Windows ME to Windows 98

I want to load windows 98 onto my PC. Presently, I have Windows ME. May I load Win 98 over Win ME or do I have to save all my software and reboot WIN from scratch?

 

Hello milo,

Have no experience in going to a previous windows version, but my inclination would be to do a fresh install, getting rid of WinME altogether.

Regards - Charles

 

I agree with that. I think this would be a case of Format and start over.

I have gone from one version to a newer one many times without even thinking once. Let alone twice.

But I think I would do some serious thinking about going backwards.

BillyBob

 

I'll throw my hat in the ring too. Format and start over is the way to go in this case (as far as I'm concerned). I fear you'd have nothing but trouble trying to go backwards without first getting rid of the old OS. I wonder if 98 would even install with ME present. ?????

 

If ME is using NTFS, 98 will NOT install. 98se will only work with Fat32. If it is NTSF, then you will have to delete the partation and create a new one, THEN format with 98se and Fat32. Only then will you be able to install 98se.

 

Hello Argent,

WinME is a 9X OS, can't be using NTFS in the first place. So the current file system is FAT32, so not the issue.

The issue is a newer OS with different drivers.

The procedure should be to wipe the drive or the OS partition with fdisk and then install 98 "cleanly ".

Regards - Charles

 

You know what folks ?

If this subject had come up while I still had a machine here with a USELESS Windows ME on it ( NO CD to even attempt a repair install ) I just might have been ( supply your own word(s)) to try it.

I think it would have been real interesting.

But, would I try it on a machine that was needed ? " NO, NO, NO WAY JOSE "

BillyBob

 

Wme

A few words on going backwards from WME.

First off when PC makers started shipping systems with WME as the OEM O/S they statrted using certain hardware that required O/S or Kernal level support.

What I am getting at is there are some internal or Integrated modems and other devices that do not have W98 level driver support.

A good example is the Intel 815 Chipset - W98/SE has no busmastering drivers for the ICH2. - What does this mean - well as you install W98 all will go fine untill you reboot - Then you will note that the CDroms/DVDroms and other non-HDD IDE devices are not listed in the Device Manager. ( drivers are available for this, but trying to load them in this condiition can be a pain.)

This can be a real pain for a tech and total nightmare for a novice.

 

Hmmm I am running an 850 chip set (GA-8ITXE) with 98se and have NO problems.