MAX system specs

Discussion:

MAX system specs

(too old to reply)

kleefarr

2010-02-17 22:07:01 UTC

Permalink

Want to put together a Win 95 system.
Anyone know what the maximum system specs are that I need to stick to?

TIA

MEB

2010-02-20 18:31:51 UTC

Permalink

Post by kleefarr
Want to put together a Win 95 system.
Anyone know what the maximum system specs are that I need to stick to?
TIA

Hmm, no one responded so, how about some things you need to know:

Memory isn't handled quite as well as in Win98, so you may need to
adjust [down] what you find for Win98 a bit. Take specific note of the
system.ini modifications that need done for larger memory configurations.

Maximum Intel chipset with full support [or supportable] was the i810
series [IIRC]. Intel still has some of the information and drivers, so
look there.

VIA chipsets required the VIA4in1 driver set [4.45 or 4.48 I think,
though it depends upon the chipset and whether it is a hybrid {Via plus
another manufacturer's chip - southbridge/northbridge, etc.}].

MotherBoard Drivers
http://www.driverskit.com/MotherBoard.html

** A good STARTING point is to find a later version of Win95B or
preferably Win95C [which were OEM/special support only], so many of the
original Retail Windows95A short comings [like Fat32, more/better device
support] and flaws are avoided, and you will have USB 1.1 and other support.
See here for info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_95

And make sure you apply the updates, and brush up on some of the old
information:

Windows 95 Service Pack 1 Update
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=b4bbb52c-4e59-4cd6-acbd-fbeadfdd676b&displaylang=en
This claims it is all of the updates for Win95, which to a point it is,
however, the individual system MAY need some *specialty* updates {the
same holds true for the other Win9X OSs} that deal with specific issues
that might be encountered.
Note the links on the bottom of the download page, and be prepared to
search around the Internet for your specific needs.

Description of Microsoft Windows 95 Service Pack 1 Updates
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/143003

What is in the Service Pack?
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc751433.aspx
Take specific notice of this WARNING from the page:
"Note: Do not install the Service Pack 1 Update English version on the
English Pan European version of Windows 95 or any other non-English
version of Windows 95."

---

Cquirke has a pretty easy to read and simplified writeup about the
versions here.
http://users.iafrica.com/c/cq/cquirke/win95ver.htm

Windows 95
http://www.theosfiles.com/os_windows/ospg_w95.htm
short descriptions and timelines

http://www.usbman.com/Win95%20USB%20Guide.htm
Determine if Your Version Supports USB

Though this was for Firefox installation it had links to the key
updates AND the last acceptable IE browser [5.5 from evolt.org] for
Win95 [*DO NOT* install IE6 particularly since it has finally been
exposed as filled with flaws and vulnerabilities and never properly
ported to Win9X {though I have been stating such since it was offered}]
http://johnhaller.com/jh/mozilla/windows_95/

MDGx FREE Software ESSENTIALS:
Upgrades, Patches, BUG Fixes, Drivers + Tools
http://www.mdgx.com/web.htm#WIN
Links to some of the original downloads {and some others} you may need,
make sure you use *ONLY* those for your *specific* Win95 version. MAKE
SURE which 95 version you have BEFORE using any of these files.
Example Notice from the page:
"READ Microsoft guidelines for each UPDATE, and install ONLY the ones
that APPLY to Windows 95B/95C OSR 2.x:"
Links are provided on the page for the specific updates IF the MS
articles/KB are still available.
So for Windows 95, start at the BOTTOM of the page and work upwards to
your *specific* Windows 95 version and look through THOSE updates
{noting any other files/updates you may need from other versions}.

___

Larger hard drives? Check here for some info:
http://www.dewassoc.com/kbase/hard_drives/hard_drive_size_barriers.htm
The issues are mostly Fat32 support related.

Intel(R) Bus Master IDE Driver
http://www.intel.com/design/chipsets/drivers/busmastr/

VIA Tips and Tricks
http://www.usbman.com/Guides/VIA%20Tips%20and%20Tricks.htm

Don't expect to find SATA or RAID support (I think I remember RAID 1
software drivers though) [though maybe RLoew or someone worked up
something]. Here again it is a chipset specific aspect, and must
generally come from the manufacturer.
And since Win95A limitations were based upon inherent limits in MSDOS
6.22, you may want to look at some of the alternative DOS that also
allowed Win95A installation and support Fat32, work-arounds to such
installation, or DOS which could be used to replace MSDOS 6.22 after
installation [and any modifications necessary].

____

Video drivers may be/are a distinct problem as many drivers designed
for Win95 were quite buggy or the adapters/drivers had/have no Win95
support [natively]. Same holds true for sound cards, network cards,
scanners, printers, etc.. The thing you must do is PRE-check for *all*
the drivers for what you intend to use as it will be *specific to your
intended system*.

____

NETWORKING

Make sure the updates have been applied FIRST.

How to Use Windows 95 to Connect Computers on a Network
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/152562

Troubleshooting Windows 95/98/98 Second Edition Network Connection Problems
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/192534

Windows 95 Networking: The Basics
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc751085.aspx

Network Adapter Drivers and Protocols: The Basics
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc751091.aspx

Basically, first check that you have the *drivers* properly installed
for the NIC; then that the proper protocol is used as supported within
the network [todays networks use TCP/IP]. If using a router make sure
that your properly setup for DHCP and DNS.

Make sure you HAVE installed all the network support via Windows Setup
AND the drivers for your NIC properly showing in Devices, and properly
setup within the Network control panel. One thing generally missed is
that you MUST have updated the basic OS with the OS updates; AND
depending upon your network configuration, you may need the DSClient
installed.

There is some generalized extra networking and trouble shooting info
available via the below windows-main link.

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.org/ref/windows-main.htm
Windows Info, Diagnostics, Security, Networking
http://peoplescounsel.org
The "real world" of Law, Justice, and Government
___---

norm

2010-02-21 10:50:43 UTC

Permalink

Post by MEB

Post by kleefarr
Want to put together a Win 95 system.
Anyone know what the maximum system specs are that I need to stick to?
TIA

Memory isn't handled quite as well as in Win98, so you may need to
adjust [down] what you find for Win98 a bit. Take specific note of the
system.ini modifications that need done for larger memory configurations.
Maximum Intel chipset with full support [or supportable] was the i810
series [IIRC]. Intel still has some of the information and drivers, so
look there.
VIA chipsets required the VIA4in1 driver set [4.45 or 4.48 I think,
though it depends upon the chipset and whether it is a hybrid {Via plus
another manufacturer's chip - southbridge/northbridge, etc.}].
MotherBoard Drivers
http://www.driverskit.com/MotherBoard.html
** A good STARTING point is to find a later version of Win95B or
preferably Win95C [which were OEM/special support only], so many of the
original Retail Windows95A short comings [like Fat32, more/better device
support] and flaws are avoided, and you will have USB 1.1 and other support.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_95
And make sure you apply the updates, and brush up on some of the old
Windows 95 Service Pack 1 Update
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=b4bbb52c-4e59-4cd6-acbd-fbeadfdd676b&displaylang=en
This claims it is all of the updates for Win95, which to a point it is,
however, the individual system MAY need some *specialty* updates {the
same holds true for the other Win9X OSs} that deal with specific issues
that might be encountered.
Note the links on the bottom of the download page, and be prepared to
search around the Internet for your specific needs.
Description of Microsoft Windows 95 Service Pack 1 Updates
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/143003
What is in the Service Pack?
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc751433.aspx
"Note: Do not install the Service Pack 1 Update English version on the
English Pan European version of Windows 95 or any other non-English
version of Windows 95."
---
Cquirke has a pretty easy to read and simplified writeup about the
versions here.
http://users.iafrica.com/c/cq/cquirke/win95ver.htm
Windows 95
http://www.theosfiles.com/os_windows/ospg_w95.htm
short descriptions and timelines
http://www.usbman.com/Win95%20USB%20Guide.htm
Determine if Your Version Supports USB
Though this was for Firefox installation it had links to the key
updates AND the last acceptable IE browser [5.5 from evolt.org] for
Win95 [*DO NOT* install IE6 particularly since it has finally been
exposed as filled with flaws and vulnerabilities and never properly
ported to Win9X {though I have been stating such since it was offered}]
http://johnhaller.com/jh/mozilla/windows_95/
Upgrades, Patches, BUG Fixes, Drivers + Tools
http://www.mdgx.com/web.htm#WIN
Links to some of the original downloads {and some others} you may need,
make sure you use *ONLY* those for your *specific* Win95 version. MAKE
SURE which 95 version you have BEFORE using any of these files.
"READ Microsoft guidelines for each UPDATE, and install ONLY the ones
that APPLY to Windows 95B/95C OSR 2.x:"
Links are provided on the page for the specific updates IF the MS
articles/KB are still available.
So for Windows 95, start at the BOTTOM of the page and work upwards to
your *specific* Windows 95 version and look through THOSE updates
{noting any other files/updates you may need from other versions}.
___
http://www.dewassoc.com/kbase/hard_drives/hard_drive_size_barriers.htm
The issues are mostly Fat32 support related.
Intel(R) Bus Master IDE Driver
http://www.intel.com/design/chipsets/drivers/busmastr/
VIA Tips and Tricks
http://www.usbman.com/Guides/VIA%20Tips%20and%20Tricks.htm
Don't expect to find SATA or RAID support (I think I remember RAID 1
software drivers though) [though maybe RLoew or someone worked up
something]. Here again it is a chipset specific aspect, and must
generally come from the manufacturer.
And since Win95A limitations were based upon inherent limits in MSDOS
6.22, you may want to look at some of the alternative DOS that also
allowed Win95A installation and support Fat32, work-arounds to such
installation, or DOS which could be used to replace MSDOS 6.22 after
installation [and any modifications necessary].
____
Video drivers may be/are a distinct problem as many drivers designed
for Win95 were quite buggy or the adapters/drivers had/have no Win95
support [natively]. Same holds true for sound cards, network cards,
scanners, printers, etc.. The thing you must do is PRE-check for *all*
the drivers for what you intend to use as it will be *specific to your
intended system*.
____
NETWORKING
Make sure the updates have been applied FIRST.
How to Use Windows 95 to Connect Computers on a Network
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/152562
Troubleshooting Windows 95/98/98 Second Edition Network Connection Problems
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/192534
Windows 95 Networking: The Basics
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc751085.aspx
Network Adapter Drivers and Protocols: The Basics
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc751091.aspx
Basically, first check that you have the *drivers* properly installed
for the NIC; then that the proper protocol is used as supported within
the network [todays networks use TCP/IP]. If using a router make sure
that your properly setup for DHCP and DNS.
Make sure you HAVE installed all the network support via Windows Setup
AND the drivers for your NIC properly showing in Devices, and properly
setup within the Network control panel. One thing generally missed is
that you MUST have updated the basic OS with the OS updates; AND
depending upon your network configuration, you may need the DSClient
installed.
There is some generalized extra networking and trouble shooting info
available via the below windows-main link.
--
MEB

QUOTE FROM
On Jan 23, 7:54=EF=BF=BDpm, ***@aol.com wrote:
I like running old OSes on hardware that came out several years later,
for the fun of it and the speed they reach, but it can be a real
challenge.

Some people have had trouble installing Windows 95 when the CPU is
faster than 300MHz. When the installation reboots for the first time
after copying files, it hangs with "Windows protection error". There
are patches for OSR2, 2.1 and 2.5 but none are mentioned for Windows
95 retail or Windows 95a.

However, this worked for me: when the installation reboots, I have a
boot diskette in the floppy drive, so it boots to it. On the diskette
I have the two files ESDI_506.PDR and SCSIPORT.PDR coming from a self
extracting patch, called K6UPD95A.EXE. I copy those to \Windows\System
\Iosubsys, overwriting the ones there, then reboot into the Windows
installation and it proceeds without problems.

That self extracting file seems to be getting rare on the Web, I found
it at

http://www.62nds.co.nz/software/

Someone might want to store it somewhere else.

It's meant for Windows 95a, with an AMD CPU 350MHz or faster but it
worked for me, installing Windows 95 retail on a machine with a
Pentium 4, 2.0GHz.

I understand that another limitation comes up with CPUs faster than
2.0 GHz, unfortunately I haven't found a way around that one, there is
a patch for Windows 98, also affected by this, but it won't work with
Windows 95.

Interestingly, Windows 3.x doesn't have such limitations.

J. P. Gilliver (John)

2010-02-21 12:47:00 UTC

Permalink

In message <***@news.zen.co.uk>, norm
<***@invalid.zetnet.co.uk> writes:
[]

Post by norm
Some people have had trouble installing Windows 95 when the CPU is
faster than 300MHz. When the installation reboots for the first time

Indeed; we had it when upgrading the CPU, an AMD one, to (IIRR) 350 MHz.
We found it worked OK if we constrained (in the BIOS) the CPU to run at
a lower speed - I think a little over 300 was OK (sometimes even its
rated speed). (I guess it was probably temperature dependent.)

Post by norm
after copying files, it hangs with "Windows protection error". There

IIRR, we found it was mostly OK if it got past the actual booting.
[]

Post by norm
That self extracting file seems to be getting rare on the Web, I found
it at
http://www.62nds.co.nz/software/
Someone might want to store it somewhere else.
It's meant for Windows 95a, with an AMD CPU 350MHz or faster but it

We actually got the patch (can't remember if it was the name you gave)
from the AMD website; there was disagreement at the time over whether it
was a bug in Microsoft's code or in how AMD's processors did something;
I guess it was a matter of how to interpret something, and Intel (who
worked more closely with Microsoft) interpreted it one way, AMD another.
Anyway, AMD provided the patch - though I'm not surprised if they don't
any more.

Post by norm
worked for me, installing Windows 95 retail on a machine with a
Pentium 4, 2.0GHz.

Interesting.
[]

Post by norm
Interestingly, Windows 3.x doesn't have such limitations.

That must go like SSS on modern processors! (Yes, I know it won't use
multicore, and probably not other things like MMX, but still ...)

--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G.5AL-IS-P--Ch++(p)***@T0H+Sh0!:`)DNAf
** http://www.soft255.demon.co.uk/G6JPG-PC/JPGminPC.htm for ludicrously
outdated thoughts on PCs. **

Who's General Failure & why's he reading my disk? (Stolen from another .sig)

J. P. Gilliver (John)

2010-02-21 12:36:47 UTC

Permalink

In message <#***@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl>, MEB
<MEB-not-***@hotmail.com> writes:
[]

Post by MEB
** A good STARTING point is to find a later version of Win95B or
preferably Win95C [which were OEM/special support only], so many of the
original Retail Windows95A short comings [like Fat32, more/better device
support] and flaws are avoided, and you will have USB 1.1 and other support.

[]
If you do, try to find a file called OSR2FAQ, which contains much useful
information about it, including how to get round its restriction that it
can't be installed as an upgrade (or can only, I can't remember). If you
Google for it, you'll find references to it at a site whose URL includes
compuclinic; it isn't there any more.

95C incorporated IE (3 or 4) in a form not easy to remove (though I
think lite's IEradicator will still do so); 95B I think didn't, though
did include FAT32 and (quirky) USB.

MEB

2010-02-21 21:39:10 UTC

Permalink

Post by J. P. Gilliver (John)
[]

[]
If you do, try to find a file called OSR2FAQ, which contains much useful
information about it, including how to get round its restriction that it
can't be installed as an upgrade (or can only, I can't remember). If you
Google for it, you'll find references to it at a site whose URL includes
compuclinic; it isn't there any more.
95C incorporated IE (3 or 4) in a form not easy to remove (though I
think lite's IEradicator will still do so); 95B I think didn't, though
did include FAT32 and (quirky) USB.

Yeah, using my old failing memories, but I think you're correct on
those factors.

I should probably correct errors or potentially misconstrued
indications. The Intel chipset {IIRC] support/usability was through most
(all?) of the 800 series, and VIA chipsets MUST be cross-checked as they
also require(d) certain BIOS setups per the chipset/motherboard used
[manufacturer and version].

I wish there was someone monitoring and helping the group still using
Win95.

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.org/ref/windows-main.htm
Windows Info, Diagnostics, Security, Networking
http://peoplescounsel.org
The "real world" of Law, Justice, and Government
___---

Hot-text

2010-02-22 04:15:46 UTC

Permalink

I do not Know Windows 95 system like you do MEB.
is why I did not responded!

;+}

Post by MEB

Post by kleefarr
Want to put together a Win 95 system.
Anyone know what the maximum system specs are that I need to stick to?
TIA