Need Windows 98 CD or alternative

My winipcfg.exe is corrupted and I can not get beyond the
desktop. I have a start up disk, but can not find my
original 98 CD to reinstall. any way to get a disk or is
there another way to address this problem.

Windows 98 CDs are frequently available on eBay.
--
Jeff Richards
MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)
"Jim" wrote in message
...
My winipcfg.exe is corrupted and I can not get beyond the
desktop. I have a start up disk, but can not find my
original 98 CD to reinstall. any way to get a disk or is
there another way to address this problem.

MS can replace a retail version (full or upgrade) of Windows 98; however,
they cannot replace an OEM version (says on the CD words to the effect: To
be distributed with a new PC) or a Restore CD like those distributed by HP
and Compaq. US and Canadian customers can get a retail replacement CD for a
fee by calling: 1-800-360-7561. Customers in other countries should
contact the MS customer service office in their country. If you need an OEM
version or Restore CD, you can contact the computer maker that originally
furnished the disk but you probably won't have any luck. You may have to
try to purchase a new or used copy as described below.

MS can no longer sell W98 disks as an initial purchase so your best bet is
to try to find another source; however, supplies of W98 are becoming very
limited. Go to http://www.pricewatch.com, scroll to the software section,
click on Operating Systems and click Windows 98. They may have listings on
boot up floppy disks, CDs but no license, a license but no CD, OEM versions,
W98 and W98SE CDs, update from W98 to W98SE only and so on. Pay ATTENTION
to what the listings say or you may end up with something you don't want or
need. You can also check on EBay or other auction sites. Be aware that
only paid support for W98 still exists. Here's some info about the various
types of W98SE CDs:

RETAIL FULL INSTALL: This CD will either upgrade W95/98 to SE or you can
install it to a blank hard drive.

RETAIL UPGRADE INSTALL: This CD will either upgrade W95/98 to SE or you can
install it to a blank hard drive; however, when installing to a blank drive,
install will ask to see the qualifying system (i.e., W95) disk(s).

OEM FULL INSTALL. This SE CD is designed to be installed to a blank hard
drive; however, there is a good possibility that you can trick it into
upgrading. For info, go to:
http://home.satx.rr.com/badour/html/upgrade.html Be aware that if you buy
an OEM disk, it might be customized for installation on a particular
computer; however, this will probably be primarily with a used disk.

UPDATE CD: This CD will only update a functioning copy of W98 to W98SE.
When MS sold them, they were $20 and came with a ProductKey. Some venders
were selling them and advising customers to use the W98 ProductKey which may
or may not work--don't get stung.

RECOVERY CD: Some companies will brand an OEM CD and call it a recovery CD.
You should avoid these unless it is the exact recovery CD you are looking
for. Many recovery CDs will only install on the equipment they were
intended for.


--
Regards

Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo

"Jim" wrote in message
...
My winipcfg.exe is corrupted and I can not get beyond the
desktop. I have a start up disk, but can not find my
original 98 CD to reinstall. any way to get a disk or is
there another way to address this problem.