ok, im confused, win98 se

[BigJosher]

is there something i did wrong. I am trying to install my backup copy i found!!!!!!!!!! good ol' 95 and 98. when i install it took a while to remember but i got it, unfor. I had to use a public key i lost mine, that worked but now when it goes to complete, I get a shell32 dll error then fatal action and then it stops

[mpack]

You should Google for that Shell32 error, because it sounds like the error is coming from Win98, not from VirtualBox. Also be aware that if you have an OEM CD (one bundled with a branded PC), then it may not be compatible with all PCs, it only had to be compatible with the PC it was bundled with.

Also, Windows product keys are usually not totally interchangable: a retail key will not work for an OEM install etc.

I had no trouble installing Win98SE from a retail CD (ISO), using the product key it came with.

[BigJosher]

ok well im just befuddled, i ot an iso with a key it installs for 95 and then i got a windows protection error but yet it will start in safe mode, window 98 got both iso and key but go fatal error with shel32 so idk i guess the good ol days r lost

[scottgus1]

See the 95/98 tutorial here: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=9918

95 with the Protection Error is known and discussed. 98's shell32 error is not, but it could have been a glitch, especially if the install media is Microsoft-only-branded, not Dell or HP or Gateway, etc, as Mpack pointed out. The code key must be the one that came with the install media.

Finally, if you are using a Windows 10 or 2019 host PC, Hyper-V could interfere with reading the ISO, at least in the shell32 error. Please right-click the guest in the main Virtualbox window's guest list, choose Show Log.

Search the far left tab's log for this text:

Attempting fall back to NEM

If you find it, Hyper-V is enabled. If you are still running 6.1.14 or earlier, update to 6.1.16, and try again.

If the 6.1.16 log still shows these words, Hyper-V needs to be disabled. See HMR3Init: Attempting fall back to NEM (Hyper-V is active).

If you don't find that text, save the far left tab's log, zip the log file, and post the zip file, using the forum's Upload Attachment tab.

[BigJosher]

ok ill try this thank you for putting up with all my questions

[BigJosher]

this is my windows 95 it didnt even boot in safe mode, it did at least that before

[BigJosher]

and heres my 98

[mpack]

One issue per topic please. The topic title says Win98SE, so let forget about Win95 here. Those are two radically different OS, several years apart during a period of rapid change to a 32bit protected mode world and standardized drivers. The two OS do not belong in the same discussion even if the shells look somewhat similar.

As to the Win98SE error, I'm not sure what to add to what I told you above. The Shell32 error is a Win98 problem, not a VirtualBox problem, you should Google for Win98 support answers. VirtualBox has no say in what DLLs are required during a Win98SE install. The error may be caused by not using a proper Win98SE setup CD and the official installer. E.g. it could be a hacked install CD or an upgrade CD.

[BigJosher]

ooook scotgus answered both 95 and 98, but ty i guess. i though a forum was just a forum no matter where it is mentioned

[scottgus1]

scotgus answered both 95 and 98,

Yes, I squeezed the 'one subject one topic' rule a bit. For best troubleshooting it is wise to stick to that rule.

[BigJosher]

you helped me a lot Scott