Format, reinstall Windows with latest hot fixes all at the same time?, Part 2

Recall --

Last week, Jim W. asked if there was a way he could install the latest updates to Windows at the same time as installing Windows to a freshly formatted PC:

" I find myself frequently formatting / reinstalling Windows for many of my clients (because their copy of Windows is too messed up to attempt any type of quick-fix). When I do a reinstall, there is often a ton of Windows updates I need to download, regardless of which Windows Operating System I'm working with. Is there any way I can consolidate steps and somehow integrate Windows Updates into a fresh install of Windows? "

In my response to Jim, I suggested he use a Slipstream version of Windows for his future installations. This would essentially integrate the latest Service Pack at the same time Windows is being installed to the system -- bringing his PC relatively up-to-date. But, as we learned from last week's article, you can only Slipstream Windows NT, 2000, and XP based operating systems.

At the time of writing the article, I recalled stumbling across a web site that had a specialized version of Windows 98 -- similar to a Slipstream. Unfortunately, I didn't remember the web address, and so I asked Infopackets Readers for help.

Infopackets Reader Keith B. writes:

" The web site you are referring to is at exuberant.web1000.com, and contains an unofficial (freeware) 'Service pack' for Windows 98 Second Edition (English) with all the updates. There is also a 'work in progress' Windows ME Service Pack [the link is at top of the page]. Note that Windows 98 has already reached its end of life and will no longer be supported by Microsoft; furthermore, the 'Service packs' on the exuberant.web1000.com are also not supported by Microsoft. "

From the web site:

" Microsoft has never released a service pack for Windows98 SE. But I made a Service Pack for Windows98 SE (Second Edition) users. It contains all Windows98 SE updates from Windows Update site and more.

It is a self-extracting and self-installing pack like Microsoft's update files. Thus, you cannot choose files individually. However, the pack installs only required fixes for your system. Uninstallation is possible from Add-Remove Programs. However, I don't recommend uninstallation of the pack, if you don't have any problem.

This is only for Windows 98 Second Edition English. I highly recommend that you should backup your system before installing the pack. It contains only operating system updates. It does NOT contain Internet Explorer 6, DirectX 9, Media Player 9 and their updates.

What's New in 1.5? 4 new hot fixes, Adaptec ASPI 4.60 drivers, General USB 1.x Mass Storage Device support, Supports 98lite 4.7 Chubby and Overweight, Visual Basic 6.0 SP6 runtime library, Visual C++ 6.0 SP6 runtime libraries, Updates JET 3.5 files to JET 3.5 SP3, Supports custom 'Program Files' directory, Some additional tweaks, Some major bugs are fixed.

Note: All old version users should install this version without uninstalling old version. "

http://exuberant.web1000.com/98sesp.html

Thanks for all who wrote in with the link.