Sean Erwin's Windows 98 FAQ
                                      
                          Last update 21 Dec 1998
   
                             Table Of Contents
                                      
    This FAQ exists to answer questions similar to those answered by the
   Windows 95 OSR2 FAQ.   It is not a generalized FAQ about all facets of
              Windows 98.  For an overview of Windows 98, see:
              http://www.microsoft.com/windows98/default.asp.
   
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                                 21 Dec 98
   Under the original release of Windows95, I am able to dual-boot
   Windows 3.x and Windows95 by pressing F4 on startup. Can I dual-boot
   Windows98 with earlier versions of Windows in this way?
   Which large systems manufactuers are shipping systems with Windows98?
   How can I use the Windows Update feature without registering
   Windows98?
   What is FAT32? (for all questions regarding FAT32, please refer to the
   Windows 95 OSR2 FAQ).  Note that all information regarding
   undocumented switches for FORMAT.COM is the same for WIN98.
   21 Dec 98 Where's the FAT32X FAQ these days?
   28 Jun 98 How do I install the upgrade version of Windows98 on a blank
   hard drive?
   9 Nov 98 How do I install the OEM/Full version over an existing
   version of Windows (that is, upgrade)?
   14 Jun 98 What setup switches/options are there for Windows98?
   28 Jun 98 When I try to convert to FAT32, I get a message about "not
   enough memory."  What's up with that?
   21 Dec 98 Is it possible to install Win98 without installing IE4?
   2 Aug 98 How do I install Microsoft Fax and/or create a Microsoft Mail
   Postoffice in Windows98?
   2 Aug 98 What bugs are in Windows98?
   9 Nov 98 When I use Windows Update, how do I save the update to a file
   rather than have it automatically download and install?
   9 Nov 98 Are there any issues with any specific applications and
   Windows98?
   12 Oct 98 How do I install Windows98 without using a product key and
   bypassing the upgrade check?
   24 Sep 98 Are there any differences between the retail and OEM
   versions of Windows98?
   28 Sep 98 What patches/updates/bug fixes have been released for
   Windows98?
   12 Oct 98 How do I bypass that annoying warning on the Windows folder?
   9 Nov 98 What's up with PowerToys and Win98?
   
   Under the original release of Windows95, I am able to dual-boot
   Windows 3.x and Windows95 by pressing F4 on startup. Can I dual-boot
   Windows98 with earlier versions of Windows in this way?
   
   See: http://www.webdev.net/orca/Dualboot.htm for informatin on
   dual-booting (thanks Lee Chapelle!).
   
   The F4, F8, etc keys on startup still work, but you have to be quicker
   about it nowadays.  Press the <CTRL> key before Win98 starts, and hold
   it, to see the boot menu.  This change was made to speed up the boot
   process.
   
   Also see some more information at:  ftp://ftp.vf.uni-lj.si/pub/win98/
   
   To dualboot with NT, install Win98, then NT to a separate partition or
   hard disk.
   
   Which large systems manufactuers are shipping systems with Windows98?
   
   All large OEMs (Dell, Gateway, NEC, Micron, HP, Compaq, etc) will ship
   systems with Windows98 beginning on the release date (June 25).  If
   you order a system from a large OEM, you should be sure to request
   your preferred file system (FAT16 vs. FAT32).
   
   How can I use the Windows Update feature without registering
   Windows98?
   
   DISCLAIMER:  EDITING THE REGISTRY IS FOR ADVANCED USERS ONLY.  DO SO
   AT YOUR OWN RISK.
   
   In the registry, edit the key:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Regdone
   make the value "1".
   This tricks Win98 into thinking that it is registered without actually
   registering, and allows download of the files marked "for registered
   users only" on the Windows Update download page (without
   registering/transmitting your key to Microsoft).
   
   Where's that FAT32X FAQ these days?
   
   It's at:
   
   http://userzweb.lightspeed.net/~iss/
   
   How do I install the upgrade version of Windows98 on a blank hard
   drive?
   
   Windows 98 setup (upgrade version) will prompt you for a CD or floppy
   from an earlier version of Windows, if you try to install it on a
   freshly formatted hard drive.  It does check the Windows95 CDROM for
   the following files: WINSETUP.BIN, the two PRECOPYx.CAB files, and all
   the WIN_95xx.CAB files. It is possible to redirect the search for
   these files to other locations. (Alternatively, it will accept Windows
   3.x install diskettes). Note that changing the value for ProductType
   in the SETUPPP.INF file does not cause Win98 setup to not ask for a
   product key, as was the case with Windows95 (courtesy Jeff Kyle).
   
   How do I install the OEM/Full version over an existing version of
   Windows?
   
   The only method from the OSR2 FAQ that works is Method 1:  rename (or
   mark as hidden, or delete) all instances of WIN.COM on your hard
   drives, and then run setup from the DOS prompt.
   
   What setup switches/options are there for Windows98?
   
   See Microsoft KnowledgeBase article #Q186111.
   
   When I try to convert to FAT32, I get a message about "not enough
   memory."  What's up with that?
   
   The actual conversion is done in DOS, and the conversion utility
   requires a certain amount of free "conventional" aka "DOS" aka "low"
   memory.  One way to deal with this is to rename your AUTOEXEC.BAT and
   CONFIG.SYS files (for example, to AUTOEXEC.OLD and CONFIG.OLD) before
   converting, and then renaming them back to AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS
   immediately after converting.  More advanced users can edit these
   files and temporarily REM various device drivers.  Also see Microsoft
   KnowledgeBase article #Q134399.
   
   Is it possible to install Win98 without installing IE4?
   
   See:
   
   http://www.wam.umd.edu/~ssbrooks/98lite/
   
   To DISABLE IE4 (not uninstall), see:
   
   http://www.annoyances.org/win98/features/integration.html
   
   How do I install Microsoft Fax and/or create a Microsoft Mail
   Postoffice under Windows 98?
   
   The Windows 95 "Windows Messaging" is located on the Windows98 CDROM
   at \tools\oldwin95\message\us\WMS.EXE.  Once this is installed, you
   can install Microsoft Fax and create a Microsoft Mail Postoffice.  For
   best results, install this BEFORE installing things like Microsoft
   Exchange Client or any version of Outlook.
   
   What bugs are in Windows98?
   
   Bug #1:  If you have a dual-channel SCSI setup, Windows 98 will not
   run properly if the boot device is on the B Channel.  Either it won't
   boot at all except into safe mode, or all kinds of "wierd" symptoms
   will occur.   If the device (HD) is moved to the A Channel, everything
   should be fine (though a reinstall may be necessary).  I myself had
   this problem with a SuperMicro motherboard with dual onboard
   ultra-wide SCSI.  Windows95 may run just fine booting from the B
   channel.
   
   When I use Windows Update, how do I save the update to a file rather
   than have it automatically download and install?
   
   It is possible, using a third-party product called GetRight.
   Instructions are listed at:  http://www.getright.com/active.html.
   
   Are there any issues with specific applications and Windows98?
   
   Thomas Wm Hayes reports:  "Norton Utilities ver 3.07 - Speed Disk:
   Will lock up shortly after you run it if you have enabled the built in
   Win 98 F00fc7c8 pentium bug (crash) workaround.  This isn't documented
   anywhere on Symantec's site that I can find, but I've now verified
   that it causes the lockup on 3 different types of Win 98 systems.  I
   haven't yet found a Win 98 system that runs Speed Disk with this
   setting enabled."
   
   The combination of Windows98, Outlook98, and Timeslips (any version)
   causes Timeslips not to function.  Timeslips is currently a 16bit app,
   and the manufacturer claims that this bug is Microsoft's problem and
   affects other 16bit apps as well, though I have not heard of any
   specific instances.  Timeslips will release a 32bit version in
   November.
   
   Under Windows 98, QuickTime may not install to the satisfaction of its
   applications; guarantee in the control panel for QuickTime Info that
   Quicktime does have a video player registered.  [We know from US v.
   Microsoft that MS has been trying to "knife this baby" for some
   time....]
   Thanks to Steve Nordquist for contributing to this section!
   
   How do I install Windows98 without using a product key and bypassing
   the upgrade check?
   
   Method 1:
   
   DISCLAIMER:  THE FOLLOWING IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES
   ONLY.  DO NOT DO THIS.  IT IS ILLEGAL IN THE UNITED STATES. IT
   VIOLATES THE MICROSOFT LICENSE AGREEMENT THAT YOU AGREE TO WHEN YOU
   INSTALL WINDOWS98. THIS INFORMATION WAS SENT TO ME ANONYMOUSLY.  I DO
   NOT KNOW IF IT ACTUALLY DOES WHAT IT PURPORTS TO DO. I DO NOTW WANT TO
   FIND OUT.  DO NOT DO IT.
   
   ANONYMOUS writes:
   
   "To bypass the product key on Windows 98, do the following:
   copy the entire Win98 directory from the CD to a directory on the hard
   drive
   
   extract precopy1.cab pidgen.dll <enter>
   debug pidgen.dll <enter>
   -e 1ed7 <enter>
   xxxx:1ED7 39. 8b <enter>
   -e 1edf <enter>
   xxxx:1EDF 39. 8b <enter>
   -w <enter>
   -q
   <enter>
   For those with a hex editor, patch offset 1dd7h and 1ddfh from
   bytecode 39h to byttecode 8bh.  Debug works fine (file is <64k so no
   segment adjustments are necessary) for patching small files like this
   one.
   run SETUP and type in ANYTHING for the serial number.  The only
   exception is all zeros; that's apparently a backdoor that was shutdown
   before pidgen.dll was released.
   Win98 will use the modified pidgen.dll file instead of the unmodified
   one stored inside of precopy1.cab archive.  Win98 didn't ask for my
   Win95 CD or otherwise ask for proof of upgrade; I'm thinking that the
   upgrade requirment is built into the serial number validation routine
   which this hacks to accept ANY set of numbers and letters as valid.
   For those with SoftICE, break in when Win98 setup is validating the
   number (the long hourglass after entering the serial).  Set a
   breakpoint at pidgen.dll offset 1c12h (it's a 16-bit dll).  When you
   break during the hourglass, you'll end up in the middle of
   pidgen.dll's extremely nested serial check routine so finding the
   segment of pidgen.dll is simple."
   
   Another anonymous reader writes:
   
   "I read and tested your procedure for installing WIN 98 without a
   product key ( "debug pidgen.dll ..." ) and can tell you that it works
   even after you have installed WIN 98 from the CD. When you get to the
   screen that asks you for the key, click on "Cancel", this will shut
   down Windows.  Reboot in DOS mode ( I used the startup disk created
   earlier ) Go into the \WINDOWS directory and do the Debug routine to
   edit pidgen.dll . When done, reboot the machine. You will be brought
   back to the screen that asks for your name and company name. Enter the
   data. Next is the license agreement screen; after you accept, you will
   be back at the
   product key screen. This time, it will accept any key as mentioned in
   you FAQ, and the installation will complete."
   
   For another, similar method, see:
   http://obsidian.rockriver.net/~mercury/step-by-step_fixing_Win98_seria
   l_number.html.
   
   Method 2:
   
   This method only works with the OEM version.
   
   1. Install Windows 98 as you normally would.
   2. At some point when it is finished, it will reboot the machine and
   ask for the product ID. Abort it and shut the machine down when it
   asks.
   3. Reboot the machine, and press F8 when it says Starting Windows 98.
   Choose Safe Mode.
   4. Once in safe mode, use regedit to find the product id
   (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion).
   5. Change the product id to be anything you want. It doesn't appear to
   care what you enter as long as something is in there.
   5. Reboot the machine. It should continue with the setup.
   
   Method 2 is courtesy Bill Stuart.
   
   Method 3:
   
   Another complicated and difficult hack, courtesy John Eccles.  To
   quote:
Most people don't have the proper tools for this procedure. The proper tools ar
e:
either MS Visual C++ 4.x or Borland's Resource Workshop. MSVC 4.x had the
ability to edit and save PE files (in Windows NT only) but for some reason they
 pulled it
from versions 5 and 6. Borland (Inprise) has likewise pulled the Resource Works
hop from
all builds from 5.x on. Maybe Microsoft doesn't want anyone editing their files
 any more.

Anyways the method is as follows:

Extract the setupx.dll from the precopy cabs and open it in one of the above re
source
editors. Then, go to the Strings section and locate string 1525. Go down to str
ing 1526
and open it for editing. Chage the value from 101 or whatever it is to 100. The
 original
value will differ depending on whether you grabbed the file from the retail ful
l, upgrade,
or OEM version. Either way, change it to 100, save and exit and then put it in
the
directory with the install cabs. You won't be prompted for a serial number or u
pgrade check again.

   Are there any differences between the retail and OEM versions of
   Windows98?
   
   The retail upgrade, retail non-upgrade, and OEM versions of Windows98
   are identical in most ways.  However, the OEM version has a slightly
   different install sequence, asking for the product key near the end of
   the installation.  All three of these versions require different
   product keys, that is, a product key from one of these versions will
   not work on either of the other two versions.  All of the differences
   between these versions are contained in PRECOPY2.CAB.  (There are two
   other versions of Win98, the MSDN version and the RTM version
   distributed to beta testers.  All these are different (and all
   differences are in PRECOPY2.CAB.)
   
   What patches/updates/bug fixes have been released for Windows98?
   
   See:  http://www.walbeehm.com/win98upd.html (thanks Ben Jos Walbeehm!)
   
   Also, DirectX 6 and the new Windows Media Player are now available.
   
   How do I bypass that annoying warning on the Windows folder?
   
   See:
   http://www.zdnet.com/pccomp/features/excl0798/winsecrets/cleanup/clean
   up5.html
   
   What's up with PowerToys, KernelToys and Windows98?
   
   The Windows95 versions won't work with Win98.  Exceptions:  Win95
   PowerToys "SendToX" and "Command Prompt Here" work fine under Win98.
   
   Some of these are inherent in Win98 (QuikRes, CabFile viewer).
   
   TweakUI for Win98 is on the CDROM in the \tools\reskit\powertoy
   folder.
   
   The TimeZoneEditor is on the Win98 CDROM in the \tools\reskit\config
   folder.
   
   XMouse is now part of the Microsoft Intellimouse Software.
   
   I'm not sure about the rest, if you know, please let me know!
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   Individual contributors (without these guys, no FAQ): John Eccles,
   Jonathan Evraire, Thomas Wm Hayes, Jeff Kyle, Steve Nordquist, Bill
   Stuart, Dmitry A. Zatsepin, and several anonymous contributors.
   
   Thanks to Jerry Hilburn for providing the space to host this page.
   
   Anyone is invited to submit contributions to this page. Please email
   them to me at serwin@san.rr.com.
   
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