[DanStanley]

Hi,
I have an old Gateway 2000 computer running Windows98 (not 98SE) and I have a lot of photos that I want to get saved somewhere else before it dies of old age.

I tried a Vikingworks 256 flash drive but it didn't work and the manufacturer told me that it wouldn't work on Windows 98.

Are there other flash drives that would work with Windows98? Or is there a better way to save these photos? -Dan

[guitar]

you need a win98 usb driver look here http://www.usb-drivers.com/companies/667.htm

[ChuckE]

I saw a "usb2_drive_98.zip (Driver)" at DriverGuide.com, for the Viking JumpDrive.
It is a free signup to get the file.

[DanStanley]

Hi,
Thanks!
I got the "usb2_drive_98.zip (Driver)" at DriverGuide.com and downloaded it but I don't know what to do with it now.
There is no readme file with instructions. Can you tell me the next step? I hate to seem so helpless.-Dan

[bearone2]

read the readme file to see if there are any min equipment requirements.

double click on the file and follow the prompts.

[ChuckE]

The zip file is a compressed set of 6 files (not all zip files are the same), and you have to unzip the files and place them in a folder that you can easily find.

You can search for any of many various (and free) tools that can unzip the file and place them where you want. Free unzip tools such as ZipGenius, QuickZip, or TugZip; there are many.

Once you get those files in one place, you will see a "Lexarej0.exe" there. See what happens when you just double-click on that file. I would suppose that it will do whatever is needed to get the other files in the places you need them to be, for your flashdrive.

Try all that and then let us know if you need additional help. Sorry, I don't have Win98 here to try this for you.

[bearone2]

i missed the zipped part.

i use winzip

[wdm2291]

Originally Posted by DanStanley

Hi,
I have an old Gateway 2000 computer running Windows98 (not 98SE) and I have a lot of photos that I want to get saved somewhere else before it dies of old age.

I tried a Vikingworks 256 flash drive but it didn't work and the manufacturer told me that it wouldn't work on Windows 98.

Are there other flash drives that would work with Windows98? Or is there a better way to save these photos? -Dan

I have had success with the basic USB card readers that you can buy at Walmart, Fry's or wherever (I bought the last one at Walmart (no, the last two, lol)) . .

They aren't guaranteed to work with Windows 98, because USB isn't guaranteed to work with 98, although it generally will. Remember when Bill Gates flipped the switch and nothing happened at that big presentation? It was a bit of an embarrassment for MS. He was about to show USB working with Windows 98, but nothing happened. .

point is, it isn't guaranteed to work, and in some cases it might not, but I have found on several Windows 98 PCs (including two that were the original 98, not SE), that if you just buy a card reader at Walmart (or wherever), then the if you install it (loading the drivers that either come with it or can be downloaded from that company's website), you can use your SM or SD or whatever card as a flash drive and move huge files between a 98 PC and a newer one.

I am not saying you have to buy a card reader and card. If you already have a flash drive, I'd try that first. I expect a flash drive would work just as well. If you have one, it can't hurt to try it. They are so cheap these days (you can get a 512 MB one these days for like 12 bucks).

Also, if you do try either of these, don't be disappointed if the PC doesn't see the drive right away. I have seen both 98 computers and XP computers take a couple minutes to realize the drive is there (and for it to show up in Windows Explorer). No idea why.

Hope this helps,

Wayne

P.S. One other thing. I think you could actually take the drive out of the 98 PC and slave it on a newer PC, and my understanding is that the newer PC would recognize it, if it recognizes a FAT 32 drive. Anyone know if I'm right or wrong on that?