MDGx

I have tried your AOL in2tv guide. All steps work ok, except it won't allow me to update the DRM file from: http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/inxs/videos.jhtml or anywhere else. Without this DRM update, I can't play any videos. I've tried this on my tweaked 98SE + IE 6.0 SP1 + WMP9 + 982XP + 98SEMP10 system. I've also tried this on a "virgin" [from scratch] 98 SE and then followed your steps. No go. I'll research some more to find a way to update DRM.

gape: When you update the SP, you may want to include this small updated CAB file [attached at bottom of this post]. The original %windir%\RUNHELP.CAB file is buggy, because it contains an outdated certificate, which returns an error message when you run %windir%\HTMLHELP.HTM : the user must click Yes every time to continue running HTML Help [%windir%\HH.EXE], otherwise nothing happens.I have recreated RUNHELP.CAB [contains RUNHELP.INF] without the expired certificate. Running HTMLHELP.HTM now properly runs HTML Help. File size is now smaller: reduced from 6325 to 192 bytes. RUNHELP.CAB [right-click to save the CAB file] HTH

You're right, as long as M$ doesn't post the source code or releases these OSes as open source [or similar], nobody should treat them as such.M$ files are still copyrighted + trademarked.

I'll consider your suggestions for the next update.Thanks.

I just installed CRYPT9X.EXE on my 98SE, and after I rebooted WU + WUC sites work just fine:WU: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ WUC: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/catalog/ Please d/l the file again [664 KB]: http://www.mdgx.com/files/CRYPT9X.EXE and reinstall. Then reboot. HTH _______________________________________ Done.Also added SHDOCVW.DLL to Q830849. Both here: http://www.mdgx.com/ietoy.htm

All directory + file separators in the registry must be represented as double backslashes [ \\ ]. This is why [scroll down to separators and delimiters]: http://www.mdgx.com/reg.htm#RF HTH

Lots of links to DOS USB drivers [including the above]: http://www.mdgx.com/drv.htm#DRV HTH

soporific: Looking forward to testing your new autopatcher. Sounds like the only solution to replacing obsolete M$ WU/WUC. If you need the links to all my files, please download W95-11D.ZIP: http://www.mdgx.com/95.htm Then extract SOFTWARE.TXT and open it in Notepad or similar ASCII editor. All my files are located in these directories: regular updates/(hot)fixes/patches: http://www.mdgx.com/files/list.php service packs: http://www.mdgx.com/spx/list.php 98SE2ME: http://www.mdgx.com/9s2m/ 98MP10: http://www.mdgx.com/wmp.htm#98MP10 HTH

Here is the complete guide on how to translate 98SE2ME into any language other than English and then recompile the installer [using InnoSetup]:http://www.mdgx.com/9s2m/INNOFILE.ZIP Please start by reading INNOFILE.TXT. HTH

Maybe this helps: This INF is from unofficial MDAC 2.8 SP1 Patch for Windows 98/98 SE/ME [988 KB]: http://www.mdgx.com/files/Q916528.EXE HTH

1. Desktop icons shortcut overlays are annoying to most users, so they will be disabled if you install 98SE2ME options 1 or 2.But there is a registry entry you can restore to bring them back, as quoted from READ1ST.TXT [the "98SE2ME.PIF COMPLETE GUIDE" section]: READ1ST.TXT 2. Windows Millennium Edition (ME) patches/updates/(hot)fixes/service packs canNOT and should NOT be installed on 98SE, with or without 98SE2ME or with any other patch/update/mod/tweak, official or unofficial. Quoted from READ1ST.TXT [the "FAQ" section]: READ1ST.TXT BTW: This site you mention: http://www.hpcfactor.com/support/patching/winme/ has only a few older/obsolete updates. All newer/current available updates [official + unofficial] for WinME are here: http://www.mdgx.com/web.htm#WME http://www.mdgx.com/add.htm http://www.mdgx.com/ietoy.htm http://www.mdgx.com/wmp.htm http://www.mdgx.com/dx.htm HTH

Only Orca 1.x + 2.x work under 9x OSes, Orca 3.x does not.

Ok, I'm convinced. I'll use your trick to create a tweaked install for WMP9 on 98(FE), 98SP1, 98SE + ME, which will contain all updates, official + unofficial... soon.

QDVD.DLL + QDV.DLL contain "DLLRegisterServer" strings, therefore *must* be registered using regsvr32 for proper operation. If the NTx counterparts cannot register properly under 9x OSes, that means those DLLs will *not* work properly under 9x Oses, mainly because some of their file dependencies which will *not* resolve. HTH

VGX.DLL (VML) patch [iE925486.EXE] now installs under MS IE 5.5 SP2. Please see this thread for current updates: http://www.msfn.org/board/?showtopic=46581 HTH

the_guy + all developers who want to create/mod iexpress installers: I have figured out 3 things: 1. If adding an UpdateInis section under the main install section {in this case [DefaultInstall]}, the installer reboots automatically after completion without any prompts/dialogs. This UpdateInis section can be fake, for example [see below] %windir%\WININIT.LOG does not exist under 98 (FE)/98 SP1/98 SE OSes. %windir%\WININIT.LOG exists only under WinME OS. This automatic reboot feature also requires that the SED files contains this line: [Options] RebootMode=IS under the [Options] section. Also, you need to make sure your INF does not have any of these lines under the main install section {in this case [DefaultInstall]}: [DefaultInstall] SmartReboot=I Reboot=1 2. START.EXE /W is not necessary to run the commands listed under the RunPreSetupCommands section [see example below] under WinME. All commands under the RunPreSetupCommands section run 1 at a time [see example below]: the next 1 starts only after the previous 1 completed its execution [if more than 1 command]. 3. The commands listed under the RunPreSetupCommands section run completely invisible [in the background] if adding :1 at the and of the section name [see example below] = in this case WL . [DefaultInstall] RunPreSetupCommands=WL:1 UpdateInis=WX [WL] "NIRCMD.EXE killprocess MSTASK.EXE" "NIRCMD.EXE killprocess PCHSCHD.EXE" "NIRCMD.EXE killprocess RSTRLFN.EXE" "NIRCMD.EXE killprocess RSTRUI.EXE" "NIRCMD.EXE killprocess STATEMGR.EXE" "NIRCMD.EXE killprocess STMGR.EXE" "NIRCMD.EXE killprocess VXDMON.VXD" [WX] %10%\WININIT.INI,Rename,,"NUL=%10%\WININIT.LOG" %10%\WININIT.INI,Rename,,"DIRNUL=%31%\_RESTORE\TEMP" So I have modified most of my iexpress installers to include these new findings. HTH

UPDATED · 10-3-2006 Updates: - C2GBME.EXE + COPY2GB.EXE = Fixed INF uninstall code. - SHELL98.EXE [renamed from SHEL98SE.EXE] = modified SED code to allow install on 98 (FE) + 98 SP1. - IE925486.EXE = modified SED code to allow install on MS IE 5.5 SP2. Enjoy.

1. Install Orca 2.0.3790: download this CAB [3 MB, right-click to save] = part of Installer SDK 2.0: http://download.microsoft.com/download/pla...-common.3.0.cab Extract Orca_Msi.FD66E721_5AA0_41BC_AA26_1EC8F7FA1175 from CAB -> rename it to orca.msi -> double-click on orca.msi to install Orca -> run orca.exe [usually installed under C:\Program Files\Orca]. 2. Install Orca 1.10.1124: download Installer SDK 1.1: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...ad-bfc98e3ae4a3 file [7.92 MB, right-click to save]: http://download.microsoft.com/download/pla...US/IntelSDK.msi Install IntelSDK.msi -> look under the \Tools subfolder -> should see orca.msi -> double-click on orca.msi to install Orca -> run orca.exe [usually installed under C:\Program Files\Orca9x]. 3. Orca 3.1 [part of Installer SDK 3.1] does *not* work with 9x OSes: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...3E-40C0EC4F68E5 HTH

These are all QTM versions I know of: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm#QTM I have tried to force QTM 7.0.0 + 7.0.3 to work with 98SE. No go. Looks like file dependencies are way off. In my experience, all QTM 7.x.x versions are alike, no matter which one you try. HTH

Sun released a new version of JAVA: http://www.mdgx.com/add.htm#JAVA respectively: Java 2 Standard Edition (J2SE) v1.5.0 Update 9 for Windows 98 SE/2000/ME/XP/2003: http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.5.0/ Direct download [15.7 MB]: http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/ HTH

Most of the monitor drivers I've seen are merely INF files [thank you LLXX], which only configure frequencies, color/temperature controls and other specific hardware specs [if any]. A standard VGA [VESA] monitor does not need a specific driver [DLL, DRV, SYS etc], unless that particular monitor is *not* standard. Some monitors may connect [in rare cases] thru USB, FireWire [iEEE 1394], and [more frequently lately] thru the newer DVI [Digital Video Interface]. Most of the monitors connected thru standard VGA interface [15 pin DE-15 connector]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VGA_connector naturally have to abide by the VGA [VESA] industry standards, therefore the OS should [theoretically] have built-in standard drivers for them. These are mostly CRT monitors [older]. If a monitor connects thru DVI, then the manufacturer should provide specific driver, because older OSes [like 98SE] do not have standard DVI monitor drivers built-in. Same goes for USB or FireWire monitors, the manufacturer should provide the driver, because these interfaces are not designed to support monitors without dedicated hardware/drivers. These are mostly LCD/plasma/DLP monitors [newer]. And this becomes even more complicated with the upcoming release of Vista, because the new HDMI [copy-protected high definition digital interface which combines HD video + surround audio into a single connector] must have manufacturer provided drivers, to comply with new M$ + MPAA specs for copy-protected digital content [like WM-HD, DVD, HD-DVD, Blu-Ray etc]. So monitor drivers do more than just provide video: - provide interface/connection between monitor and video controller - provide specific hardware configuration - provide video standards. Also, please keep in mind that the video controller has to recognize the monitor, in order for both to work properly. Therefore video card manufacturers have to build hardware recognition into their video drivers. In conclusion, depending on what kind of monitor you're talking about, some should not need drivers, but others do. FYI: DVI = Digital Video Interactive (Intel): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVI HDMI = High Definition Multimedia Interface single digital audio and video connector (Hitachi/Matsus***a/Philips/Sony/RCA/Toshiba): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI VGA = Video Graphics Array standard (640x480 pixels): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VGA VESA = Video Electronics Standards Association: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VESA CRT = Cathode Ray Tube: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathode_ray_tube LCD = Liquid Crystal Display (digital display): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCD DLP = Digital Light Processing technology, also DMD (Texas Instruments): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DLP DMD = Digital Micromirror Device, also DLP (Texas Instruments): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Micromirror_Device HTH

MP832353.EXE + Q832353.EXE [unofficial] patches were created by the_guy . So if you have any questions about these patches, please ask the_guy . HTH

With all regards due to you, please refrain with such senseless (and dangerous) statements.A user who sticks to 98SE/ME is someone who does not buy XP or Vista. Not necessarily, I know a few other people [besides myself] that use 98SE and XP in dual-boot setups, and [like myself] own legal licenses for all their M$ OSes.On the other hand, use of certain OS files by people who don't own a particular OS license, is debatable. IMHO: From what I've seen, use of isolated files that fix problems with your [legally owned] OS should theoretically be ok, but then again, I haven't read all types of M$ EULA, so I could be wrong. HTH

To answer your questions [long read ahead]... No, I can't write drivers/software, I am not a programmer, and I don't plan to learn programming anytime soon. The only "code" I know is DOS batch, Windows registry, INF/SED, HTML/CSS + JavaScript. But not even XP is too secure, even with all current patches, and as M$ admitted recently, they had to disable some of the administrative rights/features and they keep telling users to log in under less privileged accounts in order to be "more secure" [do you think that's an improvement? no, it's not, it's actually a step back, and if you ask me it's a joke]. Basically they're admitting there is not much else they can do to secure their flagship OS. And all this because phishers, black-hat hackers, crackers, script-kiddies, and money-making virus spreading businesses are flourishing by targetting the zillions of unaware XP users who have no clue about how computers work. The good news for Win98 SE/ME users is that nobody today bothers spending time creating spyware/viruses/rootkits for 9x based OSes anymore, because they are only a tiny fraction [15-25 %, if that] of all M$ based OSes on the planet. See Wikipedia on rootkits: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rootkit See also the rootkit thread at MSFN: http://www.msfn.org/board/?showtopic=83139 But the bad news for Win98 SE/ME users is the reality that M$ dropped official support for 98 SE + ME OSes. That move alone forced lots of people and businesses to move on to a newer [supported] OS, like 2000, XP or even 2003, depending on their needs +/- budget. And with the media over-hype about the upcoming release of Vista, which M$ wants everybody to believe will be the best thing next to sliced bread, 9x OSes are slowly but surely fading away fast. Places like this forum, where a handful of "faithful" geeks like us hang around, are the last "bastions" of survival for 98 SE + ME. And of course, because this is an extremely small community with very limited resources, we can't keep up with all latest security threats [patches], new hardware [drivers], etc. These are the same reasons why Linux was not as popular as many of us wanted it to be until recently, when big businesses stepped in [iBM, Sun etc] with huge resources, to be able to keep head-to-head with M$, and develop tip-top industrial standards for the Linux world. That's why within the last 2-3 years Linux started such a big boost in ease of use, stability and popularity. And yes, I believe Linux [or any other viable open source solution] will eventually take over the computing world as main OS. That's because we, humans, need to move on to better things, than worry too much about our computers' security [or lack of], and won't care to spend big bucks on "shiny" Vista, just because M$ says so. I'd say the future of computing belongs to open source, not to the "800 pound gorillas" like RIAA, MPAA, M$, Intel ["wintel"] and a few others, who won't have their way in the long run. Another huge contribution to the 9x OSes dismay, is also the fact that M$ has not released the source code for 98 SE nor ME, and they probably never will. If we would have access to souce code, our jobs of writing drivers, fixing security bugs, improving standards, keeping up with hardware development etc... would be much easier. Therefore, yes, the time for 98 SE/ME to be replaced with something else is near. And I bet most of these users [some just like us], will never use XP or Vista, they will probably "jump the wagon" to Linux or even MacOS X [you never know, especially now that Apple shows everybody how to install + run XP on Intel based Macs ]. And please do not forget, MacOS X *is* based on UNIX/Linux code. So you're perfectly right, 98SE/ME can't last much longer, but that's where we the few [here at MSFN, mostly], come in, to make sure these OSEs will last as long as possible, and to ensure their users will have the best possible experience, as long as they plan on using them. ... Because we're geeks, and we live to help others. B) Long live 98 SE

Sound Blaster Audigy + Audigy 2 Drivers Creative Labs downloads [u.S. English]: http://us.creative.com/support/downloads/ Audigy drivers + tools [web site in French, drivers in English]: http://www.station-drivers.com/page/sblive-audigy.htm Audigy 2 drivers + tools [web site in French, drivers in English]: http://www.station-drivers.com/page/sb%20audigy2.htm Most of these drivers install ok on both Audigy and Audigy 2, but few are specific only to Audigy 2 [installer will prompt for unsupported sound card types]. All drivers below with English or multi-language support. Most of these drivers require original drivers already installed from the CD-ROM provided with the sound card, or from the Creative Labs full web install/cd-rom ISO. Most of these drivers also require older versions already installed: step install = ver1 must be 1st installed in order to install ver2, etc.... Newest at the top, oldest at the bottom. EAX 4.0 Drivers for Windows 2000/XP SP2/XP x64(64-bit) [34.2 MB]: http://files.creative.com/Drivers/AVP/9056...B_2_08_0004.exe EAX 4.0 BETA Drivers for Windows XP SP2 [24.9 MB]: http://files.creative.com/Drivers/AVP/8888...B_2_08_0002.exe EAX 4.0 Drivers for Windows 98 SE/ME/2000/XP [7.68 MB]: http://www.station-drivers.com/telechargem....522%20whql.exe EAX 4.0 Drivers for Windows 98 SE/ME/2000/XP [16.2 MB]: http://files.creative.com/Drivers/Others/8...GY2_1_84_50.exe EAX 4.0 Drivers for Windows 98 SE/ME/2000/XP [6.34 MB]: http://files.creative.com/Drivers/Others/7...DRV_1-84-40.exe EAX 3.0 Drivers for Windows 98 SE/ME/2000/XP [6.88 MB]: http://files.creative.com/Drivers/Others/2...DRVLB030425.exe DRM 1.84.0055 for Windows 98 SE/ME/2000/XP [16.3 MB]: http://files.creative.com/Drivers/Others/8..._LB_1_84_55.exe EAX Console 1.00.54 for Windows 98 SE/ME/2000/XP [3.65 MB]: http://files.creative.com/Applications/Oth...CONSP021213.exe Disc Detector PATCH for Windows 98 SE/ME/2000/XP [77 KB]: http://files.creative.com/Applications/Oth...46/DDINSUPD.EXE MediaSource Plugin for CD Burner 3.10.18 for Windows 98 SE/ME/2000/XP [11.1 MB]: http://files.creative.com/Applications/CON..._LB_3_10_18.exe MediaSource Plugin for MiniDisc 1.00.58 for Windows 98 SE/ME/2000/XP [7.8 MB]: http://files.creative.com/Applications/AVP..._LB_1_00_58.exe MediaSource Gracenote CDDB 2.40.02 for Windows 98 SE/ME/2000/XP [3.99 MB]: http://files.creative.com/Applications/CON..._LB_2_40_02.exe MediaSource DVD Audio Player FULL 1.00.82 for Windows 98 SE/ME/2000/XP [17.3 MB]: http://files.creative.com/Applications/Oth...LL9X_030407.exe MediaSource Go! 3.10.15 for Windows 98 SE/ME/2000/XP [12.3 MB]: http://files.creative.com/Applications/CON..._LB_3_10_15.exe SoundFont Studio 2.40.60 for Windows XP [10.1 MB]: http://files.creative.com/Applications/AVP..._LB_2_40_60.exe SoundFont Bank Manager 1.00.14 for Windows 98 SE/ME/2000/XP [2.88 MB]: http://files.creative.com/Applications/Oth...FBMSP021213.exe Speaker Settings 1.00.56 for Windows 98 SE/ME/2000/XP [2.99 MB]: http://files.creative.com/Applications/Oth...PKSET030206.exe Surround Mixer 3.00.57 for Windows 98 SE/ME/2000/XP [3.59 MB]: http://files.creative.com/Applications/Oth...URMIX030206.exe Please let me know if any of these links don't work anymore. HTH