Help please!

Firstly, bless your hearts for offering this site!! I'll try and put this in the Readers Digest version....*cringing*

Okay, got DSL and was prompted to use the ethernet as I'm using windows 98. My compaq presario does NOT have an ethernet port, I'd like like to avoid having to purchase a PCI card, if possible. I called support as I DO HAVE a usb port was told the usb port was not supported by windows 98, well...I do have windows ME and was told that would support the usb.

Okay, *whew*....I tried to install my ME disc and got a prompt stating I needed the me upgrade?!!! So then I tried to just uninstall windows 98, and it wouldn't let me to THAT either!!

If my only solution is to purchase the pci or upgrade disc, so be it....but what a crock!!!

Please keep in mind, if you attempt to explain anything, do so as if you were speaking to a three year old!!! *blush*

TIA,
hinacolada

 

My suggestion, get the PCI card. Less chance of a hassel. Also, since you are going DSL, are you aware that every time your computer is on, you ARE on the internet even if you do not launch a web browser?

I suggest that you also get a DSL/Cable Router that has a mechanical firewall built in and make sure "Block WAN Request" is turned on.

Spend the few $$$ and make your system secure from hackers accessing you system.

Just my 2 cents....

 

hinacolada,

First of all, welcome to the board!

I'm not sure why they told you Win98 does not support USB. I started with Win95 and had to upgrade to Win98 to get the support for USB. The support is there in Win98. Did you activate the USB port in your BIOS? With my IBM Aptivas, I just pressed the F1 key when starting the system to get into the BIOS. From there, look for something like Input/Ouput Ports. You will have to look around a little. Once you turn the ports on, save the changes and exit BIOS. You may be prompted to insert your 98 disk so that the correct drivers will install.

If you want to uninstall 98, you will have to format your drive. That will wipe everything off the drive so that you can install a new operating system. Personally, I would stick with Win98 and enable your USB port.

I agree with Argent. Buy the card and a router. The card will only cost you about $10 and will be worth it. Not sure how you would connect without one. With my cable hookup, it's the only way to get online. You can also get a router, which is a good idea. If you don't want to spend the extra money, install Zone Alarm. It is a free firewall that you can download off the Internet.

Hope that helps a little. Post back with any other questions.

Mike

 

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