Windows 98 Drivers

Working with Windows 98 drivers

If you are still running Windows 98, you may have issues with hardware and Windows 98 drivers. Microsoft ended support for both versions of Windows 98 in July 2006. This means that Microsoft no longer provides security updates nor are they providing incident support options.

However, you're not out of luck as far as updating your Windows 98 drivers is concerned. Granted, you won't be able to get automatic Windows updates, but you can download Windows 98 drivers that currently exist. Microsoft continues to list the Windows 98 Solution Center in the Help and Support area of the Microsoft.com Web site. You won't find updated information but you will find tons of information relating to your operating system. In addition, Microsoft's Knowledge Base is loaded with articles and help for a variety of issues including those surrounding Windows 98 drivers. Many of these Solution Center and Knowledge Base articles contain links pointing you to Windows 98 drivers addressing your current problem.

Instances where you may need to update Windows 98 drivers

For example, one of the pages in the Windows 98 Solution Center lists CD-ROM drives that require “Real Mode” drivers. If your CD-ROM drive isn't recognized by Windows 98, you may need these particular Windows 98 drivers. Using the Solution Center as a starting point will help you to find the appropriate Windows 98 drivers for your particular device.

Another situation where you might need Windows 98 drivers involves your USB ports. USB support has improved over the years and was handled in the Windows 98 operating system fairly well. However, your existing devices may not provide compatible drivers with your USB hardware purchase. When this happens, you may need to download the older driver from the manufacturer's website or you may have to download generic Windows 98 drivers.

When you buy new hardware for your Windows 98 machine, you may also find that the manufacturer doesn't offer Windows 98 drivers. Instead, the hardware may be designed for Windows XP and above.

Updating your Windows 98 drivers manually

When updating your Windows 98 drivers, it's important to note that Windows 98 came in two different versions, Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE (Second Edition). Each version requires different Windows 98 drivers. Make sure that you know which edition you are running before you apply the wrong drivers. Whenever you download a Windows 98 driver, you will need to be sure to specific which version you have if given a choice. This is because device drivers are specific to the operating system that they are installed on. Installing a Vista driver on a machine running Windows 98 simply won't work.

To figure out which version you have, go to My Computer and right-click it. Choose Properties. Now, go to the General tab and look for the version number. Version 4.10.1998 is the first edition while Version 4.10.222 is Windows 98 SE. If you have Windows 98 SE, it will also say “Second Edition” in the display.

As Windows 98 becomes less common, manufacturers will phase out support for this operating system. Occasionally, Windows 98 drivers must be downloaded separately from the manufacturer of the device or searched for at the Microsoft Web site.

The faster way to manage and update all your device Windows 98 drivers

If you're looking for a better way to manage your Windows 98 drivers, consider using DriverCure This product will examine your computer and identify all of the necessary details surrounding your hardware and operating system. Then, it will actively and regularly seek updated Windows 98 drivers for your system. By having a tool such as DriverCure on your side, you may be able to enjoy your Windows 98 machine for a few more years.

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Windows 98 Drivers

Working with Windows 98 drivers

Instances where you may need to update Windows 98 drivers

Updating your Windows 98 drivers manually

The faster way to manage and update all your device Windows 98 drivers