill, I too bought an Inspiron -- model 530, less display, and with
> an
> extra gig of ram as the only add- on. Took advantage of a $100 off deal
> so
> the cost was just a bit over $500. Great machine for the price!
>
> ==============================================================
> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:ukBNRlooIHA.3556@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> bobster wrote:
>> For several years I have been dreading the day when my old 300 MHz P11
>> Windows 98 machine could no longer cut it. That happened recently with
>> the
>> failure of my master hard drive. Fortunately, my slave was a bootable
>> clone
>> of the master so with a jumper change, I got back up and running. But
>> the
>> handwriting was on the wall so I started looking for a new machine.
>> After
>> much personal research, and advice from knowledgeable friends (all of
>> whom
>> said, "avoid Vista like the plague"), I was able to get an Intel-based,
>> dual
>> core Dell XP model that met my relatively modest needs for a bit over
>> $500,
>> less display. Surprisingly, It worked fine out of the box. I was able
>> to
>> use my existing 19" flat panel display and my "natural" angled keyboard
>> with
>> the help of a $15, PS2-to-USB adaptor. Since my scanner and printer were
>> ancient ten-year-olds, I found a middle grade, all-in-one Canon unit for
>> $130. I love it.
>>
>> To my delight, I found that by configuring XP in the "classical" mode, I
>> was
>> able to emulate the look and feel of Windows 98SE.
>
> It's pretty close. :)
>
>
>> As I am the only user, I
>> avoided the cmos administrator and user passwords so that when I press
>> the
>> "on" button, it boots right up ready for use in about half the time of my
>> old machine. I also opted out of all the MS "protection", staying with
>> my
>> comfortable old freebies, Avast!, ZoneAlarm, AdAware, Host file,
>> SpywareBlaster and SpyBot S&D.
>
> Same here on all of the above. :)
>
>> The end result is that the main differences
>> I see between my reliable, but slooow old 98SE machine and my new one is
>> the
>> lightning speed with which everything happens and the smooth video
>> renditions that were so jerky and out-of-sync with the old dog. Also, I
>> should add that I haven't had a crash in the 3 weeks I have been using
>> it.
>>
>> At the suggestion of several on this board, I have kept the old machine
>> handy so that with a quick change of the display, internet connection and
>> keyboard, I can be back in business with it. I did that several times
>> during the first week or so but I am finding that the speed of the new
>> machine is so addictive that I probably won't be reverting very often.
>>
>> So, the message for you Windows 98SE guys, who like me, just couldn't
>> bear
>> the thought of moving out of your comfort zone, is that you may be
>> surprised at how little you lose and how much you can benefit by moving
>> up
>> to an XP-based dual core machine. The cost is surprisingly low and the
>> result is a machine with the look and feel of a very fast 98SE PC.
>
> It seems so. Plus it runs some programs I now have that wouldn't
> install
> on Win98.
>
>> A word about XP availability. Dell seems to be the only ready- made PC
>> supplier who still offers XP. You can still go to the customs guys for
>> it
>> but MS plans to quit selling it by the end of this year AFAIK. And, of
>> course if you want to be daring, you could go for Vista and hope they get
>> it
>> cleaned up soon.
>
> Actually, it's more like *June 30* of this year - not the end of this
> year!
> And I just bought a Dell too, like you (but it's an Inspiron) - before XP
> goes out the window. It is almost silent when it is turned on - which
> is
> REALLY nice.
>
> Actually, it "seems" this was a "blessing" in disguise, as I just tried
> "upgrading" my Win98 Dell's power supply to a quieter one, and, due to
> Dell's proprietary pin layouts, now have a dead MB. Ironically, I bought
> one of those "quiet power supply" replacements (even with some special
> Dell
> connectors) in the hopes of quieting that PC down. It is VERY quiet now,
> as in .... completely dead.
>
> The old power supply doesn't work with it now either, so I figure the MB
> is
> toast - nothing happens when it's plugged in anymore. After reading
> some
> more on line, it seems I'm not the only one who has discovered this
> painful
> anomoly (with certain older Dell models). A word of warning to some out
> there: be verrry careful if you're going to replace your old Dell power
> supply.
 
B

Bill in Co.

FWIW, I used Laplink PC Mover, and it worked fairly well (although it took
me a couple of attempts to get it right). You would still have to
reinstall some apps (or un and re install them), but it sure saved me a LOT
of time, overall. The nice thing is it pretty much migrates everything -
including settings.

But, assuming you did something like that, and got it all over, what would
you do with your old PC? (I'm just curious, as I haven't figured out what
to do yet (with my old one), and any input is useful at this point :)

bobster wrote:
> Yep,
>
> Ran the old 98SE dog today. Takes about 5 minutes to switch the display,
> internet connection and keyboard and I'm in business. I still haven't
> figured the best way to migrate all my old apps, pictures and personal
> stuff
> to the new machine but when I get that completed I probably won't be using
> the old one much as I really like the speed and video rendition of the new
> one.
>
> ============================================
> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:uHiYCMsoIHA.1736@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> So what are you doing with your older Win98 computer? Do you still use
> it?
>
> bobster wrote:
>> BTW, Bill, I too bought an Inspiron -- model 530, less display, and with
>> an
>> extra gig of ram as the only add- on. Took advantage of a $100 off deal
>> so the cost was just a bit over $500. Great machine for the price!
>>
>> ==================================================
>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>> news:ukBNRlooIHA.3556@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> bobster wrote:
>>> For several years I have been dreading the day when my old 300 MHz P11
>>> Windows 98 machine could no longer cut it. That happened recently with
>>> the failure of my master hard drive. Fortunately, my slave was a
>>> bootable
>>> clone
>>> of the master so with a jumper change, I got back up and running. But
>>> the
>>> handwriting was on the wall so I started looking for a new machine.
>>> After
>>> much personal research, and advice from knowledgeable friends (all of
>>> whom
>>> said, "avoid Vista like the plague"), I was able to get an Intel-based,
>>> dual
>>> core Dell XP model that met my relatively modest needs for a bit over
>>> $500, less display. Surprisingly, It worked fine out of the box. I was
>>> able
>>> to use my existing 19" flat panel display and my "natural" angled
>>> keyboard with
>>> the help of a $15, PS2-to-USB adaptor. Since my scanner and printer
>>> were
>>> ancient ten-year-olds, I found a middle grade, all-in-one Canon unit for
>>> $130. I love it.
>>>
>>> To my delight, I found that by configuring XP in the "classical" mode, I
>>> was able to emulate the look and feel of Windows 98SE.
>>
>> It's pretty close. :)
>>
>>> As I am the only user, I
>>> avoided the cmos administrator and user passwords so that when I press
>>> the "on" button, it boots right up ready for use in about half the time
>>> of my
>>> old machine. I also opted out of all the MS "protection", staying with
>>> my comfortable old freebies, Avast!, ZoneAlarm, AdAware, Host file,
>>> SpywareBlaster and SpyBot S&D.
>>
>> Same here on all of the above. :)
>>
>>> The end result is that the main differences
>>> I see between my reliable, but slooow old 98SE machine and my new one is
>>> the lightning speed with which everything happens and the smooth video
>>> renditions that were so jerky and out-of-sync with the old dog. Also, I
>>> should add that I haven't had a crash in the 3 weeks I have been using
>>> it.
>>>
>>> At the suggestion of several on this board, I have kept the old machine
>>> handy so that with a quick change of the display, internet connection
>>> and
>>> keyboard, I can be back in business with it. I did that several times
>>> during the first week or so but I am finding that the speed of the new
>>> machine is so addictive that I probably won't be reverting very often.
>>>
>>> So, the message for you Windows 98SE guys, who like me, just couldn't
>>> bear the thought of moving out of your comfort zone, is that you may
>>> be
>>> surprised at how little you lose and how much you can benefit by moving
>>> up to an XP-based dual core machine. The cost is surprisingly low and
>>> the
>>> result is a machine with the look and feel of a very fast 98SE PC.
>>
>> It seems so. Plus it runs some programs I now have that wouldn't
>> install on Win98.
>>
>>> A word about XP availability. Dell seems to be the only ready- made PC
>>> supplier who still offers XP. You can still go to the customs guys for
>>> it
>>> but MS plans to quit selling it by the end of this year AFAIK. And, of
>>> course if you want to be daring, you could go for Vista and hope they
>>> get
>>> it cleaned up soon.
>>
>> Actually, it's more like *June 30* of this year - not the end of this
>> year!
>> And I just bought a Dell too, like you (but it's an Inspiron) - before XP
>> goes out the window. It is almost silent when it is turned on - which
>> is REALLY nice.
>>
>> Actually, it "seems" this was a "blessing" in disguise, as I just tried
>> "upgrading" my Win98 Dell's power supply to a quieter one, and, due to
>> Dell's proprietary pin layouts, now have a dead MB. Ironically, I
>> bought
>> one of those "quiet power supply" replacements (even with some special
>> Dell
>> connectors) in the hopes of quieting that PC down. It is VERY quiet
>> now,
>> as in .... completely dead.
>>
>> The old power supply doesn't work with it now either, so I figure the MB
>> is toast - nothing happens when it's plugged in anymore. After reading
>> some more on line, it seems I'm not the only one who has discovered this
>> painful
>> anomaly (with certain older Dell models). A word of warning to some
>> out
>> there: be verrry careful if you're going to replace your old Dell power
>> supply.
 
B

bobster

From what I've seen, no one will take a 10 year old computer as a gift, much
less buy one. I've heard that there are some big box stores that will take
them for free for salvage but even our county recycling outfit wants $20.
Tough to get rid of!

===========================================
"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:eDz4bd1oIHA.2268@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
FWIW, I used Laplink PC Mover, and it worked fairly well (although it took
me a couple of attempts to get it right). You would still have to
reinstall some apps (or un and re install them), but it sure saved me a LOT
of time, overall. The nice thing is it pretty much migrates everything -
including settings.

But, assuming you did something like that, and got it all over, what would
you do with your old PC? (I'm just curious, as I haven't figured out what
to do yet (with my old one), and any input is useful at this point :)

bobster wrote:
> Yep,
>
> Ran the old 98SE dog today. Takes about 5 minutes to switch the display,
> internet connection and keyboard and I'm in business. I still haven't
> figured the best way to migrate all my old apps, pictures and personal
> stuff
> to the new machine but when I get that completed I probably won't be using
> the old one much as I really like the speed and video rendition of the new
> one.
>
> ============================================
> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:uHiYCMsoIHA.1736@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> So what are you doing with your older Win98 computer? Do you still use
> it?
>
> bobster wrote:
>> BTW, Bill, I too bought an Inspiron -- model 530, less display, and with
>> an
>> extra gig of ram as the only add- on. Took advantage of a $100 off deal
>> so the cost was just a bit over $500. Great machine for the price!
>>
>> ==================================================
>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>> news:ukBNRlooIHA.3556@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> bobster wrote:
>>> For several years I have been dreading the day when my old 300 MHz P11
>>> Windows 98 machine could no longer cut it. That happened recently with
>>> the failure of my master hard drive. Fortunately, my slave was a
>>> bootable
>>> clone
>>> of the master so with a jumper change, I got back up and running. But
>>> the
>>> handwriting was on the wall so I started looking for a new machine.
>>> After
>>> much personal research, and advice from knowledgeable friends (all of
>>> whom
>>> said, "avoid Vista like the plague"), I was able to get an Intel-based,
>>> dual
>>> core Dell XP model that met my relatively modest needs for a bit over
>>> $500, less display. Surprisingly, It worked fine out of the box. I was
>>> able
>>> to use my existing 19" flat panel display and my "natural" angled
>>> keyboard with
>>> the help of a $15, PS2-to-USB adaptor. Since my scanner and printer
>>> were
>>> ancient ten-year-olds, I found a middle grade, all-in-one Canon unit for
>>> $130. I love it.
>>>
>>> To my delight, I found that by configuring XP in the "classical" mode, I
>>> was able to emulate the look and feel of Windows 98SE.
>>
>> It's pretty close. :)
>>
>>> As I am the only user, I
>>> avoided the cmos administrator and user passwords so that when I press
>>> the "on" button, it boots right up ready for use in about half the time
>>> of my
>>> old machine. I also opted out of all the MS "protection", staying with
>>> my comfortable old freebies, Avast!, ZoneAlarm, AdAware, Host file,
>>> SpywareBlaster and SpyBot S&D.
>>
>> Same here on all of the above. :)
>>
>>> The end result is that the main differences
>>> I see between my reliable, but slooow old 98SE machine and my new one is
>>> the lightning speed with which everything happens and the smooth video
>>> renditions that were so jerky and out-of-sync with the old dog. Also, I
>>> should add that I haven't had a crash in the 3 weeks I have been using
>>> it.
>>>
>>> At the suggestion of several on this board, I have kept the old machine
>>> handy so that with a quick change of the display, internet connection
>>> and
>>> keyboard, I can be back in business with it. I did that several times
>>> during the first week or so but I am finding that the speed of the new
>>> machine is so addictive that I probably won't be reverting very often.
>>>
>>> So, the message for you Windows 98SE guys, who like me, just couldn't
>>> bear the thought of moving out of your comfort zone, is that you may
>>> be
>>> surprised at how little you lose and how much you can benefit by moving
>>> up to an XP-based dual core machine. The cost is surprisingly low and
>>> the
>>> result is a machine with the look and feel of a very fast 98SE PC.
>>
>> It seems so. Plus it runs some programs I now have that wouldn't
>> install on Win98.
>>
>>> A word about XP availability. Dell seems to be the only ready- made PC
>>> supplier who still offers XP. You can still go to the customs guys for
>>> it
>>> but MS plans to quit selling it by the end of this year AFAIK. And, of
>>> course if you want to be daring, you could go for Vista and hope they
>>> get
>>> it cleaned up soon.
>>
>> Actually, it's more like *June 30* of this year - not the end of this
>> year!
>> And I just bought a Dell too, like you (but it's an Inspiron) - before XP
>> goes out the window. It is almost silent when it is turned on - which
>> is REALLY nice.
>>
>> Actually, it "seems" this was a "blessing" in disguise, as I just tried
>> "upgrading" my Win98 Dell's power supply to a quieter one, and, due to
>> Dell's proprietary pin layouts, now have a dead MB. Ironically, I
>> bought
>> one of those "quiet power supply" replacements (even with some special
>> Dell
>> connectors) in the hopes of quieting that PC down. It is VERY quiet
>> now,
>> as in .... completely dead.
>>
>> The old power supply doesn't work with it now either, so I figure the MB
>> is toast - nothing happens when it's plugged in anymore. After reading
>> some more on line, it seems I'm not the only one who has discovered this
>> painful
>> anomaly (with certain older Dell models). A word of warning to some
>> out
>> there: be verrry careful if you're going to replace your old Dell power
>> supply.
 
B

Bill in Co.

Salvation Army might. Or there's always the dumpster. But I'm
inclined to try and resurrect it - at least give it more more chance
(although I'm not sure what I'm gonna use it for, except as a fallback.
Oh yeah, and maybe to due IDE disk to disk partition copies since the new
Dell doesn't take IDE (PATA) drives (it uses SATA). And maybe occasionally
to run some real DOS programs. :)

bobster wrote:
> From what I've seen, no one will take a 10 year old computer as a gift,
> much
> less buy one. I've heard that there are some big box stores that will
> take
> them for free for salvage but even our county recycling outfit wants $20.
> Tough to get rid of!
>
> ===========================================
> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:eDz4bd1oIHA.2268@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> FWIW, I used Laplink PC Mover, and it worked fairly well (although it
> took
> me a couple of attempts to get it right). You would still have to
> reinstall some apps (or un and re install them), but it sure saved me a
> LOT
> of time, overall. The nice thing is it pretty much migrates everything -
> including settings.
>
> But, assuming you did something like that, and got it all over, what would
> you do with your old PC? (I'm just curious, as I haven't figured out what
> to do yet (with my old one), and any input is useful at this point :)
>
> bobster wrote:
>> Yep,
>>
>> Ran the old 98SE dog today. Takes about 5 minutes to switch the
>> display,
>> internet connection and keyboard and I'm in business. I still haven't
>> figured the best way to migrate all my old apps, pictures and personal
>> stuff
>> to the new machine but when I get that completed I probably won't be
>> using
>> the old one much as I really like the speed and video rendition of the
>> new
>> one.
>>
>> ============================================
>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>> news:uHiYCMsoIHA.1736@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> So what are you doing with your older Win98 computer? Do you still use
>> it?
>>
>> bobster wrote:
>>> BTW, Bill, I too bought an Inspiron -- model 530, less display, and
>>> with
>>> an
>>> extra gig of ram as the only add- on. Took advantage of a $100 off deal
>>> so the cost was just a bit over $500. Great machine for the price!
>>>
>>> ==================================================
>>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>>> news:ukBNRlooIHA.3556@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>> bobster wrote:
>>>> For several years I have been dreading the day when my old 300 MHz P11
>>>> Windows 98 machine could no longer cut it. That happened recently with
>>>> the failure of my master hard drive. Fortunately, my slave was a
>>>> bootable
>>>> clone
>>>> of the master so with a jumper change, I got back up and running. But
>>>> the
>>>> handwriting was on the wall so I started looking for a new machine.
>>>> After
>>>> much personal research, and advice from knowledgeable friends (all of
>>>> whom
>>>> said, "avoid Vista like the plague"), I was able to get an Intel-based,
>>>> dual
>>>> core Dell XP model that met my relatively modest needs for a bit over
>>>> $500, less display. Surprisingly, It worked fine out of the box. I
>>>> was
>>>> able
>>>> to use my existing 19" flat panel display and my "natural" angled
>>>> keyboard with
>>>> the help of a $15, PS2-to-USB adaptor. Since my scanner and printer
>>>> were
>>>> ancient ten-year-olds, I found a middle grade, all-in-one Canon unit
>>>> for
>>>> $130. I love it.
>>>>
>>>> To my delight, I found that by configuring XP in the "classical" mode,
>>>> I
>>>> was able to emulate the look and feel of Windows 98SE.
>>>
>>> It's pretty close. :)
>>>
>>>> As I am the only user, I
>>>> avoided the cmos administrator and user passwords so that when I press
>>>> the "on" button, it boots right up ready for use in about half the time
>>>> of my
>>>> old machine. I also opted out of all the MS "protection", staying with
>>>> my comfortable old freebies, Avast!, ZoneAlarm, AdAware, Host file,
>>>> SpywareBlaster and SpyBot S&D.
>>>
>>> Same here on all of the above. :)
>>>
>>>> The end result is that the main differences
>>>> I see between my reliable, but slooow old 98SE machine and my new one
>>>> is
>>>> the lightning speed with which everything happens and the smooth video
>>>> renditions that were so jerky and out-of-sync with the old dog. Also,
>>>> I
>>>> should add that I haven't had a crash in the 3 weeks I have been using
>>>> it.
>>>>
>>>> At the suggestion of several on this board, I have kept the old machine
>>>> handy so that with a quick change of the display, internet connection
>>>> and
>>>> keyboard, I can be back in business with it. I did that several times
>>>> during the first week or so but I am finding that the speed of the new
>>>> machine is so addictive that I probably won't be reverting very often.
>>>>
>>>> So, the message for you Windows 98SE guys, who like me, just couldn't
>>>> bear the thought of moving out of your comfort zone, is that you may
>>>> be
>>>> surprised at how little you lose and how much you can benefit by moving
>>>> up to an XP-based dual core machine. The cost is surprisingly low and
>>>> the
>>>> result is a machine with the look and feel of a very fast 98SE PC.
>>>
>>> It seems so. Plus it runs some programs I now have that wouldn't
>>> install on Win98.
>>>
>>>> A word about XP availability. Dell seems to be the only ready- made PC
>>>> supplier who still offers XP. You can still go to the customs guys for
>>>> it
>>>> but MS plans to quit selling it by the end of this year AFAIK. And, of
>>>> course if you want to be daring, you could go for Vista and hope they
>>>> get
>>>> it cleaned up soon.
>>>
>>> Actually, it's more like *June 30* of this year - not the end of this
>>> year!
>>> And I just bought a Dell too, like you (but it's an Inspiron) - before
>>> XP
>>> goes out the window. It is almost silent when it is turned on - which
>>> is REALLY nice.
>>>
>>> Actually, it "seems" this was a "blessing" in disguise, as I just tried
>>> "upgrading" my Win98 Dell's power supply to a quieter one, and, due to
>>> Dell's proprietary pin layouts, now have a dead MB. Ironically, I
>>> bought
>>> one of those "quiet power supply" replacements (even with some special
>>> Dell
>>> connectors) in the hopes of quieting that PC down. It is VERY quiet
>>> now,
>>> as in .... completely dead.
>>>
>>> The old power supply doesn't work with it now either, so I figure the MB
>>> is toast - nothing happens when it's plugged in anymore. After
>>> reading
>>> some more on line, it seems I'm not the only one who has discovered this
>>> painful
>>> anomaly (with certain older Dell models). A word of warning to some
>>> out
>>> there: be verrry careful if you're going to replace your old Dell power
>>> supply.
 
T

thanatoid

"bobster" <fauxie@bogus.net> wrote in
news:#s2uaq1oIHA.4308@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl:

> From what I've seen, no one will take a 10 year old
> computer as a gift, much less buy one. I've heard that
> there are some big box stores that will take them for free
> for salvage but even our county recycling outfit wants $20.
> Tough to get rid of!
>
> ===========================================
> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in
> message news:eDz4bd1oIHA.2268@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> FWIW, I used Laplink PC Mover, and it worked fairly well
> (although it took me a couple of attempts to get it right).
> You would still have to reinstall some apps (or un and re
> install them), but it sure saved me a LOT of time, overall.
> The nice thing is it pretty much migrates everything -
> including settings.
>
> But, assuming you did something like that, and got it all
> over, what would you do with your old PC? (I'm just
> curious, as I haven't figured out what to do yet (with my
> old one), and any input is useful at this point :)

Bunch of fools. You USE the 10 year old computer, like I am
using this one now (in my case, 10½ yr old).

Just wait till your brand spanking new machines spank your asses
raw. You'll get what you asked for.

And if you /insist/ of getting rid of a perfectly good machine
and can't think of any place that will gratefully accept it,
you're just beyond help.


--
Of course, it is no easy matter to be polite in so far, I mean,
as it requires us to show great respect for everybody, whereas
most people deserve none at all and again in so far as it
demands that we should feign the most lively interest in people,
when we must be very glad that we have nothing to do with them.

- Arthur Schopenhauer
 
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