How to Reinstall Microsoft Windows 98

ID: Q250928

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition

SUMMARY

This article contains information and tips about how to reinstall Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition.


MORE INFORMATION

Before you run the Windows Setup.exe program to reinstall Windows, you may need to complete the following steps:

  1. Rename the Iemigrat.dll file.
    You need to rename the Iemigrat.dll file so that the same version of Microsoft Internet Explorer files are installed during the installation. This step is necessary if you installed a version of Internet Explorer that is not included with Windows 98. To rename the Iemigrat.dll file:


    1. Click Start, point to Find, and then click Files or Folders.


    2. In the Named box, type iemigrat.dll, and then click Find Now.


    3. Right-click the Iemigrat.dll file, click Rename, type a new file name, and then press ENTER.


  2. Disable programs and tools.
    Disable any programs or tools (for example, screen saver programs, antivirus programs, or system tools that run automatically). In addition, uninstall any programs or tools that protect or encrypt the Master Boot Record (MBR) or partition table (for example, uninstall Bootlock included with Symantec Norton Your Eyes Only). For information about disabling these programs or tools, contact the manufacturer.


  3. Back up data.
    Back up all critical data on your hard disk. Although it is unlikely that you will encounter a serious problem when you reinstall Windows 98, it is always a good idea to perform a complete system backup before installing a new operating system. When you upgrade your computer's operating system, it is possible that an error can occur (for example, a problem because of incompatible hardware or a power failure) that temporarily or permanently prevents access to the data on your hard disk.


Installing Windows

When you are ready to run the Setup.exe file to reinstall Windows, use the following steps:
  1. Start Windows, and then insert the Windows 98 CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.


  2. Click Browse This CD, and then double-click Setup.exe.


  3. Follow the instructions to complete Windows Setup.


NOTE: If Windows does not start and you need to run Setup from an MS-DOS prompt, please click the Installing Windows 98 From MS-DOS link on the following Microsoft Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/support/windows/readme/98/W98setuptxt.asp

Troubleshooting After the Installation

After the installation is finished, you may need to complete the following steps:
  1. Replace updated Microsoft files.
    You may need to reinstall some of the Microsoft updated files on the computer. To update these files, click the Product Updates link on the following Microsoft Web site:


    2. http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
  2. Reinstall Microsoft Outlook Express.
    When you reinstall Windows 98, it may place Microsoft Outlook Express 4.x on the computer. If you were previously using Microsoft Outlook Express 5, you may need to reinstall the program. For additional information about reinstalling Outlook Express 5, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
    Q186218 How to Remove and Reinstall Outlook Express in Windows 98



REFERENCES

For additional information, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q188881 How to Install Windows 98: Helpful Tips and Suggestions
Q193902 How to Install Windows 98 Into a New Folder
Q221829 How to Install Windows 98 on a Computer with No Operating System
Q232681 Windows 98 Second Edition Updates Setup.txt file

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbenv kbsetup win98 win98se
Version : WINDOWS:
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbinfo


Last Reviewed: January 31, 2000
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