Product Key Of Windows 98 And How To Install It?

Microsoft Windows 98 is an operating system designed for commercial purposes. It was released as part of the Windows 9x series. It is the second most prominent release of the Windows 9x operating system series. It was finally released to the general public on June 25, 1998, after going into production on May 15, 1998. Basically, Windows 98 is the follow-up to Windows 96. Like its previous version, Windows 98 is a hybrid 32-bit and 16-bit monolithic device with an MS-DOS boot stage. Windows 98 2nd Edition was released on May 5 in the year 1999, while Windows Me was released on September 14, 2000.

Why choose Windows 98?

Windows 98 is DOS friendly, it can run certain old apps that cannot be replaced and do not work properly on newer systems, it is less trustworthy than newer alternatives and has different security vulnerabilities, and it includes a set of tools that adapt to the new interface.

Windows98 has fully integrated the Internet standard, enabling users to find information and explore the internet more conveniently and fast. It provides faster performance and more dependability. Users will have more free time to concentrate on work or gaming instead of system management thanks to the brand new self-maintenance and updating feature. When compared to Windows 95, Windows 98 represents a major improvement. It is easy to install; when you install Windows98, the system will walk you through the installation process and assess all common devices such as a modem, CD-ROM driver, audio card, and printer, among others.

Following are a few identifying features of Windows 98:

Windows 98 recognized the necessity for security and, as a result, it offered sophisticated protection for critical data on the machine.
Windows 98 was capable of converting the disk to FAT32 without losing any data.
The Internet Explorer browser was initially included in the Windows 98 operating system.
Because of the updated Windows 98 OS, one may personalize the desktop to seem like the internet.

What Is A Product Key?

A product key is a unique code of a specific length needed for the installation of various software products. They allow software producers to confirm that every copy of their product was acquired legally. Similarly, users can use the advanced features of Windows 98 by using the product key.

The bulk of software, including numerous operating systems and packages from the most prominent software companies, need product keys. When you purchase software, it nearly always requires an ultimate product key during installation. It’s a code of 25-characters that is required to initiate Windows and make sure it’s not installed on more systems other than MS Software License Terms authorizes.

Windows 98 Product Keys

QCWJD-F94YQ-KWQXX-M48M3-MCFQW
WTY8X-CQP24-MX9TD-GBBD9-JKCXP
UK DKJQY-TMJGF-BYYPQ-Q2HB7-W2K3V
K4HVD-Q9TJ9-6CRX9-C9G68-RQ2D3
W7XTC-2YWFB-K6BPT-GMHMV-B6FDY
QMPMF-23D8R-83GV6-MMR3C-BQ7C3
HQ6K2-QPC42-3HWDM-BF4KJ-W4XWJ
JHD22-PY6C8-GGTJC-HYYWT-TF7MY
J3R3W-VBVDF-2496X-46TQB-HH8BY
TR9TQ-F4JRW-FXM4G-3H7V2-FH4J6
T7FCQ-XTD3Q-YY6QD-TGYJQ-7BPJJ
HQ88R-P7JWC-4FYHY-DK6MV-HT3CD
XQY3P-8MMD2-JC6M2-HJDYW-P6H7B,
BBH2G-D2VK9-QD4M9-F63XB-43C33
MKMXV-CDQGH-98HCX-3HM2C-G3T7B,

Another method to Install Windows 98

Now that you have a product key, how can you use it to install the windows on your PC and use it for free? Here are the steps on how to install windows 98 on a PC/ laptop:

Prepare your system for the installation of the Windows 98 operating system. Select “Boot from CD-ROM” and then press “Enter.”
The user should choose “Start Windows 98 setup from CD-ROM.” Then hit the “Enter” key.
Highlight “Configure unallocated disk space (recommended)” and then click “Enter.”
It must be decided whether or not to allow huge disk support. Then hit the “Enter” key. Select “Boot from CD-ROM” and then press “Enter.”
Highlight “Start Windows 98 setup from CD-ROM” and then hit “Enter.” Once again, hit “Enter.”
Then press the “Continue” button. The choice should be taken whether or not to install Windows 98 on the PC. If so, proceed by clicking “Next.” Setup choices must be selected. It is necessary to choose installation components.
The PC should be given a name and a Workgroup before clicking “Next.”After selecting a country from the drop-down menu, click “Next.” Click “Next” one more. Start the computer again. “Boot from Hard Disk” should be highlighted, followed by “Enter.”
Enter the user’s name and the company’s name, then click “Next.” Accept the agreement and then press the “Next” button.
Enter the precise product key and then click “Next.” Click the “Finish” button. “Boot from Hard Disk” should be highlighted, followed by “Enter.”
After you’ve finished configuring the Date/Time Properties, click “Close.” Start the computer again. “Boot from Hard Disk” should be highlighted, followed by “Enter.” Click the “OK” button. This brings the Windows 98 installation procedure to a close.

If the method mentioned above is not working, here is another method to try:

To start the Windows installation process, initially and foremost, ensure that your CD-ROM Drive is configured to be the first boot device in your system BIOS.
To choose option 2 from the Microsoft Windows 98 CD-ROM Startup Menu, use the arrow keys or just type the number 2 on the keyboard, then press enter.
The Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu will now display; choose option 2 using the arrow keys or by clicking the number 2 key on the keyboard, then press enter and continue till you reach a Dos Prompt.
Enter “D:” if you aren’t already at the CD-Rom prompt (that is assuming your CD-Rom letter is D:). Enter “CD WIN98” to validate your location; if the directory changes, you’re in the proper spot; otherwise, try “E:” and continue the procedure until you reach the Win98 folder. If you’re reinstalling Windows 98, type “FORMAT C:” at the command prompt.
When you’re sure you have nothing to lose, press “Y” and enter to continue with Format. Now, enter “MD C: WIN98” and hit Enter. Then, using the enter key, type “COPY *.* C: WIN98”. Now enter “C: WIN98”. Finally, enter “Setup” this will lead to Windows 98 starting installation. And since the Windows 98 CD is no longer necessary, it should be removed. To continue, click Enter or F3 to leave.
Setup will now run checks on your computer; press Enter to proceed. Scandisk will then begin; you may choose to wait for it to finish or tweak it. Setup will now transmit the necessary installation files. Setup has now begun, and the mouse should be active; click Continue to proceed. Exit Setup if you change your mind. If you are not using the mouse, use the “ENTER” key on the keyboard.
After waiting for a few minutes for the process to complete, go to the spot where you want Windows to be installed. By default, C: Windows will be selected. It is possible to modify this, but it is not recommended. To continue, click Next. Setup is currently preparing the directory; please be patient as this process may take some time. Setup is now looking for available disk space.
What precisely are you looking to install? Typical, we like the default configuration. So, to continue, click Next. Windows components that must be installed will now be shown. Leave the default options alone and press the Next button.
If a network card is discovered, the following message will appear. Fill in the blanks, then press the Next button. Now go to your country settings, make your choices, and then click Next. Windows will now begin the data copying process, which may take some time so you need to bear with it.
After a time, the option to restart pops up and it is done automatically, but you may hurry things up by choosing Restart Now. The “Booting for the First Time” sign appears.. Now provide your name and, if desired, the name of your company. To continue, click Next.
You can now download the agreement for the license. Read the agreement, after agreeing choose the option “I accept the Agreement” followed by next. Setup will be finished if you choose “I do not accept the Agreement.” In this field, enter the product key. This is a 16-digit number located on the back of your CD case or in the Windows 98 Book. If you have an OEM PC, it may be on your machine. You can also select any of the product keys mentioned above. Click the next button to continue. Then, finally, hit the Finish button. Setup will now complete the device configuration and software installation. Your computer will prompt you to restart.
Windows is launching as well as continuing with the device installation. By clicking the down arrow next to GMT -0800, you may change your date and time settings. After you’ve made your choice, click Apply and then OK. Windows will keep installing Windows components. The computer must now be restarted.
Windows will continue to load after which you should update the System Settings. You’ve finally arrived at your computer’s desktop. If you’re lucky, there won’t be any drivers to install, but if there are, the next step will be to do so. Check the device manager for any unknown devices, which might include Network Cards, Sound Cards, Printers, Scanners, Graphics Cards, Digital Cameras, and anything else you have.

Can you install Windows 98 without the product key?

Windows 98, as the name suggests, is a pretty old and outdated version of Windows, which can’t be bought readily from the market now. You can’t find people selling this software with a valid product key in the market since the demand for it is fairly low.

Now, that said, one thing that you have to keep in mind when it comes to using Windows 98 is that it can’t be used without the product key. Also, you can’t use it freely and as you want along the way, so that’s a big downside.

You’d need access to a valid product key including OEM and non-OEM licenses for ease of use, so that’s something you have to keep into consideration.

How much RAM is needed for Windows 98?

When you think of the currently available Windows versions and the kind of processing power and memory they require, it doesn’t match with what was the case with Windows 98.

Back then, the demand and the processing power weren’t as extensive. So, if you want to run Windows 98 on your computer, having a minimum of 16MB RAM is more than enough.

Conclusion

A Windows activation key may be used as many times as required; however, a Windows activation key may not be used on two distinct machines at the same time. There are several types of Windows product keys for sale, and some may have different activation requirements. You need to go through the requirement of your PC and windows to install the windows in the easiest manner possible.

Faqs

1. Why should I choose Windows 98?

2. What are the requirements of Windows 98?

Following are the requirements of installing Windows 98:

Hard disk drive of 120 MB
Memory of at least 16 MB
CD ROM drive or Floppy disk drive
Monitor, keyboard, and mouse (basically a PC).

3. How do I know which number is the product key?

While you may come across several sites or numbers claiming to be the activation code, you need to be mindful of what a product key looks like. It is a 16 digit code that is unique and an amalgamation of both digits and alphabets.

4. Do you need to activate Windows 98?

There is no need to activate Windows 98 since the activation was first introduced with the launch of Windows XP. However, to install Windows 98 to your system, you need the original key that should be on the COA sticker on the case of the system.

5. How do I install Windows 98 on another computer?

Installing Windows 98 on another computer can be a little challenging and confusing for newbies. You need to start by formatting your hard disk first. Once done, you need to go ahead to enter the Windows 98 Startup disk in the floppy disk drive and then restart your system. Doing so will display the Windows 98 set-up menu that you need to scroll through and choose the relevant options and then press Enter.

6. Can you install Windows 98 without a product key?

You can download and install Windows 98 freely as a guest without the product key. However, doing so will trigger the system to continually bombard you with an activation message now and then, which can get frustrating quite quickly. Hence, we’d recommend using a product key to overcome that issue.

7. What is the Windows 98 product key?

Windows 98 product key isn’t a standard number but will depend on the one that you either purchase the CD or floppy disk of. You can find a few free product keys for Windows 98 available online. However, we’d recommend using the product keys from reliable sources only.

8. Is Windows 98 32-bit or 64-bit?

Windows 98 is a fairly older version of Windows, which means that it’s a 32-bit version and not the 64-bit version like the ones that are available at the current date. We’d suggest that you still check the description for a better understanding.