1. Introduction
2. System requirements
3. Recommended software
4. Virtual Machine settings
5. Required command
6. Installation sequence
7. File Associations
8. Usability tips
9. VirtualBox 5.1.x
10. Useful websites
11. Other driver options
12. Other virtualization options
1. Introduction
There are quite a few guides out there on how to install Windows 98se in VirtualBox, this one differs in the following ways:
- Level of detail - for instance this guide takes you step by step through installing the video driver, the other guides I've seen only give a general outline
- Installed software - once you finish you will have a fully updated system with a basic software loadout and some important runtimes
2. System requirements
VirtualBox 4.3.40 plus extension pack, not v5.1.x
Host CPU must be capable of and have hardware virtualization enabled (VT-x/AMD-V)
Guest Base and Video memory allocations are quite generous and can be cut in half if desired
The install has been tested in Windows and Linux (obviously not all versions thereof) but not OSX
3. Recommended software
Note on colour codes shown below (en-GB versions of Firefox and Open Office in archives and torent):
@ means that the file is available in the small patches archive and as a part of the torent
# means that the file is available in the medium patches archive and as a part of the torent
% means that the file is available in the slow (4KB/s) torent
Create a CD image file containing the following software (size given includes dependencies):
@ The extracted config and batch files from this post's attachment
Win98se_Config_Files.7z- SHA-1: 0E34B9835042B705771EF7F95092DA47A18C0D38
- (1.75 KiB) Downloaded 10689 times
% Auto-Patcher December 2007 Full 331MB - MSFN topic
% Auto-Patcher December 2008 Upgrade - download
@ sdd-win-7.0.0.340-beta.exe 11MB - SciTech Display Doctor
@ KernelEx-4.5.2.exe - compatibility layer to run XP programs
@ GDIplus.dll - 5.1.3102.5581, needed by SumatraPDF and some other applications
@ flashplayer10_3r183_90_winax.exe 3MB - Flash for IE, extracted from fp_10.3.183.90_archive.zip, last version to work
@ msxml4-KB2758694-enu.exe 2MB - Microsoft XML 4.0 SP3, extract msxml.msi and save that to the CD
@ vcredist_x86.exe 3MB - Visual C++ 2005 SP1 KB2538242
# dotnetfx.exe 55MB - .Net Framework 1.1 RtM
@ NDP1.1sp1-KB867460-X86.exe - SP1 for .Net 1.1
@ NDP1.1sp1-KB971108-X86.exe - .Net hotfix
# NDP1.1sp1-KB2833941-X86.exe - .Net hotfix
@ 7z920.msi 1MB - 7-Zip file archiver, make sure you get the .msi version
# Firefox Setup 10.0.12esr.exe 19MB - a bit twitchy, last version to work
@ install_flash_player_32bit.exe - 11.1.102.63, last version to work
@ PlainOldFavorites_1.3.1.xpi - needed to create bookmarks
# jre-6u22-windows-i586.exe 15MB - Java runtime environment, last version to work
% Open Office 3.2.1 - United States - Great Britain - Other 127MB - needs Java, last version to work
@ SumatraPDF-2.2.1-install.exe 6MB - last version to work
@ Any old .pdf file to register the file association
# klmcodec345.exe 26MB - K-Lite Mega Codec Pack, last version to work
@ quicktimealt156.exe QuickTime Alternative, last version to work
4. Virtual Machine settings
Create a new virtual machine named "Win 98se" with (preferred but optional) 512MB of RAM and an 8GB or larger hard drive (fixed size drives are usually faster) then adjust the VM settings to match as closely as possible the list given below. The changes from default settings are in bold, if an item is mentioned then its matching box is ticked.
- General
- Basic
- Name: Win 98se
- Type: Microsoft Windows
- Version: Windows 98
- Advanced
- Snapshot Folder: Default Setting
- Shared Clipboard: Disabled
- Drag'n'Drop: Disabled
- Removeable Media: Remember Runtime Changes
- Mini Toolbar: Show in Fullscreen/Seamless & Show at Top of Screen
- Basic
- System
- Motherboard
- Base Memory: 512MB
- Boot Order: CD/DVD then Hard Disk
- Chipset: PIIX3
- Pointing Device: USB Tablet
- Extended Features: Enable I/O APIC (only)
- Processor
- Processor(s): 1 CPU
- Execution Cap: 100%
- Extended Features: Enable PAE/NX
- Acceleration
- Hardware Virtualization: Enable VT-x/AMD-V & Enable Nested Paging
- Motherboard
- Display
- Video
- Video Memory: 64MB
- Monitor Count: 1
- Extended Features: Enable 3D Acceleration & Enable 2D Video Acceleration
- Remote Display
- Not Enabled
- Video Capture
- Not Enabled
- Video
- Storage
- Floppy Controller
- Type: I82078 - Use Host I/O Cache
- Floppy Drive: Floppy Device 0
- IDE Controller
- Type: PIIX4 - Use Host I/O Cache
- Win98se.vdi - 8+ GB Fixed
- Hard Disk: IDE Primary Master
- Win98se Install CD
- CD/DVD Drive: IDE Secondary Master
- Win98se Updates CD
- CD/DVD Drive: IDE Secondary Slave
- Floppy Controller
- Audio
- Enable Audio
- Host Audio Driver: Windows DirectSound or Linux equivalent
- Audio Controller: SoundBlaster 16
- Enable Audio
- Network
- Adapter 1
- Enable Network Adapter
- Attached to: Bridged Adapter
- Name: {system specific}
- Adapter Type: PCnet-PCI II (Am79C970A)
- Promiscuous Mode: Deny
- MAC Address: {randomly generated}
- Cable Connected
- Adapters 2-4
- Not Enabled
- Adapter 1
- Serial Ports
- Ports 1-2
- Not Enabled
- Ports 1-2
- USB
- Enable USB Controller
- Enable 2.0 (EHCI) USB Controller
- Enable USB Controller
- Shared Folders
- Machine Folders
5. Required command
After creating your virtual machine and applying all the settings but before starting it up exit VirtualBox and run the following terminal command in the same user account, it does not require admin privileges (replace "Win 98se" with the name of your virtual machine if you changed it).
Windows
- Code: Select all Expand viewCollapse view
"%ProgramFiles%\Oracle\VirtualBox\VBoxManage.exe" setextradata "Win 98se" VBoxInternal/USB/HidMouse/0/Config/CoordShift 0
Linux & OSX
- Code: Select all Expand viewCollapse view
VBoxManage setextradata "Win 98se" VBoxInternal/USB/HidMouse/0/Config/CoordShift 0
You are now ready to start the installation
6. Installation sequence
As Windows 98se can be more than a bit unstable I recommend saving your image at various points, just chose to "restart later" and shutdown instead of restarting then take a snapshot of the virtual hard drive before proceeding.
I've given the time taken for some processes on my system (with the AntiVirus turned off) if you want to take a break while they run, optional steps are described in green.
Start Windows 98 Setup and configure the hard drive (enable large disk support)
Start computer with CD-ROM support then enter the following commands
- D:
- CD Win98
- Format C: /V:Win98se
- Setup /p j (there is a space between /p and j)
Setup will hang on the first reboot after entering the license code, just force a restart
Setup will BSoD on the second reboot, press any key to continue
Switch to Windows Logon (Network Neighborhood >> Properties >> Configuration) - save point 1
Set Virtual Memory to 1GB (My Computer >> Properties >> Performance)
Auto-Patcher December 2007 Full (install only)
Auto-Patcher December 2008 Upgrade (install and run)
Enter the following key sequence - M N U 5 1 3 7 B P S I I - 35 minutes
sdd-win-7.0.0.340-beta.exe (SciTech Display Doctor)
- Install and reboot - save point 2
- Register and reboot
- Choose Monitor Model - (Standard monitor types) - Super VGA 1600x1200
- Click Display Driver then change Active Driver to SciTech Nucleus Driver and reboot
- Change Display Properties - Settings to 256 Colors - 1024 by 768 pixels and reboot
- Windows will hang on startup, force a restart in normal mode
- Change Display Settings to True Color (32 bit) and either 1152x864 or 1280x1024 pixels
- Run the Optimize Wizard - Keep Current Mode - Continue Without Centering
- Run MSconfig and disable "Check for SDD updates" on the Startup tab and reboot - save point 3
Network Setup Wizard (Accessories >> System Tools, cable must be connected, keep files x3)
Internet Connection Wizard (Accessories >> Communications, connect via LAN)
Lock down Internet zones (Internet & Restricted to High, others to Medium)
KernelEx-4.5.2.exe (compatibility layer to run XP programs)- save point 4
Run1X.bat (& Run2X.bat) where X is your CD drive - installs the following, reboots on completion - 10 minutes
- Copy GDIplus.dll (5.1.3102.5581) to C:\Windows
- flashplayer10_3r183_90_winax.exe (flash player for I.E.)
- msxml.msi (MSXML 4.0 SP3 - extracted from msxml4-KB2758694-enu.exe)
- vcredist_x86.exe (Visual C++ 2005 SP1 KB2538242)
- dotnetfx.exe (.NET Framework 1.1 RtM)
- NDP1.1sp1-KB867460-X86.exe (Service Pack 1)
- NDP1.1sp1-KB971108-X86.exe (hotfix)
- NDP1.1sp1-KB2833941-X86.exe (hotfix)
- reboot and autostart Run2X.bat
- extract OOo_3.2.1_Win_x86_install_en-**.exe (Open Office)
- 7z920.msi (7-Zip file archiver)
- Firefox Setup 10.0.12esr.exe (KernelEx - XP SP2)
- install_flash_player_32bit.exe (flash player for Firefox)
- jre-6u22-windows-i586.exe (Java Runtime Enviroment)
- install openofficeorg32.msi
- SumatraPDF-2.2.1-install.exe
- klmcodec345.exe (K-Lite Mega Codec)
- quicktimealt156.exe (QuickTime Alternative)
- Set Firefox as the default web browser
Restart Firefox three times to enable Plain Old Favourites
Open a .pdf file in Windows Explorer and link it to C:\SumatraPDF\SumatraPDF.exe
DeFrag & Error Check
All done
7. File Associations
To register the file associations:
- 7-Zip - Open 7-Zip and it's under Tools >> Options >> System (clear the email options on the 7-Zip tab)
- K-Lite Mega Codec - Open Media Player Classic and it's under View >> Options >> Player >> Formats
- SumatraPDF - Open a .pdf file in Windows Explorer and link it to C:\SumatraPDF\SumatraPDF.exe
- Open Office - The easiest reset method is to uninstall Open Office, reboot and then reinstall Open Office with the command
- Code: Select all Expand viewCollapse view
C:\Windows\System\msiexec.exe /I C:\OpenOffice3\openofficeorg32.msi REGISTER_ALL_MSO_TYPES=1 /Qb
- Code: Select all Expand viewCollapse view
"C:\Program Files\OpenOffice.org 3\program\swriter.exe" -o "%1"
"C:\Program Files\OpenOffice.org 3\program\scalc.exe" -o "%1"
"C:\Program Files\OpenOffice.org 3\program\simpress.exe" -o "%1"
"C:\Program Files\OpenOffice.org 3\program\sbase.exe" -o "%1"
"C:\Program Files\OpenOffice.org 3\program\smath.exe" -o "%1"
"C:\Program Files\OpenOffice.org 3\program\sdraw.exe" -o "%1"
8. Usability tips
Some games can have trouble with the mouse, if so try turning mouse integration off
Some games require that the install CD be in the drive, if so connect to a physical (or advanced virtual - Windows, Linux) drive and enable passthrough
You don't have the ability to switch to a true full screen mode so you will have to adjust the host's resolution to close to that of the guest
The supported modes are 640x480 800x600 1024x768 1152x864 1280x1024 1600x1200
Try to match the vertical resolution as closely as possible while maintaining your monitor's aspect ratio, full screen mode will save you about 120 pixels
9. VirtualBox 5.1.x
Once Windows 98se is installed you can "upgrade" VirtualBox to version 5.1.2 or later. It has been reported (but not confirmed) that the problems with installing Win98se in VirtualBox 5.1.x only apply to hosts with Intel Haswell (i*-5****) or later CPUs, if you have an earlier model CPU you can try using VB 5.1.x for installation, no guarantees though.
10. Useful websites
KernelEx wiki (application compatibility database)
Auto-Patcher MSFN topic
Main install guide used
11. Other driver options AKA wet bear (all in the small patches archive)
The "Setup /p j" command is used to force ACPI support (item 1) on installation, the other method commonly used is to install Rain 2.0, that should not be necessary in this case but if you are getting 100% CPU load from the VM even when it is sitting idle you could try it
SciTech Display Doctor was released for free (item 2) when the company went out of business, but if you don't feel comfortable using it or want to try something different you can install the Bear Universal VESA/VBE Video Display Driver using the one in the VBE9X\UNI folder (install tips)
You can use the Intel PRO/1000 MT Desktop (82540EM) network adapter as drivers are available, however it won't increase your network speed as VirtualBox will push data through the virtual interface at the highest speed your physical network will support, also don't change to it until after you've run the Network Setup Wizard
To use AC97 audio download the Realtek AC97 Windows 95 driver (not the 98se one) then extract it and use the device manager to install it
12. Other virtualization options
There are two other free virtualization options available, however VirtualBox with SciTech has better graphics performance for gaming
In both cases install the VM drivers after running the Auto-Patcher (at the same point you'd install SciTech on VirtualBox)
If you are using Microsoft Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit) or earlier you can use MS Virtual PC 2007 which has full VM driver support for Windows 98se
If you also want access to Windows XP mode (only available in Windows 7 Professional & Ultimate) you will have to use some tricks to get both working
MS Virtual PC 2007 emulates a 1995 vintage 4MB 2D S3 Trio32/64 PCI (732/764) graphics adapter
Install MS Virtual PC 2007 in the following order
If you are using Microsoft Windows 7 (64 bit only) or later or a current 64 bit version of Linux you can use VMware Player 12
VMware Player uses a custom SVGA implementation but it lacks acceleration, also the VM driver installation is buggy
Install VMware drivers in the following order
- Install VMware Tools (Player >> Manage), the mouse driver will fail
- Manually install the PS/2 mouse driver via the device manager, inf file at "C:\Program Files\VMware\VMware Tools\Drivers\mouse"
- Install the audio driver
