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DougB

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Everything posted by DougB

  1. > Does the GUI load properly with this player? When I tried similar MPlayers, the GUI's usually failed to load and the playback buttons would often cause a crash. If you're asking about MPlayerWW, then yes -- the GUI has always worked fine for me (under basic KernelEx). To hopefully shed further light on your question, remember that the original/traditional MPlayer executable (as in Ringo, Sherpya, Redxii, and Linux from which the Win versions were ported) has no real GUI -- it's a command-line-interface executable (MPlayer.exe) that opens up a separate graphic window in which the media is actually played, and which has a primitive keyboard interface. The CLI window will spit out *lots* of progress messages unless you set "Quiet" or "Really-Quiet" in the config file (or as a command-line option). The issue that i've encountered with almost-all other MPlayer GUIs is that they're just front-ends that load a separate MPlayer.exe file with whatever additional command-line options. Similar to your experience, none have worked even half well for me -- frustrating. MPlayerWW is different: the MPlayer executable file is *not* called from a separate GUI executable file -- in MPlayerWW, the MPlayer code is integrated right alongside the GUI code in a single executable (exe) file. So never a problem... at least, in my experience. (You can still set up MPlayer default behavior in config files.) But i fear i'm getting too far off main topic here, as this thread is dedicated to native-Win9x applications, and MPlayerWW requires KernelEx. I do apologize to the list for this. But i did want to address your question. - Doug B.
  2. > I haven't been able to use Ringo's builds on all machines. Interesting -- i have never had a problem with RamonUn's "Ringo" MPlayer builds. In fact, it's my default "Send To" media player -- by far the most up-to-date MPlayer for Win9x, and it runs on native Win9x (doesn't need KernelEx). Actually, i never had a problem with Sherpya's "MPlayer On Windows" builds either, or Redxii's "Mplayer For Windows" builds... that is, until they went 'beyond' KernelEx. > I usually use a build from Sherpya. I think r34401 (12-7-2011) is the last to work with Win98. The final KEx build from Sherpya that worked for me on 'plain' KernelEx (no KExt) was r37199 2014-May-11. > But the builds from redxii ... when used with KernelEx (default settings). Seems you can use up to r37203 (5-17-2014). Same experience here. Note that Sherpya has also released a more-recent ("experimental / unsupported") native-Win9x player (doesn't need KernelEx) build r38116 in late 2018. Search the page for "Win98 SE build": https://oss.netfarm.it/mplayer/ And if i might add: My all-time favorite MPlayer is MPlayerWW by William Wang. It seems that development has stopped and its website is gone, but the last version was r37356, 2015-Jan-13. MPlayer code is embedded within a nice, skin-able GUI executable. It requires basic KernelEx. This is my system default media player! You can still get it at: https://sourceforge.net/projects/mplayer-ww/ - Doug B.
  3. > Some have had stalling problems with 3.66. But that seems to be mostly a Virtual Machine issue. Just to throw my two cents into the fire. (Hey, is that a mixed metaphor?) I had a terrible experience with U98SESP v3.66 on a *real* 98SE machine (not virtual) -- many of my apps began to crash or not run right after. I *tried* going back to v3.65, but with only partial success. I've never had a problem with any previous versions. I really should do a full Win98SE re-installation (a major undertaking). To summarize: I *highly* dis-recommend using U98SESP v3.66 -- use v3.65 instead! - Doug B.
  4. > is there anyone still using rp? Yeh, me too -- it makes my Win98SE so much more visually attractive and fun to use! I've never had a single issue in over 10 years of using it. (If i remember correctly, you need to install RP *after* KernelEx though -- each was developed by friends of one another, and they worked together to insure compatability.) Don't forget that there are also a couple of "theme packs" available that extend available choices -- i particularly enjoy the "icon pack". Plus, you can easily modify (some of) the available color schemes to make even-more alternatives. - Doug B.
  5. Just to add another example to the discussion.... Last summer, i had *two* IBM/Lenovo ThinkCentre i915 computers (circa 2005) go "belly up"... within *two* weeks of each other! Both exhibited similar symptoms: initially random shutdowns/reboots during usage, then same combined with long bootups / occasional booting lockups, then wouldn't boot at all (no BIOS messages). The company has long been known for their reliability, and i've always liked their desktops. (The mainboards were not Intel -- they were in-house.) Opening them up, one m/b had a bunch of *slightly*-top-bulging electrolytic capacitors around the CPU; on the other m/b they looked normal. Both power supplies tested ok. I suppose i'll try to re-cap 'em eventually... when i get some time and motivation. - Doug B.
  6. PCM (the "M" stands for "Magazine") had a free 9x utility called "DisplaySet" that would allow one to set all settable system colors, set font and size of all available categories, and import/export schemes. It was basically a GUI that modified appearance settings in the Registry and updated the screen immediately as you played around with it. Unfortunately, i don't know where to get it nowadays, but the latest was v1.1 if i remember correctly. Like all of their utilities, source code was included, as well as an in-depth discussion of its inner workings in the accompanying ReadMe file. - Doug B.
  7. Thanks for the update! This has been a useful and informative project, especially for those new to (or not that familiar with) DOS. (Also just as a helpful memory jogger... for, you know, *those* moments....) It's actually more-thorough documentation than the description "help utility" might suggest. I'm wondering if there might be more interest in this if you post/move it to our DOS forum: https://msfn.org/board/topic/122965-dos-programs/ - Doug B.
  8. > it causes my CRT monitor to mode switch with every fullscreen toggle I don't know if this will fix the issue, but there is this setting in the MPlayer config file: # Change to a different videomode when going fullscreen: vm=yes Of course, lines that begin with # are comments. So comment out the "vm" line, and see if that helps. - Doug B.
  9. RamonUn - Thanks so much for this -- it's really terrific to have someone keeping software alive for Win9x! Especially something as useful as a media player. Various MPlayers have been my no-frills right-click "Send-To" targets for as long as i can remember. So it's great to have an up-to-date build! Much appreciated.... - Doug B.
  10. > I have tried RP7 in combination with 98SE2ME but with no luck sadly. What is the issue in more-specific terms? I have been using RP7 and 98SE2ME together for many years with no apparent problems. I always install U98SESP3, 98SE2ME, KernelEx, and RP7, in that order. IIRC, in my experience, RP7 does not install correctly without KernelEx. Also, i do not have a shimgvw.dll anywhere on my system. - Doug B.
  11. Back in the 'old days' (that is, early-mid 2000s), nVidia (and other) drivers had the reputation of not un-installing completely. Special driver 'cleaners' were developed to address this deficiency. Two freeware ones that i am aware of were: - "Nasty File Remover" by Rudy Alex Kohn, final v0.7.2, 2003. (It also works on ATI, Matrox, Creative, and S3 drivers -- remember those names?) I don't know if it would work on those company's newer drivers, nor do i have a link handy, but you can probably find it with a search. - "Driver Cleaner PE" (Professional Edition) by Ruud Ketelaars, final v1.5, 2006. (It also works on the above drivers and more.) Same considerations as previous prog. If i remember correctly, their advice was to uninstall the old drivers using add/remove, reboot into safe mode, use cleaner, empty recycle bin, reboot, and load the new drivers. But read their help! For what it's worth.... Doug B.
  12. > clamwin, which doesn't seem to any good Out of curiosity, what do you find not "any good" in ClamWin? It's freeware (not sure if open-source), updated regularly (daily, actually), i have been using it for years, and have never had a problem with it. The package is relatively small (as these things go), and it claims protection from 7,658,820 viruses (today's update). I believe v0.99.1 is the last that works on native Win9x, but if i'm mistaken, someone please let me know. Not that an anti-virus application is all that crucial to 9x anymore, but i just like to be safe anyway. - Doug B.
  13. You might try deleting the "META-INF" folder from the .XPI archive (do it on a copy of the file for safety's sake). This has worked for me with Firefox 3 plugins, but i can't say if Retrozilla will install it.
  14. Glad to hear you've solved the issue. The Adaptec ASPI Layer v4.71.2.0 driver is also included as part of U98SESP3x, installable as a separate option. My CD/DVD burner of choice is cdrtfe ("CD Record Tools Frontend"), current version 1.5.8, 2018-Jan-01: https://cdrtfe.sourceforge.io/cdrtfe/index_en.html The "Frontend" is a convenient but powerful GUI for cdrtools ("CD Record Tools"), a suite of command-line binaries ported from Linux (included). The Frontend is simple to use, but also has numerous advanced options if that's the need. I've been using it for years with never a problem. Be sure to download the native-Win9x version -- it does not require KernelEx. - Doug B.
  15. Way back in 'ancient' times (cannot remember the date), i downloaded the following list from the Intel website. Intel was recommending the following general installation order: IN WHAT ORDER DO I INSTALL MY DRIVERS? To build a new computer or reinstall your operating system, Intel recommends installing the drivers and software in the following order: 1) Windows operating-system service packs or patches available from Microsoft (for example, Service Pack 3 for Windows XP). 2) Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility. 3) Microsoft DirectX 9.0 or later. 4) Video or graphics driver (for example, Intel HD Graphics Driver). 5) Intel Application Accelerator or Intel Matrix Storage Manager. 6) Sound or audio drivers. 7) LAN or network drivers. Note that item #5 above would only be relevant to certain Intel chipsets. Yes, include IE 6.0 SP1 (even though you wouldn't want to use IE) as part of item #1, since IE SP1 updates a number of system files. Then, after i install all my main apps/drivers, i eradicate IE with IEradicator (from the makers of 98-Lite). I would consider U98SESP3x and 98SE2ME musts. (U98SESP3 contains an updated DirectX 9.) I would also definitely install Revolutions Pack 9.7 -- it reportedly offers greater system stability in addition to way-cool enhancements to the 9x desktop. If i remember correctly, it needs to be installed after KernelEx. In order to reduce potential interrupt issues, we generally recommend installing 98SE with the following switches: setup /p i Keep in mind that a critical question to ask is: What will be the ages of the various hardwares? Much newer stuff no longer has Win9x support (drivers). Have fun, good luck! - Doug B.
  16. @RLoew: Thanks for the recent update of your site with the additional downloads. Much appreciated! @LoneCrusader: I'm not able to access the RLoew archive that was on your website. FF gives the following message: "Warning: Potential Security Risk Ahead Firefox detected a potential security threat and did not continue to lonecrusader.x10host.com. If you visit this site, attackers could try to steal information like your passwords, emails, or credit card details. What can you do about it? The issue is most likely with the website, and there is nothing you can do to resolve it. You can notify the website’s administrator about the problem." - DougB
  17. Completely in agreement, bphlpt! I'm actually one of the ones who uses his 98SE ("pimped up" with all those un-official extensions) as his primary O/S... even for work (meaning i do stuff for work at home -- at work, we have some new-ish version of Windows that i only use when i can't avoid it). So anybody who can help keep Win9x/DOS working... and thriving... for any purpose has my thumbs up! - Doug B.
  18. I haven't posted to this topic yet, but since Tommy's heartfelt post above, let me do so now. I've also been shocked and saddened at Rudolph Lowe's passing. I never interacted with him directly or bought any of his patches, but i greatly enjoyed -- and benefited from -- his posts here, and found him to be an extraordinarily-gifted, knowledgeable, and helpful individual. We will miss him, his insightfulness, and his willingness to share. I'm also happy to see that his work will continue to be made available by his family -- a deep thank you for this. The archives of his software on the web will be a shining star to his memory and work. And i, too, appreciate hearing R. Loew's story from his family. My condolences to them in this period of healing. Nevertheless, his loss will remain an enduring one in our small community here, just as his reputation will be enduring. Rest in peace, Rudolph R. - Doug B.
  19. Unofficial Windows 98 Second Edition Service Pack 3.x: http://www.htasoft.com/u98sesp/ Discussion list: https://www.techtalk.cc/viewtopic.php?f=1047&t=65 Current version is 3.64. It's a real whopper of a download though.... - Doug B.
  20. > It seems only in recent years did computers turn into on-all-the-time machines and probably 99% of people only use their computer to go on the web. Depending on your definition of "recent", i very-much agree. Microsoft and IBM built their PC empires on business software/hardware long before the current/modern internet was even a gleam in it's mommy's and daddy's eyes! > That doesn't mean that there cannot exist computers that do not use web browsers as their dominant program. Heck I even have computers (Windows 7) that are segregated so that they cannot get to the internet. Me too! I have a computer (XP) with a dedicated multi-track music-recording setup that i won't let anywhere *near* the internet. And i have another system (98SE+DOS) that, although it does have an internet connection, could live very happily and busily doing home work and work work all by itself. - Doug B.
  21. > Just out of curiosity, are you guys using 98SE for functional work, or just toying around to see what's still possible? Functional work! My main home system is Win98SE, pimped up with all sorts of good stuff (mainly IE6SP1, DX9, U98SESP3, 98SE2ME, KernelEx, and then IEradicator-ing IE6). That system (including it's DOS 7.1 that i most-often boot up to) is what i do about 95% of my computing work on... including work work. I also have an XP system that i had been using maybe 5% of the time for what i can't do with 9x, but more often lately i've been using a lightweight Linux distro (Q4OS) that emulates the 'classic desktop'. We do have some newish Windows systems at work, but i only use them when i can't avoid it -- i try to do most of my work work at home. The 9x browser is Pale Moon 3.6.32, the XP has a later version of that, and for the Q4OS some newish Firefox. But using the 9x PM browser *is* starting to become a little frustrating, due to "Connection Reset" failures when trying to connect to a gradually-increasing number of sites. - Doug B.
  22. > Quote >> IrfanView and many PlugIns ported to Unicode! >> The INI file will be converted to Unicode if you call the "Properties" dialog > That's why plugins and INI file don't work anymore. Yup, but i have UNICOWS.dll installed (required for KernelEx). While i realize that UNICOWS is a limited fix as far as Win9x unicode is concerned, it does allow some programs to function well enough to be usable. Just not IrfanView anymore. Hey, i tried.... > From version 2 to 4 over the years I have seen very little difference. Agreed, at least as far as general appearance and interface is concerned. Under the hood is a different story -- check the changelog. IV is my default image viewer (fast and capable), so i'd hoped to keep it up-to-date... just in case. Oh well....
  23. K-Meleon failed to initialize. Please reinstall. K-MELEON caused an invalid page fault in module at 0000:00000000. Registers: EAX=00000000 CS=019f EIP=00000000 EFLGS=00010246 EBX=00471ba8 SS=01a7 ESP=00f6fd74 EBP=00f6fdd8 ECX=00000000 DS=01a7 ESI=00000000 FS=20b7 EDX=00000000 ES=01a7 EDI=00471a90 GS=0000 Bytes at CS:EIP: 00 00 00 00 65 04 70 00 16 00 66 06 65 04 70 00 Stack dump: 00429095 00471a90 00471a90 ffffffff 00471a90 00471a90 00000000 bfa57553 00000000 00000000 00400000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 0045af2c
  24. > even the 4.50 works with KernelEx without problems. I've found that not to be true, at least on my system. There are display glitches in some of the response boxes on the toolbar, and it doesn't seem to be able to read (or save?) the .INI file -- i can't make any changes in Preferences stick. Can you test if this is also true on your system? I've gone back to v4.44, the last that supported Win9x -- everything works ok on that ver. > I love graphic viewer Irfanview. Me too, so discontinued support for 9x is disappointing. - Doug B.
  25. > there are tools like deCHK. DeCHK recognises about 50 file extensions. There is also a freeware/cardware command-line utility, TrID, written and maintained by Marco Pontello. It's a file-identification program that uses a continuingly-updated database of file signatures (over 9,000 at last count!), and the executable has an optional switch that automagically re-names (or adds) file extensions. Here's its web page: http://mark0.net/soft-trid-e.html Here's the program's help screen: TrID File Identifier v2.24, 2016-Apr-04, Marco Pontello Usage: TRID filespec [-ae|-ce][-d:file][-ns][-n:nn][-@][-v][-w] filespec Files to identify/analyze. -ae Add guessed extension to filename. -ce Change filename extension. -d:file Use the specified defs package. -ns Disable unique strings check. -n:nn Number of matches to show (default: 5). -@ Read file list from stdin. -v Verbose mode - display def name, author, etc. -w Wait for a keypress before exiting. TrID is a utility designed to identify file types from their binary signatures. While there are similar utilities with hard-coded rules, TriID has no such rules. Instead, it is extensible and can be trained to recognize new formats in a fast and automatic way. TrID uses a database of definitions which describe recurring patterns for supported file types. You can help creating new definitions! Just run the TrIDScan module against a number of files of a given type. The program will do the rest. - Doug B.
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