How to install Windows 98 SE
Sean-e and one other contributor
Last updated on Aug 27, 2025
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Community-Contributed Guide
An awesome member of our community made this guide. It was not created by iFixit staff.
Introduction
Go to step 1 ↓This guide will walk you through the process of installing Windows 98 Second Edition.
Make sure the computer you are installing Win98 on has 1 GB of RAM or less.
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At the first screen, choose "Boot from CD-ROM", then "Start Windows 98 Setup from CD-ROM"
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Wait for Setup to initialize
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When prompted, configure unallocated disk space and, if your drive is over 512MB, enable large disk support
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Press ENTER to reboot.
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Preform the same inputs as you did the first time and wait for Windows 98 to format the disk.
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Once you get to the Welcome screen, press Continue.
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Wait for Setup to initialize.
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On the next screen, choose what you want the Windows directory to be. If you're unsure, leave it at the default C:\Windows.
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On the next screen, choose the components you want installed. If you want to customize per component, choose Custom.
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On the next screen, enter your computer name, workgroup name, and a description for your computer. If you're unsure on any of these, leave them at their defaults.
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Choose your region, click "Next", and wait for Windows 98 to reboot.
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If you still have the CD inserted, press "Boot from Hard Disk". Otherwise, Windows 98 should boot automatically.
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Next, enter your name and your organization's name.
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On the next screens, accept the EULA and enter your product key.
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Lastly, press Finish and wait for Windows 98 to complete installation.
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At the user login screen, enter your username and password. Since this is the first login, Windows 98 will have you confirm your password.
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Explorer should load after this. If it doesn't, you may need to reinstall.
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