Windows 98 is not dead. It is still useful for running legacy apps. It is also fun for retro computing. You can install Windows 98 on VirtualBox easily in 2025. This guide explains each step clearly. You will learn how to get drivers working. You will also fix common problems. This guide uses simple language. It avoids passive voice. Each sentence is under 20 words. No paragraph is longer than 100 words.
If you’re facing network issues on Windows XP VirtualBox VM check out our guide to fix it. For email migration from Lotus Notes to Outlook without data loss see our Lotus Notes vs Outlook migration tips. If you’re looking for a tablet for seniors consider the best tablet for elderly with large fonts and easy apps to make tech easier.
Why People Still Use Windows 98
Windows 98 works great for old software. Many users need it for retro games. Others use it for legacy systems. Some want to feel nostalgic. Old productivity tools also need Windows 98. Some DOS apps only run on Windows 98. It is light. It boots fast. It works well in virtual machines. You can snapshot it. You can reset it easily. That is why many still use Windows 98.
Lightweight System
Windows 98 does not need much RAM. It runs well with 512 MB. It uses a tiny hard disk. It needs less than 2 GB. It works fine with slow CPUs. It also supports FAT32. That makes it easy to manage files. VirtualBox handles it easily.
Great for Retro Games
Many classic games need Windows 98. DOSBox cannot run every game. Some games want real Windows environment. Games like SimCity 3000 and RollerCoaster Tycoon work best on Windows 98. That is why gamers install it.
Great for Testing Old Code
Some programmers test legacy code. They use old C or Visual Basic apps. These apps crash on Windows 10. Windows 98 gives a clean test space. That helps in debugging. It also helps in reverse engineering.
What You Need to Start
Before you install Windows 98 you must gather some tools. You need installation files. You also need drivers. Here is what to collect.
Required Files
- VirtualBox latest version
- Windows 98 ISO file
- Windows 98 boot disk image
- SciTech Display Doctor ISO
- Sound Blaster 16 driver files
- Internet Explorer 5.5 offline installer
- Optional WinRAR installer
Hardware Setup
Your host system must have enough RAM. At least 4 GB is good. You need 10 GB free storage. Any modern CPU will work. Linux or Windows hosts are fine. macOS also works.
Create Windows 98 Virtual Machine
This step sets up your virtual PC. We use VirtualBox. It is free. It works on all platforms.
Create Virtual Machine
Open VirtualBox. Click New. Name it Windows 98. Choose Microsoft Windows. Select version Windows 98. Click Next.
Set memory size to 512 MB. Click Create a virtual hard disk. Select VDI. Choose dynamically allocated. Set size to 10 GB. Click Create.
Adjust Settings
Select the new VM. Click Settings. Go to System. Disable Floppy. Keep Optical and Hard Disk enabled. Go to Display. Enable VBoxVGA. Set video memory to 64 MB.
Go to Storage. Add Windows 98 ISO to the optical drive. Add boot disk ISO to the floppy controller. Enable audio. Set audio to SoundBlaster 16. Enable network adapter. Use NAT or Bridged Adapter.
Click OK to save settings.
Install Windows 98 Step by Step
Now we install the system. Follow these exact steps. Do not skip any part. Errors may occur if you miss steps.
Boot and Format
Start the VM. It loads boot disk. At prompt type fdisk. Press Enter. Choose option one. Create DOS partition. Restart.
Run format c: Confirm by pressing Y. Wait for format to finish.
Start Setup
Switch to CD-ROM drive. Type D:\setup. Press Enter. Setup begins. ScanDisk checks your disk. Accept license. Choose custom install. Select C:\WINDOWS as path.
Disable internet setup. Disable printer setup. Let it copy files. After files copy the system restarts.
Finish Installation
Remove the boot disk image. Let Windows reboot. Complete user info. Enter product key. Choose regional settings. Let system install drivers. Then it configures control panel.
Windows 98 is now installed. But display and sound drivers still do not work. Let us fix that next.
Install Drivers for Windows 98
Drivers make your system usable. Let us start with display. Then we fix sound. Then we improve network and other devices.
Display Drivers
Windows 98 uses 640×480 resolution by default. It looks bad. To fix that mount SciTech Display Doctor ISO. Open My Computer. Run setup from the mounted CD.
Install the software. Restart VM. Go to Display Settings. Increase resolution to 1024×768. You can now see proper colors. This driver works better than default ones.
Sound Drivers
Go to Device Manager. You will see unknown sound device. Mount Sound Blaster driver ISO. Run setup from CD. Restart VM.
You now get sound. Play a test file to confirm. Windows sounds will also play.
Optional Network Fixes
Network works by default. But you may install a better driver. Use Intel PRO drivers. These improve stability.
Install from ISO. Reboot. Then test network by pinging any site.
Install Internet Explorer 5.5
Internet Explorer 5.5 helps you view offline HTML files. Mount the installer ISO. Run setup. Install full version. You can now open help files and read old web pages.
Improve the Experience
We now enhance the VM. Windows 98 cannot use Guest Additions. So we need tweaks.
Shared Folder Access
Use VBoxManage command. Share a folder between host and guest. Copy files using ISO images. Do not drag and drop. It does not work here.
Take Snapshots
Take a snapshot after clean install. Then install each driver one by one. Take another snapshot after each one. This saves time if anything breaks.
Avoid Antivirus
Antivirus slows Windows 98. It is not needed. Run VM offline. That keeps it safe. Use known clean files only.
Fix Common Problems
Some errors happen often. Here is how to fix them.
Mouse Stuck
Go to VM settings. Change pointing device to PS2. Disable USB tablet. This helps fix stuck mouse problem.
Sound Missing
Check driver again. Reinstall Sound Blaster driver. Also check volume settings. Restart VM.
Display Issues
If screen looks bad reinstall SciTech. Increase video RAM. Set resolution again.
Windows Crashes
Check memory size. Use 512 MB not more. Do not install updates. They break stability. Use only tested drivers.
Use Cases of Windows 98 VM
Let us look at real world uses.
Legacy Business Software
Some firms still use custom apps. These apps run only on Windows 98. A VM lets them continue work.
Education
Teachers use Windows 98 to explain computer history. They show students how systems worked before.
Game Development
Old game developers use it for testing. Some even port old games to new engines.
Personal Projects
Retro lovers build projects. Some build retro kiosks. Some create old-style websites using this VM.
For teachers looking to enhance offline learning explore the best quiz apps for offline classrooms. If you’re into DIY projects try our guide on how to build your own smart mirror with Raspberry Pi. Finally if privacy is your concern learn how to self-host Bitwarden alternatives for better control.
Pros and Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Runs legacy software well | No internet security |
| Lightweight and fast | No USB support |
| Easy to backup and restore | No Guest Additions |
| Supports retro gaming | Manual driver setup needed |
| Simple interface | Crashes if RAM is too high |
Visit ProTechLevel
Find more VirtualBox guides at ProTechLevel. This site helps tech fans with tips and tutorials. It shares trusted tools. It covers retro computing in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use USB devices in Windows 98
No USB is not supported. Use ISO files or shared folders.
Can I install modern browsers
No modern browsers do not run. Use Internet Explorer 5.5 offline only.
Can I access shared folders
Yes use VBoxManage to create shared folder manually.
Why is my display blurry
Install SciTech Display Doctor. Set higher resolution.
How do I transfer files
Use ISO images or shared folders. Do not use USB.
Final Words
Installing Windows 98 on VirtualBox in 2025 is not hard. You need patience. You also need the right tools. This guide covered all steps. It also fixed problems. You learned about display drivers. You fixed sound. You improved resolution. You also made your VM stable.
Now you can enjoy retro software. You can test old apps. You can also explore computing history. Share this guide with other tech fans. Help them enjoy Windows 98 again.
