Tips on Installing Windows 95/98 Getting Ready All Staff
Back Up Your Installation Disks
You are entitled to create a backup copy of the entire set of installation disks for any software you purchase--that's not piracy, it's common sense. Should you need to reinstall the software later, you've got an extra set of disks. With many new systems, the software is preinstalled in compressed format on your hard disk. Run the decompression application and create a box of diskettes for your applications.
Combine and Conquer
Improve performance by using the DOS or Windows 95 defrag command (or a good third-party package) to defragment your hard disk before you install any new software. DOS simply loads a new program into the first empty spot on the disk--regardless of whether or not it will hold even a single file--which slows things down. Defrag (after scandisk).
Eat Your Spinach
...And don't forget to defragment your hard drive. If you're upgrading from Windows 3.x, it's also time to turn off your permanent swap file, if you have one, and let Win95 create a fresh (and contiguous) one. Also, delete your swap file before defragmenting. For some reason, Win95 likes to use the extant swap file. Forcing it to create a new one on a freshly optimized drive will yield far better results.
Get It in Writing
Before you install Windows 95, exit Windows and type MSD at the DOS Prompt, then press the Enter key. From the File menu, select Print Report. Select Report All, then OK. You can keep this printout to answer questions that pop up during the installation process.
Inoculate Your System
Don't install Windows 95 until you uninstall any antivirus programs you have running--they interfere with installation of an O/S.
Prevent a Civil War
Don't install the store-bought version of Win95 over older beta builds (anything earlier than 435). Take the extra time to clean your system off and install Win95 fresh, as there's no telling what kind of beta bogeys could be lurking in your system.
Replaced Replacements
Shell extensions or substitute desktops like Outside/In or Norton Desktop should be removed before installing Windows 95. Win95 has its own replacement to Program Manager (although Program Manager is still there in case you want it), and most of those programs' functions are eclipsed by new Windows 95 features anyway.
Ring Out the Old
Upgrade your BIOS. Generally, any BIOS older than January '94 may have problems with Win95. Notebooks are especially vulnerable, as the BIOS contains the power management controls, and the Win95 beta builds were notorious for problems with power management.
The Early Version Gets the Worm
Since early revisions or software tend to be buggy, make a copy of important data files before you upgrade. Place them somewhere safe. Install the upgrade in its own directory, leaving the copy of the old version untouched.
