microsoft windows 98 product code?

[sissybells]

I am restoring my laptop and I don't have a microsoft windows 98 product code, how do I find one to use? Thank you to anyone who can help me out.

 

[mtblujeans]

I have always been under the impression that you must have the numbers assigned to the software. Do you not have the original 'sleeve' that has the numbers on it? It would have a holographic picture on it also...

 

[KathyTX]

And Windows98 is no longer supported by Microsoft, meaning there are no more security patches being released... that's a scary position to be in these days.

 

[sissybells]

I've looked for all my stuff and couldn't find it. I guess it's no big deal, it's an old laptop so I may have to look into getting a new one. Thank you for your help though.

 

[mtblujeans]

I know, I still use Win98, too. I have that number written down in about 3 different places! I have just refused to move up to XP.....but I understand the dangers Kathy is referring to.....

 

[safetymom]

XP is a great operating system compared to the old ones. It has made my life so much easier. You really should consider upgrading your operating system.

 

[C.Ann]

And Windows98 is no longer supported by Microsoft, meaning there are no more security patches being released... that's a scary position to be in these days.

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I have Windows98SE and every now and then when I get on the internet instead of my home screen coming up, the Microsoft page comes up with all these Microsoft Windows updates on them for me to do.. What's that all about?

 

[Nite0wl71]

C. Ann, I have win98 and I keep getting critical update messages from micrsoft so I update.

If they aren't supporting 98 anymore why are they sending updates?

 

[mtblujeans]

XP is a great operating system compared to the old ones. It has made my life so much easier. You really should consider upgrading your operating system.

Yeah, I know I should do that but I don't know XP as well as I know 98 and I don't have time to learn it all - it took me a long time to learn all I know about using Win98!

 

[mtblujeans]

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I have Windows98SE and every now and then when I get on the internet instead of my home screen coming up, the Microsoft page comes up with all these Microsoft Windows updates on them for me to do.. What's that all about?

I think most of that is updating the Internet Explorer....closing loopholes that allow people to access something they shouldn't be able to.

 

[C.Ann]

Yeah, I know I should do that but I don't know XP as well as I know 98 and I don't have time to learn it all - it took me a long time to learn all I know about using Win98!

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I hear you there.. I'm going to have to buy a new computer soon and I really, really, really don't want to have to learn to navigate XP.. I've had this computer since 2000 I think and I still don't know how to use/do everything with it!

 

[mtblujeans]

I am used to knowing where everything goes in 98. If I download something, I can direct where it goes and delete it if I change my mind. With XP, I can't tell where the heck it is going to get rid of it later! My DS has XP and I have a hard time cleaning out cookies and stuff 'cause they seem to be stored in more than one place! UGH

 

[DebbieB]

Check underneath your laptop. Dell put my label for XP on the bottom.

 

[jfulcer]

If they aren't supporting 98 anymore why are they sending updates?

Microsoft is only offered Critical updates to Windows 98 now to help stop so many older machines from becoming zombies on the Internet. BUT - in June of this year, Microsoft is stopping all patches to Windows 98 and Windows ME. This day and age with the number of virus writers, I would expect in July of this year to see a marketed increase in hacked machines as nobody is switching off, and they won't get updates.

To the OP, Bite the bullet and upgrade to Windows XP. Do it now, before your machine becomes a safe haven for hackers. Save yourself the trouble of having to reinstall 98 now, then install XP in 6 months when you machine crashes because it's been hacked.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/support/endofsupport.mspx

 

[mtblujeans]

 

[C.Ann]

Microsoft is only offered Critical updates to Windows 98 now to help stop so many older machines from becoming zombies on the Internet. BUT - in June of this year, Microsoft is stopping all patches to Windows 98 and Windows ME. This day and age with the number of virus writers, I would expect in July of this year to see a marketed increase in hacked machines as nobody is switching off, and they won't get updates.

To the OP, Bite the bullet and upgrade to Windows XP. Do it now, before your machine becomes a safe haven for hackers. Save yourself the trouble of having to reinstall 98 now, then install XP in 6 months when you machine crashes because it's been hacked.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/support/endofsupport.mspx

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I am not computer literate at all.. Can XP be installed on older machines or do you need a certain amount ot memory or what? And how is it done? I wanted to keep this computer to take it up to the lake to replace the even older one up there..

 

[mickman1962]

And Windows98 is no longer supported by Microsoft, meaning there are no more security patches being released... that's a scary position to be in these days.

actually Win98 is a smart move as almost all exploits are written for XP/2000. there are not a lot of 98 boxes left so the hackers will go after the largest portion of pc's (XP). While XP is a very good OS, there is no reason to switch from 98 if it does what you want (especially on older equipment)

 

[Nite0wl71]

Mine is almost 9 years old, but the monitor is going and for the last few days I have actually been thinking about getting a new system.

My DD has XP and I have to agree with mickman1962, her's is only 2 years old and I have had so many problems with it. She has so many patches downloaded and once I was on the phone about 4 hours with microsoft to get rid of a virus.

Whenever there is a threat, I go to her computer first.

 

[DMRick]

C.Ann XP does take more memory to run, and it really depends on just how old yoru computer is, if it will be compatable...but with an older computer, you can go over to a place very near you (if you decide to do that, PM for the directions), and get it very very cheap.
If you get XP, you can set it up to run very much like windows 98. I hardly was able to tell the difference. My old laptop I take on vacation has win 98, and I have no trouble going between them.

 

[jfulcer]

actually Win98 is a smart move as almost all exploits are written for XP/2000. there are not a lot of 98 boxes left so the hackers will go after the largest portion of pc's (XP). While XP is a very good OS, there is no reason to switch from 98 if it does what you want (especially on older equipment)

IMHO, that's an irresponsible stance for a user to take, and one that hackers will count on. As long as there is a possible way to hack it, SOMEONE will do it. Most bugs they find today in XP also are vulnerabilities in Windows 98.

My server logs are not all that big, but I bet a big site could give you good statistics as to how many people are still on Windows 98. Maybe if WebmasterAlex has time.