bassbeast1968

Actually you don't need any backup software to do a "quick and dirty" backup of Win98, just a Linux live CD. As a PC repairman I have done this trick a bunch of times with old Win9X systems and never had a problem. First you launch regedit and export the registry to an easy to remember spot, like say C:/Backup. Then you boot from the Linux live cd(I prefer a small OS such as DSL or Puppy for old machines like this) and once booted you will find a drive mount button, usually on the desktop or file manager. Once the Windows 98 drive is mounted simply zip your C:/Windows folder. That way if anything goes wrong you can always reboot into the Linux live cd and restore the zip folder, followed by booting Win98 to MSDOS and restoring the reg file you backed up from command line. Like I said this is "quick and dirty" but it works great for older machines like the laptop specified. And I agree with the Win98 service pack, as I have been using both the stable and beta and haven't had any troubles. And the USB generic driver really is a Godsend. I hope this helps!

I have found it far easier to use XP ISO Builder to slipstream service packs. It is also really great for making unattended cds so you don't have to sit there clicking through a reinstall. Once a year I make one with all the latest service packs/hotfixes/drivers/and software and use it to give me that nice minty fresh WinXP again.BTW it also works on 2K/2K3. As far as SP3 slowing you down,I've had to do about a dozen SP3 installs for friends/coworkers/family and I have yet to see anyone come out slower so it is probably a cruft issue. I would make a clean unattended cd with SP3 and the latest hotfixes installed and do a clean install. That'll clear out the cruft and give you a nice clean Windows machine when you are done. I hope this helps!