Need full version Win 98 disk or download

Hi,

I reformatted my old computer to create more space and transfer boot drives.
I was running Windows ME on a Pentium 1 computer without a single problem,
with the exception of drive space.

I successfully reformatted both of my drives but now when I put my Windows
ME upgrade disk in, my old computer is asking me for a Windows 98 Full
Version disk as a qualifying product, but I have a Windows 98 Upgrade
Version, not the full version. LOL. I have been a registered Windows user
since 3.11 and have every single registration number and product key
available to me, however, I upgraded that particular old computer from
Windows 95 through Windows ME in upgrade steps.

The computer actually begins and sets up the installation of Windows ME and
is ready to go, it only wants the full version of Windows 98, which I do not
have. I even tried putting in my Full Version of Windows 95 that came with
the computer, but it will not read the CD (probably because I upgraded the
system Bios and my earlier "Emergency Disk" was created in Windows 98).

The computer manufacturer, Packard-Bell, is no longer in business.

Can I obtain a full version disk from Microsoft by giving them my registered
user information and key? If so, who do I contact? Can I download Windows
98 online perhaps?

Thank you for any advice you can render, otherwise I could go buy the Linux
OS for $50.00 at Staples.

Elliot

98SE is an awesome operating system imo and better than ME because ME makes
it more difficult to boot into true MS-DOS mode and is not compatible with
some of my old-school games. IMO, it is worth $50 but here is the
information that you requested anyway. The number to contact Microsoft is
(800) 936-5700 and I thank Brian A. greatly for giving me this number when I
needed Microsoft's help.

"El" wrote in message
...
: Hi,
:
: I reformatted my old computer to create more space and transfer boot
drives.
: I was running Windows ME on a Pentium 1 computer without a single problem,
: with the exception of drive space.
:
: I successfully reformatted both of my drives but now when I put my Windows
: ME upgrade disk in, my old computer is asking me for a Windows 98 Full
: Version disk as a qualifying product, but I have a Windows 98 Upgrade
: Version, not the full version. LOL. I have been a registered Windows user
: since 3.11 and have every single registration number and product key
: available to me, however, I upgraded that particular old computer from
: Windows 95 through Windows ME in upgrade steps.
:
: The computer actually begins and sets up the installation of Windows ME and
: is ready to go, it only wants the full version of Windows 98, which I do
not
: have. I even tried putting in my Full Version of Windows 95 that came with
: the computer, but it will not read the CD (probably because I upgraded the
: system Bios and my earlier "Emergency Disk" was created in Windows 98).
:
: The computer manufacturer, Packard-Bell, is no longer in business.
:
: Can I obtain a full version disk from Microsoft by giving them my
registered
: user information and key? If so, who do I contact? Can I download Windows
: 98 online perhaps?
:
: Thank you for any advice you can render, otherwise I could go buy the Linux
: OS for $50.00 at Staples.
:
: Elliot
:
:

"=?Utf-8?B?RWw=?=" wrote in
:

Hi,

I reformatted my old computer to create more space and transfer boot
drives.
I was running Windows ME on a Pentium 1 computer without a single
problem,
with the exception of drive space.

I successfully reformatted both of my drives but now when I put my
Windows ME upgrade disk in, my old computer is asking me for a Windows
98 Full Version disk as a qualifying product, but I have a Windows 98
Upgrade Version, not the full version. LOL. I have been a registered
Windows user since 3.11 and have every single registration number and
product key available to me, however, I upgraded that particular old
computer from Windows 95 through Windows ME in upgrade steps.

The computer actually begins and sets up the installation of Windows
ME and is ready to go, it only wants the full version of Windows 98,
which I do not have. I even tried putting in my Full Version of
Windows 95 that came with the computer, but it will not read the CD
(probably because I upgraded the system Bios and my earlier "Emergency
Disk" was created in Windows 98).

The computer manufacturer, Packard-Bell, is no longer in business.

Can I obtain a full version disk from Microsoft by giving them my
registered user information and key? If so, who do I contact? Can I
download Windows 98 online perhaps?

Thank you for any advice you can render, otherwise I could go buy the
Linux OS for $50.00 at Staples.

Elliot



It seems the only 'legal' way for you is installing W95, upgrade it to
W98, and upgrade it to WME.

But fortunately there's is an (illegal) way to let WME 'think' it's an
OEM version:

http://www.easydesksoftware.com/setuppp.htm

Did you try the Win98 Upgrade disk as proof of eligibility? It should
work. *If* it is truly a retail Upgrade version. Perhaps your CD problem
is more serious than you think?

Another thought--install Windows 98 and then upgrade. Consider copying
the contents (files only, not folders) of both your Win95 disk and your
Win98 disk to the HD. Even copy over the ME installation files. When
asked for proof of eligibility, you can browse to the appropriate folder
instead of accessing the CD. CDs will often copy just fine to HD, even
when the CD isn't reading well when directly accessed.

No, MS is not going to send you a Win98 installation CD.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"El" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I reformatted my old computer to create more space and transfer boot
drives.
I was running Windows ME on a Pentium 1 computer without a single
problem,
with the exception of drive space.

I successfully reformatted both of my drives but now when I put my
Windows
ME upgrade disk in, my old computer is asking me for a Windows 98 Full
Version disk as a qualifying product, but I have a Windows 98 Upgrade
Version, not the full version. LOL. I have been a registered Windows
user
since 3.11 and have every single registration number and product key
available to me, however, I upgraded that particular old computer from
Windows 95 through Windows ME in upgrade steps.

The computer actually begins and sets up the installation of Windows
ME and
is ready to go, it only wants the full version of Windows 98, which I
do not
have. I even tried putting in my Full Version of Windows 95 that came
with
the computer, but it will not read the CD (probably because I upgraded
the
system Bios and my earlier "Emergency Disk" was created in Windows
98).

The computer manufacturer, Packard-Bell, is no longer in business.

Can I obtain a full version disk from Microsoft by giving them my
registered
user information and key? If so, who do I contact? Can I download
Windows
98 online perhaps?

Thank you for any advice you can render, otherwise I could go buy the
Linux
OS for $50.00 at Staples.

Elliot

Wow, you certainly have guts or are not too bright if you are posting an
illegal fix to a problem on a Microsoft newsgroup, Ingeborg. I suggest you
add to the debate about piracy that is a large topic in the Windows XP
general newsgroup and share your thoughts there. I for one will stick with
legal software.

"Ingeborg" wrote in message
...
: "=?Utf-8?B?RWw=?=" wrote in
: :
:
: Hi,
:
: I reformatted my old computer to create more space and transfer boot
: drives.
: I was running Windows ME on a Pentium 1 computer without a single
: problem,
: with the exception of drive space.
:
: I successfully reformatted both of my drives but now when I put my
: Windows ME upgrade disk in, my old computer is asking me for a Windows
: 98 Full Version disk as a qualifying product, but I have a Windows 98
: Upgrade Version, not the full version. LOL. I have been a registered
: Windows user since 3.11 and have every single registration number and
: product key available to me, however, I upgraded that particular old
: computer from Windows 95 through Windows ME in upgrade steps.
:
: The computer actually begins and sets up the installation of Windows
: ME and is ready to go, it only wants the full version of Windows 98,
: which I do not have. I even tried putting in my Full Version of
: Windows 95 that came with the computer, but it will not read the CD
: (probably because I upgraded the system Bios and my earlier "Emergency
: Disk" was created in Windows 98).
:
: The computer manufacturer, Packard-Bell, is no longer in business.
:
: Can I obtain a full version disk from Microsoft by giving them my
: registered user information and key? If so, who do I contact? Can I
: download Windows 98 online perhaps?
:
: Thank you for any advice you can render, otherwise I could go buy the
: Linux OS for $50.00 at Staples.
:
: Elliot
:
:
:
: It seems the only 'legal' way for you is installing W95, upgrade it to
: W98, and upgrade it to WME.
:
: But fortunately there's is an (illegal) way to let WME 'think' it's an
: OEM version:
:
: http://www.easydesksoftware.com/setuppp.htm

Yes, Gary, my Windows 98 CD is an authentic retail CD with key, registered in
my name. I cannot install it directly because "it is not the full version,
only the upgrade version."

I am certain that Microsoft will send me a replacement CD when I read them
my product key, along with my name and address. They will understand why it
won't work with an OEM version. I had a problem with my Microsoft Office 4.2
disks many, many years back and all I did was read them the info. and I had a
set of 30 replacement disks in my hands in less than 10 days ... all for less
than $20.00.

Microsoft knows that people can get stuck through no fault of their own and
I have all of my key codes and serial numbers going back to Windows 95 to
present for that computer.

I am a legitimate customer who has been using a PC since the Tandy 1000EX
and the Wang. I'm not some cheap newbie trying to rip off Microsoft. :-(


"Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

Did you try the Win98 Upgrade disk as proof of eligibility? It should
work. *If* it is truly a retail Upgrade version. Perhaps your CD problem
is more serious than you think?

Another thought--install Windows 98 and then upgrade. Consider copying
the contents (files only, not folders) of both your Win95 disk and your
Win98 disk to the HD. Even copy over the ME installation files. When
asked for proof of eligibility, you can browse to the appropriate folder
instead of accessing the CD. CDs will often copy just fine to HD, even
when the CD isn't reading well when directly accessed.

No, MS is not going to send you a Win98 installation CD.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"El" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I reformatted my old computer to create more space and transfer boot
drives.
I was running Windows ME on a Pentium 1 computer without a single
problem,
with the exception of drive space.

I successfully reformatted both of my drives but now when I put my
Windows
ME upgrade disk in, my old computer is asking me for a Windows 98 Full
Version disk as a qualifying product, but I have a Windows 98 Upgrade
Version, not the full version. LOL. I have been a registered Windows
user
since 3.11 and have every single registration number and product key
available to me, however, I upgraded that particular old computer from
Windows 95 through Windows ME in upgrade steps.

The computer actually begins and sets up the installation of Windows
ME and
is ready to go, it only wants the full version of Windows 98, which I
do not
have. I even tried putting in my Full Version of Windows 95 that came
with
the computer, but it will not read the CD (probably because I upgraded
the
system Bios and my earlier "Emergency Disk" was created in Windows
98).

The computer manufacturer, Packard-Bell, is no longer in business.

Can I obtain a full version disk from Microsoft by giving them my
registered
user information and key? If so, who do I contact? Can I download
Windows
98 online perhaps?

Thank you for any advice you can render, otherwise I could go buy the
Linux
OS for $50.00 at Staples.

Elliot

THANKS DAN!!!! :-)

"Dan" wrote:

98SE is an awesome operating system imo and better than ME because ME makes
it more difficult to boot into true MS-DOS mode and is not compatible with
some of my old-school games. IMO, it is worth $50 but here is the
information that you requested anyway. The number to contact Microsoft is
(800) 936-5700 and I thank Brian A. greatly for giving me this number when I
needed Microsoft's help.

"El" wrote in message
...
: Hi,
:
: I reformatted my old computer to create more space and transfer boot
drives.
: I was running Windows ME on a Pentium 1 computer without a single problem,
: with the exception of drive space.
:
: I successfully reformatted both of my drives but now when I put my Windows
: ME upgrade disk in, my old computer is asking me for a Windows 98 Full
: Version disk as a qualifying product, but I have a Windows 98 Upgrade
: Version, not the full version. LOL. I have been a registered Windows user
: since 3.11 and have every single registration number and product key
: available to me, however, I upgraded that particular old computer from
: Windows 95 through Windows ME in upgrade steps.
:
: The computer actually begins and sets up the installation of Windows ME and
: is ready to go, it only wants the full version of Windows 98, which I do
not
: have. I even tried putting in my Full Version of Windows 95 that came with
: the computer, but it will not read the CD (probably because I upgraded the
: system Bios and my earlier "Emergency Disk" was created in Windows 98).
:
: The computer manufacturer, Packard-Bell, is no longer in business.
:
: Can I obtain a full version disk from Microsoft by giving them my
registered
: user information and key? If so, who do I contact? Can I download Windows
: 98 online perhaps?
:
: Thank you for any advice you can render, otherwise I could go buy the Linux
: OS for $50.00 at Staples.
:
: Elliot
:
:

You are most welcome, El. I am glad to be of some service to you and share
what knowledge that I have and that is mostly gained by the willingness of
others to share their experiences especially MVP's, also some through Windows
books and finally trial and error. :

"El" wrote in message
...
: THANKS DAN!!!! :-)
:
: "Dan" wrote:
:
: 98SE is an awesome operating system imo and better than ME because ME
makes
: it more difficult to boot into true MS-DOS mode and is not compatible
with
: some of my old-school games. IMO, it is worth $50 but here is the
: information that you requested anyway. The number to contact Microsoft
is
: (800) 936-5700 and I thank Brian A. greatly for giving me this number
when I
: needed Microsoft's help.
:
: "El" wrote in message
: ...
: : Hi,
: :
: : I reformatted my old computer to create more space and transfer boot
: drives.
: : I was running Windows ME on a Pentium 1 computer without a single
problem,
: : with the exception of drive space.
: :
: : I successfully reformatted both of my drives but now when I put my
Windows
: : ME upgrade disk in, my old computer is asking me for a Windows 98 Full
: : Version disk as a qualifying product, but I have a Windows 98 Upgrade
: : Version, not the full version. LOL. I have been a registered Windows
user
: : since 3.11 and have every single registration number and product key
: : available to me, however, I upgraded that particular old computer from
: : Windows 95 through Windows ME in upgrade steps.
: :
: : The computer actually begins and sets up the installation of Windows ME
and
: : is ready to go, it only wants the full version of Windows 98, which I
do
: not
: : have. I even tried putting in my Full Version of Windows 95 that came
with
: : the computer, but it will not read the CD (probably because I upgraded
the
: : system Bios and my earlier "Emergency Disk" was created in Windows 98).
: :
: : The computer manufacturer, Packard-Bell, is no longer in business.
: :
: : Can I obtain a full version disk from Microsoft by giving them my
: registered
: : user information and key? If so, who do I contact? Can I download
Windows
: : 98 online perhaps?
: :
: : Thank you for any advice you can render, otherwise I could go buy the
Linux
: : OS for $50.00 at Staples.
: :
: : Elliot
: :
: :
:
:
:

Well, thanks for sharing your story El and I am glad to know that you are not
an illegal user of Microsoft products. This is the kind of information that
needs to get out into the community more and hopefully help show people that
Microsoft is NOT the so-called "EVIL EMPIRE" or anything else. They have
been willing to help me on numerous times with my products and although
sometimes it has been difficult for a few of their employees to understand my
needs as in the case of my soundblaster audigy fix -- once they understand my
need (I do have trouble communicating it sometimes) then Microsoft has been
very understanding and willing to help me, although their wait times can seem
forever sometimes.

"El" wrote in message
...
: Yes, Gary, my Windows 98 CD is an authentic retail CD with key, registered
in
: my name. I cannot install it directly because "it is not the full version,
: only the upgrade version."
:
: I am certain that Microsoft will send me a replacement CD when I read them
: my product key, along with my name and address. They will understand why
it
: won't work with an OEM version. I had a problem with my Microsoft Office
4.2
: disks many, many years back and all I did was read them the info. and I had
a
: set of 30 replacement disks in my hands in less than 10 days ... all for
less
: than $20.00.
:
: Microsoft knows that people can get stuck through no fault of their own and
: I have all of my key codes and serial numbers going back to Windows 95 to
: present for that computer.
:
: I am a legitimate customer who has been using a PC since the Tandy 1000EX
: and the Wang. I'm not some cheap newbie trying to rip off Microsoft. :-(
:
:
: "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:
:
: Did you try the Win98 Upgrade disk as proof of eligibility? It should
: work. *If* it is truly a retail Upgrade version. Perhaps your CD problem
: is more serious than you think?
:
: Another thought--install Windows 98 and then upgrade. Consider copying
: the contents (files only, not folders) of both your Win95 disk and your
: Win98 disk to the HD. Even copy over the ME installation files. When
: asked for proof of eligibility, you can browse to the appropriate folder
: instead of accessing the CD. CDs will often copy just fine to HD, even
: when the CD isn't reading well when directly accessed.
:
: No, MS is not going to send you a Win98 installation CD.
:
: --
: Gary S. Terhune
: MS MVP Shell/User
:
: "El" wrote in message
: ...
: Hi,
:
: I reformatted my old computer to create more space and transfer boot
: drives.
: I was running Windows ME on a Pentium 1 computer without a single
: problem,
: with the exception of drive space.
:
: I successfully reformatted both of my drives but now when I put my
: Windows
: ME upgrade disk in, my old computer is asking me for a Windows 98 Full
: Version disk as a qualifying product, but I have a Windows 98 Upgrade
: Version, not the full version. LOL. I have been a registered Windows
: user
: since 3.11 and have every single registration number and product key
: available to me, however, I upgraded that particular old computer from
: Windows 95 through Windows ME in upgrade steps.
:
: The computer actually begins and sets up the installation of Windows
: ME and
: is ready to go, it only wants the full version of Windows 98, which I
: do not
: have. I even tried putting in my Full Version of Windows 95 that came
: with
: the computer, but it will not read the CD (probably because I upgraded
: the
: system Bios and my earlier "Emergency Disk" was created in Windows
: 98).
:
: The computer manufacturer, Packard-Bell, is no longer in business.
:
: Can I obtain a full version disk from Microsoft by giving them my
: registered
: user information and key? If so, who do I contact? Can I download
: Windows
: 98 online perhaps?
:
: Thank you for any advice you can render, otherwise I could go buy the
: Linux
: OS for $50.00 at Staples.
:
: Elliot
:
:
:
:

"El" wrote in message
...
Yes, Gary, my Windows 98 CD is an authentic retail CD with key,
registered in
my name. I cannot install it directly because "it is not the full
version,
only the upgrade version."

I wasn't questioning the authenticity of your request or your disks, El.
I was thinking of other possible versions that you might have. But after
posting, I realized that the ones I was thinking of were Win98SE
versions. However, if you have an Upgrade Windows 98, you can install
that with Win95 as your eligibility, then install ME Upgrade. I *still*
say that the Win98 Upgrade should work as eligibility for ME Upgrade.
Which is why I suggested copying the files to your hard drive--it may
simply be that between the age of the disk and the age of the CD drive,
it's not reading well. Upgrade eligibility has never, to my knowledge,
required that the eligible disk be a Full version.

I am certain that Microsoft will send me a replacement CD when I read
them
my product key, along with my name and address. They will understand
why it
won't work with an OEM version. I had a problem with my Microsoft
Office 4.2
disks many, many years back and all I did was read them the info. and
I had a
set of 30 replacement disks in my hands in less than 10 days ... all
for less
than $20.00.

What was once true isn't necessarily true today. However, I understood
you to be asking for a Full version of Win98. I understood you to be
saying that your problem is that the ME setup won't accept an Upgrade CD
as proof of eligibility. All MS will do is replace media with like
media. They aren't going to give you a Full version to replace your
Upgrade version. I'm not even sure they will replace anything at all.
Those versions are simply no longer supported.

Microsoft knows that people can get stuck through no fault of their
own and
I have all of my key codes and serial numbers going back to Windows 95
to
present for that computer.

I am a legitimate customer who has been using a PC since the Tandy
1000EX
and the Wang. I'm not some cheap newbie trying to rip off Microsoft.
:-(

Again, I don't now, nor did I ever, doubt your veracity. I'm just trying
to tell you how it is. I'm *still* not clear as to what your real
problem is. It sounds more like a problem with the CD drive than
anything else, and I was suggesting possible solutions to that issue.
Copying the installation folders to the hard drive. But so I'm clear:
You have Upgrade versions of Windows ME and Windows 98 (First Edition.)
You also have either a full or an upgrade version of Windows 95--on CD,
right? Your goal is to install ME with the least amount of overhead.
True?

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User