Independent Developer Releases Win98 SE Service Pack

Information Week Security Pipeline (via Slashdot) ^ | April 27, 2004 | unk

[Eala]

A service pack for Windows 98 Second Edition has been released. Big deal, right? It is if it doesn't come from Microsoft.

Last Friday, Windows enthusiast Alper Coskun posted something he dubbed "Service Pack 1.5" for Windows 98 SE on his Web site.

Although clearly labeled as "Unofficial," the Service Pack uses updates and hot fixes Coskun collected from the Windows Update service site and Microsoft's Knowledge Base database.

The service pack includes 70 hot fixes, a solution to the 512MB memory limit of Windows 98 SE, and better USB support, claimed Coskun on his Web site.

The self-extracting, self-installing pack only includes updates to the operating system, not fixes for such bundled software such as Internet Explorer or Media Player.

Although Microsoft produced a Service Pack for Windows 98 in 1999, it never rolled out one for Second Edition.

Coskun's site even has a legal disclaimer at the bottom of the page whose fine print reads: "This software is provided 'as-is,' without any express or implied warranty."

Microsoft doesn't seem to have a problem with Coskun's not-from-Redmond creation. When contacted, a spokesperson only said, "Microsoft does not have a comment on this specific site; however, the company urges its customers to obtain Microsoft downloads directly from Microsoft. Microsoft cannot vouch for the validity or quality of download packages offered by third parties not sanctioned by Microsoft."

Windows 98 SE is in what Microsoft calls the "extended" part of its support lifecycle. That means that free tech support and hot fixes for non-critical issues have expired (as of June 30, 2003). However, critical security updates will continue to be posted as necessary through June 30, 2006.

For those willing to take the third-party plunge, Coskun's service pack can be downloaded from here.

Coskun, a widely published freeware developer, did not respond to an e-mail query.

[PackerBoy]

Um, I'm running Windows XP now. Does this affect me at all?

[martin_fierro]

Wasn't TweakUI also independently developed?

[Sunshine55]

Downloading it now. I'll let you know.

[hole_n_one]

[Future Snake Eater]

Um, I'm running Windows XP now. Does this affect me at all?

Nope. Totally different kernel.

[magslinger]

Ping me,please.

[GaltMeister]

I own a computer repair shop - it still kinda amazes me the number of folks still running 98. I even have some ask me to 'downgrade' their windows ME to Win 98 because ME can be so flaky.

[hole_n_one]

Downloading it now. I'll let you know.......

[NewRomeTacitus]

I despise Microsoft's cheesy tactics to force people to upgrade to newer operating systems. Especially vile is having to install "fixes" for service packs that open up further problems. I hope this fellow's solution extends the service life of 98 for the sake of the people who can't easily afford upgrading.

[hole_n_one]

MY OS is Win98 SE and it runs as smooth as moose cheese.

[Steely Tom]

I've been running '98 since, hmmm. Let me see...

2000?

(steely)

[GaltMeister]

MY OS is Win98 SE and it runs as smooth as moose cheese.

Here as well - I have 98SE on the 3 main computers at the store. They work good, and it is a risk for me to update them, I don't have downtime enough to troubleshoot the 'issues' that inevitably pop up. Especially on a production machine my company relies on! When I update the hardware, I will update the OS. FAllback, dontchaknow.

[SC DOC]

WINDOWS RG

[lelio]

I own a computer repair shop - it still kinda amazes me the number of folks still running 98.

I've been in situations where people are still running Windows 95 as the proprietary Word 95 plugin for their Content Management system bought years ago only ran on that one and they don't want to shell out $500k to get the new one.

I know a couple of people with Win 98 on their old laptops as they just use it to check email and do the occasional spreadsheet. No real need to get a faster computer and something like XP, if it installed at all on the old hardware, would slow down the already crawling along at a snail's pace laptop.

[apackof2]

Ping me

[hole_n_one]

lol!

[Mr. K]

What is TweakUI and what is your experience using it? Is it good? Where is it available?
Thanks

[LibKill]

I was having this problem this weekend. Drove me nuts.

I'm going to try it, I'll let you know how it works.

XP is OK, but 98 is more controllable and user configurable.

[TechJunkYard]

For those willing to take the third-party plunge, Coskun's service pack can be downloaded from here.
Coskun, a widely published freeware developer, did not respond to an e-mail query.

Seems like a good way to back-door some W98SE systems.