Monroe

Hi ... just wanted to add a few words to this thread. I have to agree with herbalist when he said in Post #4 : "We seem to be getting more coders and additional talent here (with more of the discussions going beyond what I understand)." ... well this goes for me also, I know from past readings and some help from herbalist that he's a lot more knowledgeable than me on many computer related subjects, so I am way down the ladder (very near the bottom) in understanding what all is actually being discussed in various threads ... but I find it all very interesting to read and I do pick up on something here and there. Just wanted to say, I'm glad all these different discussions are going on. If I remember, it was just a few months ago that someone posted that the Windows 98SE thread or discussion group was "dead" and for awhile last summer, it may have seemed that way but it seems to have "come back to life" in the last two months or so. We have PROBLEMCHYLD working with his U98SESP3 project, we are very lucky to have rloew in the Windows 98SE thread with all his "solutions and fixes" to various problems ... the list goes on with many other people with questions, thoughts and solutions. We can appreciate that they are in this thread throwing out ideas and solutions. I enjoy reading everything, not always sure "what I'm reading" or if I can make use of something myself, until I get more input or a "simpler" explanation. I have to say, 2012 looks to be an "exciting year" for the Windows 98SE thread and it's far from being dead. Good luck to all in 2012. mike ...

Appreciate the "flash drive" information, very interesting. Was doing some further searching on the subject of "rugged/tough" flash drives and came across this article dated March 28th, 2011 ... so it's fairly recent. The author tested flash drives with a 10 foot drop, hitting them with a hammer and putting them in water ... interesting article. dencorso, I was checking out the Patriot flash drive but I can only fine one listed with a plastic case, I was looking for a metal case but now I think I would like a rubberized metal case for extra shock protection and also moisture protection. Any suggestions on your part since you have tested many different makes of flash drives. I'm still checking out the drives you mentioned. Awhile back I ordered a cell phone battery from Hong Kong, he also had metal flash drives for sale so I bought a 2GB and really liked the feel of the thing, very solid. Roundup: Rugged Flash Drives From Corsair, Imation, Kingston and LaCie http://techcrunch.com/2011/03/28/roundup-rugged-flash-drives/ Update if anyone might be interested, I decided to get a 16 GB Corsair Survivor flash drive. It is also USB 3.0 but my computers are only USB 2.0 so I can't take advantage of the faster speed. Made out of lightweight aircraft aluminum and waterproof to 200 meters. http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Flash-Survivor-Drive-CMFSV3-16GB/dp/B005MHN6K2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325087496&sr=8-1 ...

CharlesF ... Since I have installed the newer version of KMPlayer and also deleted the red ASK Toolbar folder in the KMPlayer folder, I have had no attempts of anything trying to connect to the internet through the firewall ... in Options under the General tab there is also a checkmark to check for KMP updates that I remove. So far all files are playing OK, including wmv files, mostly play avi files. I like how KMP identifies (labels) the various files. Can't say why something is still trying to connect to the internet on your computer. You did delete that red ASK Toolbar folder? I think KMP is a pretty good player for videos and DVDs but that's just a preference on my part. I listed the KMPlayer information here since this new version seems to work OK for me on Windows 98SE ... It may actually work on a computer with "no" KernelEx installed at all, I don't know ... I have KernelEx installed but as I stated, just left the Default setting in place. Update: Feb 11, 2012 CharlesF, decided to update this old posting ... I now also have KMPlayer trying to connect to the internet for no apparent reason. When I first installed the newer KMPlayer version and deleted the ASK folder ... I did not have this problem. It's not a big deal as ZoneAlarm prevents it from doing so. Just thought I should post this update that you will probably not read anyway from this old post.

For anyone interested in KMPlayer ... I made a discovery over this past weekend using the latest version. The last version listed to work with Windows 98SE is KMPlayer v2.9.3.1428. Have used that version for years but decided to try the latest version of KMPlayer with KernelEx. I (also others) have always had trouble playing flash videos with KMP v2.9.3.1428 but from what I understand this was "fixed" in newer versions of KMP. If you uninstall the older version of KMP, be sure to run a good registry cleaner before installing the newer version, I had between 200 and 350 registry entries on two different computers removed ... also have a firewall operating when you install KMPlayer v3.0.0.1442 (latest). If you have KernelEx installed, just leave it at "default" ... when I installed the new KMP I changed the "default" to "XP Sp2" thinking that would allow the newer version to install without any problems, since Windows 98 is no longer listed to work with the newer KMP. I had a few "errors" pop up during the install but KMP did seem to install and play OK. On the second computer I decided to leave KMP install with no changes to KernelEx, leaving it as "default". The newer KMPlayer v3.0.0.1442 installed with no errors and plays just fine, including flash videos. Now there is one problem but it can be fixed after installing KMP ... I mentioned earlier to have an active firewall working when you install or make sure you are not connected to the internet. For some reason the KMP developers have added the ASK Toolbar or something, anyway it will "phone home" unless you have a firewall to stop any outgoing connections as KMP is being installed. No choice (yes or no) is offered and only the firewall will stop it ... I have an older version of ZoneAlarm and it did it's job. If you go to the KMPlayer folder ... you will see a red colored ASK folder, simply delete that folder and everything seems to be OK after that. I guess the main thing is that the latest version of KMPlayer will install on Windows 98SE. It a very good player for mostly everything but there is that one annoyance with that ASK program trying to connect, until the folder is deleted. KMPlayer v3.0.0.1442 http://www.filehippo.com/download_kmplayer/ This is also a very good registry cleaner with some extras tweaks also. It found all those 200 to 350 old KMPlayer entries when I took off the older KMPlayer program. RegSeeker v1.55 http://www.hoverdesk.net/freeware.htm ...

Also want to say thanks PROBLEMCHYLD and to others who contributed. I just have a couple of questions ... I realize this is for a completely new install of Windows 98SE but I was just wondering if there could be much harm if a person did install this over an existing Windows 98SE setup ... or do you not recommend it? I was thinking of the additional fonts and maybe some newer updates. Also, one thing I did like in Gape's first SP2.1a version was the boot up screen ... showing Windows 98 Second Edition, instead of the MS "Windows 98" only screen. Did you carry that over into your new package? I didn't notice any talk about that but I may have missed it. thanks again,

Just like to mention another small zip program called FreeZip ... Been using it for years. FreeZip v1.4.9 http://members.ozemail.com.au/~nulifetv/freezip/ FreeZip is a small, fast and efficient Zip utility for compression and decompression of files and directories. FreeZip integrates with Windows Explorer and uses file associations and context menus to zip or unzip files and subdirectories. If you know how to use Windows Explorer, then you do not have to learn anything new to use FreeZip. The setup is a single-click process and there are no options or settings involved. The manual is in English, Japanese, Polish, Italian, Swedish, German, Latvian, Spanish, French, Hungarian, Czech, Russian, Lithuanian, Belorussian, Portuguese and Chinese. FreeZip, WinZip, and most other Zip programs use identical compression code, originating from the same source. However, FreeZip is freely available for use and distribution. FreeZip version 1.4.9 includes updated decompression code and a new format of documentation. If you want to protect your zip files with a password, download the encryption patch, or use dsCrypt for best security. To create a self-extracting zip file, get the SFX patch. Multiple volumes can be easily made with FineSplit. Do not hesitate to try out FreeZip, the uninstaller will leave no trace of it on your system, if you do not like it. Lockergnome's review: "Novices: Confused with ZIP files? Do other ZIP proggies offer too many confusing options? Do you just want to download things and get on with your life? If other ZIP proggies leave a strange taste in your mouth, you can use FreeZip for FREE. If you have ever used the Windows Explorer, then there's nothing new to learn with this puppy. Quick, painless and nicely integrated with Explorer." ... I see there is a Note at the bottom of the web page about a "copycat" version with spyware, in case someone might have tried that one and not this FreeZip program. NOTE: "FreeZip" (without exclamation point) has been available since 1997 and is different from the recently launched NewMedia/Braxio "FreeZip!" and in no way associated with the program. Unlike that product, FreeZip does not involve any of the "Spyware". ... Would also like to add that FreeZip works with Windows 2000 and XP. ...

You are probably right about Trout and XMPlay. Years ago when I was hunting around for a really good mp3 player, I tried many players, listening to the music through headphones. I wasn't satisfied with what I was hearing ... then I came across XMPlay and I thought the sound was fantastic, the best I had ever heard, after I had the equalizer and other settings to my liking. I have never heard of Trout so I will be trying it out. I'm not saying XMPlay is the "best" player out there. In my case, when I came across XMPlay, I quit looking for more players. I'm anxious to work with Trout, maybe I'll decide to go with it, all depends on what I hear in those headphones.

I mentioned XMPlay in another thread ... been using that player for several years ... crisp, clear sound ... lots of nice skins also. http://www.un4seen.com/xmplay.html XMPlay v3.6 XMPlay is an audio player, supporting the OGG / MP3 / MP2 / MP1 / WMA / WAV / AIFF / CDA / MO3 / IT / XM / S3M / MTM / MOD / UMX audio formats, and PLS / M3U / ASX / WAX playlists. A load more formats are also supported via plugins. When XMPlay was first released in 1998, only the XM format was supported, hence the name "XMPlay". Plays the way nature intended # 32/24-bit & multi-channel output Take advantage of supporting hardware for ultimate quality # Gapless output Gapless playback of all supported formats, crossfading No installation UnZIP where you want and go! ...

I will also mention XMPlay ... been using that player for several years ... crisp, clear sound http://www.un4seen.com/xmplay.html XMPlay v3.6 XMPlay is an audio player, supporting the OGG / MP3 / MP2 / MP1 / WMA / WAV / AIFF / CDA / MO3 / IT / XM / S3M / MTM / MOD / UMX audio formats, and PLS / M3U / ASX / WAX playlists. A load more formats are also supported via plugins. When XMPlay was first released in 1998, only the XM format was supported, hence the name "XMPlay". Plays the way nature intended # 32/24-bit & multi-channel output Take advantage of supporting hardware for ultimate quality # Gapless output Gapless playback of all supported formats, crossfading No installation UnZIP where you want and go! ...

dencorso ... thanks for the help with the proper way to install the Patchm Demo. I was looking for an option menu since there are several options listed in the manual, just never thought about adding the /M to the first step. Good news, the demo patch solved the problem and the computer started with no VFAT Device message. I had a few minutes to check some things out during the 10 minute trial period ... everything seemed to work OK. If you read this rloew, I'll be ordering the patch tomorrow. Great place for help and solutions. thanks

Yes, that's the Cacheman I was talking about. I have version 5.50 but for some reason I decided to go back to v4.1. That was several years ago and I've forgotten exactly why I decided to use 4.1 again. I like the program and how it works. ...

Well I don't seem to be having much luck with the Demo patch. I've installed it in DOS but I am not seeing any /M Option when I install it. It just installs in a split second so I must be missing something. I was able to find a driver that worked for the ATHEROS Communications Inc 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI adapter so the only one left is the PCI Ethernet Controller IBM PRO/1000 MT Mobile Connection. I have the driver for it but when I have to restart the computer the VFAT Device message shows up. If you feel your full patch can probably fix this problem, I will order it, it seems to fix several things and the registry issue also ... should that become a problem later on. I have one other option, leave the internal wireless as is and install a Netgear card. I use that on my other computers, in fact I prefer that for WiFi anyway so I may just live with that one yellow exclamation point. Have a much better understanding of things now than I had a few days ago. thanks ...

OK ... after I posted my last message I decided to try your Demo Patch. It was late and I forgot about the /M option. Of course it didn't work (got the VFAT Device Initialization Failed message) and decided to work on everything later. I had to reinstall the the Ghost backup again. I have another question for you or dencorso. I have Cacheman 4.1 installed, is that OK to also have it running or should it be removed. It seems to be working just fine, as far as I can tell, with everything. I am using the "CD Writer" setting. Good to hear the Registry size is OK ... I will try the Demo Patch again sometime later today, anxious to give it another shot. thanks ...

OK, I used Unknown Devices earlier and got this information ... and yes one of them is a Gigabit (1000MBit) Controller. That must be the one I was trying to install. I found an IBM driver that did install but then it says to restart the computer and that's when the computer shuts down. Here are the two drivers: ---------------------------------------------- PCI Ethernet Controller IBM PRO/1000 MT Mobile Connection Intel Corporation82540EP Gigabit Ethernet Controller Mobile ATHEROS Communications Inc 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter IBM --------------------------------------------- Now as to the registry size, in reply to you and dencorso: system.dat : 7.76 MB user.dat : 1.09 MB ... again thanks for the help, just curious, what size would be considered a "large" registry? rloew, I think I will be ordering your patch. Will it allow me to install that Gigabit (1000MBit) Controller without problems? I might like to have it on hand anyway. ...

Thanks for the information ... I am not sure exactly what or where "system.cb" is located. I can't find any helpful information on it anywhere except that it seems to be connected with Safe Mode in some way. Would I put the exact same number in system.cb ... MaxFileCache=393216 ? I know where to find vcache in system.ini. I have completed loading all my programs and have the computer exactly the way I want it ... did a Ghost backup of the hard drive and all is well. Now I am having one small problem with two drivers in Device Manager that are not installed. It may be related to the 1 GB thing or not. I had 3 PCI drivers that were showing the yellow exclamation mark but was finally able to get the right driver for one of them earlier today. The other two so far are a problem. I tried taking one of the memory sticks out and with only 512 MB installed all drivers will install ... with the memory back at 1 GB, I try the same drivers and then I get this message which kills the computer instantly: VFAT Device Initialization Failed A device or resource required by VFAT is not present or is unavailable. VFAT cannot continue loading. System halted. ---------------------------------------- When it says "System halted", it absolutely is halted ! I didn't fool with these last three missing drivers until I had the last Ghost backup completed so I can experiment with various drivers and hope I can "stumble" onto the right ones. I was lucky to get one PCI driver installed but so far the other two bring up the "VFAT Device" message and the boot up stops. Sure glad I made it to that last Ghost backup ... I've used it four times today and will try again later. The missing drivers are: PCI Ethernet Controller PCI Ethernet Controller PCI System Management Bus ... (found driver earlier today for this) ... but everything is working except for the internal wireless and I'm sure they must be connected ... still very satisfied to be this far along and the 1 GB of RAM still showing on the machine. So that's where everything stands for now. ... thanks for the Gape correction, I should have known that. ...

Thanks rloew for the information ... I'm showing 1023.0 MB RAM in System Properties so I guess I'm just under the 1.1 GB figure that you mention. I was aware your patch is a must have for computers with 2 GB and up to 4GB I think ... just wasn't sure about the lower amounts between 1 GB and 2 GB. Everything still seems to be working as I install more software programs. ...

dencorso ... I looked over all the links that you have posted and only see links dealing with "more" than 1GB of RAM. Never paid too much attention to the subject as I always thought that 512 MB would always be my limit, but that changed a week ago when I bought a refurbished IBM Thinkpad T42 ... 1.6 GHz ... it came with 1 GB of RAM and XP Pro installed. I played around with XP for a few days and then installed Windows 2000 Pro ... just don't like either one so I decided to install Windows 98SE and see how things would go with the 1 GB RAM issue. When I do a new install of Windows 98SE, the first thing I install is Gape's older Unofficial 98SE Service Pack 2.1. After that install the 1 GB was showing up. I am installing all my software in batches and then I will do a Ghost backup, so I don't have to start everything over, should something go wrong along the way. At this stage, I just have one question ... I have changed nothing in VCache ... I did download Xeno's VCache Fix but have not installed it as of yet. Since everything seems to be working at this stage with the 1GB of RAM showing up by only using Gape's older Unofficial Service Pack ... I'm thinking I should just leave everything as is and continue adding my software programs. My plan is as follows ... install everything and then do a final Ghost back up ... and only then experiment with any VCache settings that might be advisable or just leave well enough alone ... I am wondering about "safe mode" and any adjustments for the 1 GB to show up there. I saw some mention of it in your "over 1 GB" thread. I also see that you like what Gape did in his older Unofficial Service Pack. ...all very interesting. Any replies also appreciated from anyone ... if you also are working with only 1 GB of RAM in a similar situation ... with only Gape's older SP 2.1installed for the RAM fix ... and if you did anything else. ...

Yes, the K-Meleon 1.5.4 browser also works for me. Since this topic started I have downloaded and tried many browsers but really didn't find anything to my liking. I like the Privacy tab under tools and can easily control everything there, blocking and unblocking everything ... can also use the "F" keys ... F7 = JavaScript on and off ; F8 = Popups on and off ; F9 = Images on and off. I still want to work more with SeaMonkey 1.1.19 since herbalist mentioned some things he liked about it. I did find the OffByOne browser interesting with no JavaScript but it had a few drawbacks. K-Meleon 1.6 Beta 2 also runs very well on Windows 98SE but with KernelEx ... K-Meleon 1.5.4 runs very well, as you said, with no KernelEx. ...

Thanks dencorso for the heads up on Camille ... never heard of the 2007 version but I like "oddball" films. ... girl dies in accident, girl is still alive but starts to decay ... so girl really did die after all !!! Can't wait to see this one. Just saw "After Life" with Christina Ricci a few days ago and that was really oddball, maybe a little similar ... girls dies, thinks she is still alive but really is dead ... I think. She seems to be breathing on a mirror ! ... maybe the undertaker really did kill her, I'm not really sure if she was dead, open to other opinions ... like I said, a real oddball film. Camille (2007) On the way to Niagara Falls they crash their honeymoon bike and Camille dies in the accident. Thinking that he killed Camille, Silas runs away, breaking into a nearby house to call the police but hanging up before he reports the accident. When he returns to the scene of the accident he finds Camille up and washing in a nearby river. Over the course of the trip Silas realizes that Camille really did die in the accident as she starts to decay. While taking care of her, Silas shows a kinder side due to his guilt over having accidentally caused her death. After Life (2009) A young woman caught between life and death... and a funeral director who appears to have the gift of transitioning the dead, but might just be intent on burying her alive. ...

thanks dencorso... I have all the downloads and will try everything out shortly. OK ... ran into a problem. Got the first part done: "Then sort the desktop and save the layout, with a custom name, using the GUI version." No problem doing that part. Went to install the "Command line version" and this box pops up: This Installation Package is not supported by this processor type. Contact your product vendor. ... Any idea what that exactly means ... I'm on a Dell Pentium 3 notebook with Windows 2000 Pro installed.

Thought I'd resurrect this topic again. Still having problems with the desktop icon order changing every time Windows 2000 Pro starts. Anyone else have this same problem and how you maybe fixed the problem. I have a program to restore the icons in the order I want them but it drives me crazy to have to restore them every time I turn on the computer. I have tried a couple of desk lock programs but they are hit and miss. Anyone have any suggestions or a good icon lock program or can I make a change somewhere in the registry? Any and all ideas welcome ...

Not sure if this is what you are asking ... I'm using this NetGear card that I bought from Amazon ... it's actually cheaper now than when I bought it last November (2010) ... paid around $14 but today I see it is listed at $11.75. It has been a great Wi-Fi card and still works with Win 9x. I actually bought two extras for spares but I have no problems yet with it and it installs easy. NETGEAR WG511NA Wireless G Pc Card http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008I9K8 Easy Setup The WG511 is a PC Card and requires a Pentium class PC with an available 32-bit CardBus slot for installation. It supports Windows Vista and is also compatible with Windows XP, 2000, 98SE, and Me. Setup is as simple as inserting the card into the slot and installing the included software. A built-in stub antenna helps you receive a strong signal for the fastest possible speeds. Fast and Secure The NETGEAR WG511 supports the 802.11g protocol standard for speeds up to 54 Mbps and a longer range than previous-generation 802.11b adapters. With a good connection, you'll notice the difference right away as you'll be able to stream high-quality music without any hiccups and load videos much faster. Downloading files is up to five times faster than it was with 802.11b. Since 802.11g is also interoperable with 802.11b, you don't have to worry about whether or not you'll get a connection at specific airports and hotspots; the WG111US will automatically detect the network and allow you to connect to it at the highest speed possible. .... wasn't sure if I completely understood your question but decided to make mention of this Wi-Fi card. Update ... if anyone is interested, the price for that Netgear card has dropped to $8.99 with free shipping, from $11.75 earlier today, that earlier price only had "free shipping" with a $25 dollar order. Just checked that link at Amazon ... prices change every few hours so it could be different tomorrow. ...

Have no complaints about Windows 98SE in 2011 ... I have dial-up through my cell phone and it's very slow since I'm on an old plan from 2004 but it's cheap and I'm still getting data with my voice plan. I use the K-Meleon browser and just block JavaScript, Images and Popups and I can really zip around pretty fast on dial up ... when I get to a place with very fast Wi-Fi then I have nothing blocked and have several tabs going at once. I also don't belong to Facebook and such so I can't say anything about those sites in regards to Windows 9x but 98SE still works just fine for me in 2011. As I said in another thread, I do have Win 2000 Pro on a separate small hard drive just to run a few programs that I can't get to run on Win 98SE even with KernelEx installed, but that can be expected in 2011 ... I'm just glad that most everything that I need to use still runs on Win 98SE. I guess one day some of the people I consider "experts" ... which is just about everyone, will stop posting at this Windows 9x site but I hope that day will be many years down the road ... I'd mention some names but we all know who they are ... the same people who always come to assist with a problem or answer some questions and that includes some "newer" names every so often. If that day ever truly comes when these people are no longer here ... then, in my opinion, Windows 9x will be truly dead. ...

herbalist ... have a question for you from your earlier post. You mention using the program Tor with SeaMonkey ... "while my default browser connects through Tor" ... could you go into a little detail of what version you are using, with Win 98SE I assume. I have heard of Tor years ago but never really checked it out. The only version I can find listed to work with Win 98SE is the Expert Bundle at the TorProject website: Expert Bundle Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000, 2003 Server, ME, and Windows 98SE Contains just Tor and nothing else. You'll need to configure Tor and all of your applications manually. ... is there an older stand alone version for Win 98SE maybe already configured to work with this OS? Any drawbacks to using Tor or do you highly recommend using it with a browser? Is it complicated to set up? Might as well cover all this and anything related to browsers in 2011 ... unless you feel this should be a separate topic, if it's really involved. ... thanks ...

ScrewUpgrading ... I have KM 1.7a2 running as I type this ... so far it seems to be working OK on Win 98SE ... also have KM 1.6 working good on Win 98SE ... strange that KM 1.6 doesn't work well for you. Have you gone over to the KM forum for some assistance or ideas? I got help there getting v1.6 to run on 98SE. I also intend to stay with 98SE ... only have 2000 Pro or XP for a couple of programs that won't run on 98SE even with KernelEx. I would like your opinion of the "Fred" K-Meleon version ... had tried some of his versions early in the year and they seem to be very different over the regular KM but as I said earlier, people seem to like his work. May have to try this latest version myself, don't know much about his work, probably needs KernelEx but not sure. I'm pretty satisfied with all three KM versions (1.5.4, 1.6, 1.7), they aren't 100% but they are close. Foxbat ... I will try Opera 10.10 and see how it works on my machine. Yes, I also have IE 6 still on my computer but I never use it very much ... just have it there in case it would be needed. Since herbalist mentioned KM 1.7a2 earlier, of which I wasn't aware ... got the download and have it running ... want to test it out better next week on some fast Wi-Fi. Looks good so far, still have some settings to work with. I also hope KernelEx is not dead but things change, sad to say. The whole program was and is a great idea for the 9x crowd. ...