All articles tagged with #windows 98
A Hackaday retrospective tests Windows 98 SE on a Dell Dimension 2100 in 2026, finding it workable for basic office tasks and some 2000s-era software, but modern internet use is painful due to TLS and browser support, often requiring proxies or plugins; gaming is limited to era-appropriate titles; overall, it's a nostalgic curiosity rather than a viable daily driver.
YouTuber MattKC successfully ported the .NET Framework back to Windows 95, enabling the running of thousands of apps originally designed for Windows 98. This involved overcoming numerous technical challenges, including missing DLL files, registry key requirements, and compatibility issues. After extensive debugging and manual coding, MattKC achieved compatibility for apps like Lego Island and a custom screenshot function on Windows 95, showcasing his determination and technical prowess.
A new independent project called "Windows Update Restored" is hosting lightly modified versions of old Windows Update sites and the update files themselves, allowing fresh installs of Windows 95, 98, and NT 4.0 to grab years' worth of fixes that aren't present on old install CDs and disks. The project supports Internet Explorer 5 and offers download links for it. However, it's important to note that even with a functioning update site, these old operating systems are not safe to use on the modern Internet, as updates for them stopped years ago. They are best used for non-Internet-connected activities.