Holding on to Win98...bad idea?

I only have one computer so I have kept Win98 so I could finish playing some of my older games and replay them.....but when I learned I couldn't play the new Delaware game it made me wonder...what is the trend in gaming...should I move on to a newer Windows?? Or do most developers still include Win98? So far I have had no problems playing any new games except a few of the indie games from Internet. And IF I were to drop Win98 what is the best way to go? Thanks for any help

Personally I would upgrade to 98SE. Its supported more so than 98. I have not had one problem running the newer games on SE.

Windows Me. Might be better as its a good balance between wind 98se and win xp.

My suggestion? Keep WIN98 on your present computer and BUY a NEW computer which comes with WIN XP. You can, if you have enough memory or two hard drives, then partition it to use both XP and 98. Many of the older games for 98 do not want to run in XP - but Inferno does have a list of the games that she was successful in using XP on, you might want to check it out. The problem is if you wish to replay some of your old favorites and if they don't run in XP then what do you do?
Love, Betty Lou :kiss:

All I can say is that I wish I still had 98. All the games I want to play are such a hassle now due to XP. I'm considering buying an older computer from eBay which I can use to run them hassle free.

Yep i have my old puter right beside my new one.Never know when i might get the mood to play Amber....

You could have a dual boot system. I had my old harddrive with win98 installed in my new computer. Now when I boot up I can go to win98 or xp, xp is my default drive.

I just dragged out my 486 to add to my stack of operational hardware. Yeah, I had to ask one of my kids to leave home so I could have the space but hey...........you can never have too many operating systems.

happy trails,

Carolyn

I agree with Betty Lou. If you can manage it, buy a new but keep the old. You can then use a KVM switch to simplify with one monitor, mouse, keyboard and speakers.

I got rid of my old computer running Win ME and had to go to eBay and buy an old compaq as so many games won't run on the faster newer computers. I tried to do a dual boot with 2 HD in the new, but my video card won't run in Win 98se... and I had to lie about the memory and HD size; so I learned the hard way.

Good luck to you!

IMO Stay clear of Win ME. I thought it was the worst operating system ever. Its the only one I ever had tons of problems with.

I have Win 95,98 and XP. It sure make playing all games, old and new, so much easier.

I have Win ME on one computer and XP on the other. My ME computer plays the old games with no problems and has not been a bad os for me. Just my 2 cents.

Melanie

What Johnboy said.
Also what Ron and Betty Lou said.
I've never regretted having more than one computer.

I agree Melanie
I've been using Win Me for over 3 years and have no problems with it either. Just my 2 cents.
Cathy

I agree with those who suggested keeping the Win98 computer and getting another win WinXP and using a KVM switch to share the Keyboard, Monitor & Mouse. I've used this system for years.

Dual boot overall is a hassle; there are problems with it that I won't go into, but which can interfere with the use of both systems.

Do not under any circumstances install the most bug-ridden, unreliable OS known to man: WinME!

I also agree, I never had problems running games on WINme on my old computer, but my brother-in-law is giving me his old computer running win98 and he going to hook it up with my XP using a KVM switch..He also says, that WinMe is the worst os there is...

I would keep Win98,Some old games can run on WINXP with compability mode..Maybe is time to buy a new computer with WINXP, try to get one on sale, especially on holidays..

I have win 98 pc and win xp pc sitting side by side in the same room, and I use a KVM switch. works perfect. I wouldn't be without win 98. Some win 95 plays on the 98 pc and DOS games.
Richard

Actually my computer that has WIN98 on it has just been upgraded quite a bit...I just told the tech to not touch my WIN98....so maybe I could get a computer with XP and you guys say they can share the keyboard,etc....I think that might be the answer...thanks for all the thoughts...I just love the older games and refuse to give that option up....and I can play lots of WIN95 stuff too...frankly there haven't been that many games out lately so what would we do without the older games...

I agree keep the 98, dont ever get rid of it, there are tooooo many wonderful games you can play on it and not on xp. all the new puters are xp, you dont have a choice unless you have one built at your specs. I wish I still had my 98. I am seriously thinking of having one built just so I can play the old games. sigh. Eileen

I want a KVM switch......Now...where can i get one?

I got mine at radio shack for under $50.

It's real easy to use just press the scroll lock buton twice on the keyboard and push the up arrow once on the keyboard and you go to the other compter.
Richard

Thyanks kjos,
i also found some on e-bay

I was not sure what a KVM switch was so I searched and found this.

"KVM switch
Short for keyboard, video, mouse switch, a hardware device that enables a single keyboard, video monitor and mouse to control more than one computer one at a time.

KVM switches are popular among users who have upgraded their home PC systems and want to still use their old computers but do not want to invest in a second keyboard, monitor and mouse. KVM switches are also used by business to save money when one person uses more than one computer and in server farms where it is only necessary to periodically access each separate server in the farm one at a time."

The above however does not make sense price wise. The 2 port kvm switchs run around $249. I could definitely buy a monitor, keyboard and mouse for way under that!

OMG...that's a lot of money for a switch but my problem would be space...where to keep two computers...so in a way the switch idea is appealing....but for now I don't see any games that are exclusive to WinXP except the new Delaware game...but I guess that day will come...does anyone know if all these new games supposedly coming out this year are NOT going to work on WIN98...?

Not all KVM switches are that expensive. You can usually find one for around $50. We use them where I work for all the engineers who have multiple computers, and they work great. Unless you have tons of space for extras monitors they are the way to go.

Steph

My brother-in-law found a KVM switch for around $60, and there are other price under that price..I haven't seen one for that much money $249.. I also have limited space for two computers happygamer, but he is getting me one that i could place it on top of my computer desk and the monitor on top of it..He hasn't hooked it up yet, making sure the old one is working in tip to shape before hooking it up..

I don't know any game that only works win XP only the new Delaware game..

I bought my Beltran KVM switch at Best Buy for under $60. Works like a charm. I think I had to get one or two cable adapters (PS/2) as well but they were also inexpensive. I have my Windows 98SE desktop and my Dell Inspiron docking station hooked up to it. It's very easy to hook up and very easy to use. A very inexpensive solution.

As the games continue to improve and get more and more high tech, computers will have to upgrade. That's just another way to get money out of us.
I had to upgrade to play The Moment of Silence, but i didn't mind to much. I figured it would happen sooner or later. I had Win98 and now I have WinXP.
But I do not mind not playing the older games. I am LOVING the newer games and look forward to them all!

This is a really educational thread. Thanks to all for your input. What I'd like to do is get a WIN98 laptop computer and network it to my XP. I can't play a lot of the older games and would love to sit with my feet up and play a game.

Check the prices at Newegg for KVM switches
http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/SubCategory.asp?SubCategory=143

They start around $22. What you pay will depend on whether you want PS/2 or USB connectors and other features.

Well actually I have been able to play all of the new games including Still Life with Win98..so sometimes I kinda think if you have enough RAM and a great video card it works...what I am having trouble with is Virus Protection...Norton and Panda don't like my WIN98 at all....I've had a tech check it out...spent hours on this problem so that is what really is pushing me to go to XP..maybe use the WIN98 for games never going online with that computer and get an upgraded computer with XP for internet and future upgraded games...with that new switch idea of course...which I REALLY fine appealing...great thoughts here guys...thanks again.

I agree to stay clear of Windows ME (or 2000). It is the most unstable.

Windows 2000 is not unstable.
But its compatibility mode is not as good as that of Windows XP. This doesn't matter for newer games though. Or if you're using an emulator like DOSBox or ScummVM to run an old game.
It's not likely you can find Win 2000 installed on a new computer unless you specifically ask for it though (or install it yourself).

I have the best of both worlds here on one computer. I have a dual boot setup with 98 SE on one drive and XP on the other. Can play anything with this setup. If a game doesn't work on one I go to the other. Some new games don't run in xp but do in 98SE as crazy as it seems (couldn't get Sentinel to run in XP but runs perfectly in 98 SE). For old DOS games I use XP with Dosbox, plays practically all of them. Would highly recommend this setup. Whatever you decide definitely stay away from ME the total pits for gaming and otherwise period!!

Happy Gaming,
Bill

I have the same setup as SIRDAVE, except that I have Win98SE rather than Win98. In my Win98SE I have additional memory and a 20 GB hard drive and somewhat improved audio and video boards, but I steered clear of upgrading the audio and video too much since that can sometimes give trouble. I also have both CD and DVD drives on both computers. Some of the older games are coming out on DVD, even though in many cases they haven't changed the programs to allow for running on WinXP. COLPET also hangs on to a Win95, as well as a Win98 and WinXP. The best of all possible worlds, since DOS games can easily be played.

Melia, you can definitely do that, I haven't tryed with my laptop cause it has other issues. Of course it is easier to network with two computers on the same OS, cause XP just does it. It all depends on if you want the laptop connected with a cord or wireless. My two computers are networked together with a bridge, not wireless. Your laptop needs an ethernet card of course, using a bridge you just connect all of them together through the router. Right now I have the cable modem (I get my phone through RoadRunner too)it is connected to the router and the router to the two computers. There are extra slots for more ethernet cables, which in Walmart are only about $7. I have a wireless for one computer (not hooked up) in case I want to move it to another room. If you are networking a laptop, you will get something different than if you are networking a desktop. Compusa has lots and they are so cheap now. I bought mine, thinking I got a good price and sat on it forever. Now they are really inexpensive.

I too have a KVM switch for my WinXP and Win98SE, it was $50 at my local computer shop...You can find them at computer stores..very reasonable! I have the WinXP on line [Cable Modem] the 98SE is not on line but has AOL installed on it, so if I need to d/l a saved game, I can just hook up my phone line to it...Works great for me! Glynn

Great minds Advpuzlov! I use almost exactly the same system including Win98SE & both CD & DVD drives on that system. Win98 was not the most stable system, but Win98SE is fairly reliable and is just as compatible with old games as Win98.

I will reiterate that I don't think a dual-boot system is the answer for most people. It requires more advanced computer knowledge to set it up and maintain it. A dual-boot system can cause problems when it comes to things like adding new hardware and the like. If you're highly experienced that isn't a problem: I build all my computers from the ground up so it isn't a problem for me, but I don't want unnecessary hassles and a dual-boot system can cause some so I avoid it.

Advpuzlov also is right about being careful about upgrading audio & video on the Win98SE system. If you do it at all, it should be very conservative. Not only can it decrease compatibility with old games, but also: One of the dirty little secrets of present hardware/software is that it is very misleading when it says on the box 'compatible with Win98SE/WinXP'. Manufacturers & developers are not fully testing their products under Win98SE and sometimes things like drivers simply won't work under Win98SE. For instance, I recently purchased a new HP printer- it installed effortlessly on the WinXP system, but absolutely would not on the Win98SE system.

You are right! You do have the best of both worlds. Unfortunately on the newer computers you don't always get that choice. My newer video card has no working driver for Win 98se/ME so for me not a viable option. Oh how I envy you, lol.

Ah now that's the advantage of having an ATI card. ATI believes just because someone has 98 SE that should not stop them from getting their newer cards, thus all cards have downloadable drivers on their site for 98 SE.

Bill

Thanks Mr. Bill. I can't afford to change now, but with the next computer I will definitely keep ATI in mind. I upgrade the video card anyway, but will look into the ATI cards with my next Dell. Current has nVidia 128 mb GeForce FX 5200 and it plays the games great.

I keep learning day by day - - -

Nvidia has drivers for Win 98/ME.
http://www.nvidia.com/object/win9x_71.84.html
Are you saying they don't work?

With all due respect Bill- ATI's Win98SE drivers are poorly tested and it's a crapshoot whether they'll work or not. The ATI Catalyst drivers for my 9700 video board were so unreliable under Win98SE in spite of several deinstalls & installs and trying more than one update, I finally gave up and updated to WinXP (at the time, both of my main computers were Win98SE so it was time to upgrade one anyway) and the driver problems disappeared.

And therein is an example of the problem with dual-boot. If you have a working dual-boot Win98SE & WinXP system, it will be with trepidation that you try to do any major hardware upgrade such as a new video board!

Thanks Jenny, this nVidia site was updated Mar 2005 and I attempted the dual boot back in Jan 2005. At that time the only drivers were from "driver sites" and not one would work. I would spend forever trying to download and install, and as soon as I would open the files, I got the "this is for XP" and it would just abort. Duh. I have bookmarked the site you listed and if and when, I will definitely try again. I would prefer to play on one computer but 2 isn't so bad, lol.

Are there any conflicts between video cards between systems when using a kvm switch? For instance, Nvidea & ATI?

It sounds like an ideal situation.

Thanks.

Melanie

Not really. Remember that the switch, in the case of video, is simply switching a common monitor between 2 different video boards so, in the simplest sense, a given board only 'sees' the monitor as if it has sole possession of it ie. this isn't anything like a network.

There are occasional silly little things that can happen that are of no real consequence: for instance, if you boot up the Win98SE system but the switch happens to be set for the other computer (so that the Win98SE video board is not connected to the monitor during the boot), the screen resolution may reset to 640x480 but that's just a simple matter of resetting it to whatever it was before. The WinXP system seems to be 'smarter' so this doesn't tend to happen if the reverse occurs!

Well let's put it this way SirDave, I've been contemplating getting a 9600 AGP with 256 MB. A friend loaned me one to try out and with the 98SE drivers it's running fine so I will in the coming months get one and still swear by my dual boot system. Did you use the new 98SE/ME driver that came out 4/5? Seems to work perfectly. I've also did a major hardware up grade resulting in my having to format both my 98SE and XP drives as I installed a much more powerful motherboard (FIC AU11 with an Athlon 2 gig processor and added 1 gig or DDR Ram). The 98SE motherboard drivers took fine, no problems. So so much for not being able to upgrade. I have had problems with some things but nothing that hasn't been fixable particularly due to Norton GoBack used with both 98 SE and XP (yes, it's better than system restore, fixed some problems the SR couldn't and works like a charm with 98 SE). Basically a Spyware problem in one case and a bad program install in another, nothing hardware related.

Bill

No, My new Dell has the nVidia 128mb GeForce FX 5200 and the old Compaq has Intel 3D Direct AGP Graphics. The only thing I ever noticed is the refresh rate changed on me a couple of times, but only in the beginning. Don't know why.

In some ways I was lucky to not have the driver for the new card to run Win 98se as my new Dell is way too fast for some of the older games, plus not all like that newer Hyper Threading. I have too much memory and the HD is also too large so I was having to lie to the computer. The older Compaq really does the better job and the KVM switch with audio support has cleaned up my play-room. As an example, no one could understand why I was unable to play Zork Nemesis and Grand Inquisitor but there was no way to control the mouse... I turned like a top in XP. Finally got to play the games in 98se. And recently Post Mortem gave me fits because it doesn't like the Hyper Threading but the patch didn't quite fix it all... ran like a dream in the Compaq 450mhz with 128mb SDRam.

Just like with people, sometimes old ain't so bad.

Well, I'm happy for you!

No I haven't tried the 4/5 drivers because, as I've said, I gave up & installed WinXP on that system. But don't get me wrong- I wasn't saying that a dual-boot system doesn't work or that, in the right hands, it won't be a good setup.

My point really is that a dual-boot system requires more computer knowlege than most people on a forum like this have & can limit hardware upgrades (or cause problems as you yourself had, but knew how to get out of) and that would be more true if a user isn't particularly sophisticated. You apparently are, to the point of knowing that a program like Go-Back can be used to get you out of trouble and allow you to try something else if a driver upgrade doesn't work. Computers are cheap now and having experienced dual-boot systems and 2 totally separate systems running their own native OS & using a common keyboard, monitor & mouse, I find the latter much easier to handle.

Me too, SirDave! I need something that I can just click a button and use the old 98SE..without having to worry about drivers and "stuff" I am too old to even want to learn about setting up or changing a bunch of stuff on my computer, just want to play games! I am a "caregiver" and my time on the computer is limited, so the KVM switch works great for me! Bill you are a great asset to "Gameboomers" [along with lots of other people here] but it takes gamers like me to "need" you guys, or you would be out of a job! [good pay too, I hear] LOL Raylinstephens...Old ain't bad at all! As you get older, you can look back on mistakes and appreciate the fact that you learned from them...then make them again if you want to..'cause "I" am the boss of me! Another good thing about getting older, I have forgotten most of the "good old games" so I can now play them again on my Win98SE..and they are just like new, only better!! Glynn

Thanks, SirDave & Raylinstephens! I love that option.

The dual boot is too complicated and time-consuming for me to deal with if I don't have to, Bill.



Melanie

Hi Malanie Sorry..I haven't helped on "UAKM" did you finish it?? I got slowed down when hubby went in the Hospital for 11 days, then it was my turn [Mothers day] I really like the KVM switch...so easy, even "I" hooked it up in just a few minutes!

That is funny Glynn... I am forever starting books only to discover I already read them. But a good book you can read again, and a good game can still be enjoyed over and over. I never see everything there is to see so playing adventure games again is sort of like going to the same vacation spots every year, lol.

I only hope to live long enough to be old. Already got the aches and pains, now I need the age to make it all legal

linda

Hi Linda! I'll meet ya on the way down [I turned 70 my last birthday, now I'm backing up] Glynn's rule! Glynn

Hi Glynn,

Sorry, hubby's been sick again and that you're under the weather too!

I've been very sick with all kinds of incurables and every new specialist finds another one, so no, finishing UAKM is not an option for me without a saved game. I just can't handle the action. I'm in no rush. I'll wait for you to catch up if no one else comes up with a save.

Like Linda said, the old games just get better and this is one that I won't forget where I left off at when I get back to it. I love those fmv's and the good ones just stick to my rusty memory.


Melanie

Excuse me for asking, but what is UAKM and what are FMV games?

Thanks Jenny! You are right there with the answers!!

UAKM = Under a Killing Moon
FMV = Full Motion Video

Depending on who you're talking to, FMV can be either filmed footage (what people here at GB usually consider it to be) or any movie sequence, including those made of prerendered graphics. So the movie transitions in games like Schizm or Riven that show your vehicle moving to a new location would be considered FMV by some people.

Considering the disagreement about what FMV means, I think it's better to say "filmed footage" when you mean "filmed footage."

You tend to run into the "any movie is FMV" definition more with reviews of other genres, especially console titles.