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March 15th, 2026 20:09
I can't install Windows 98SE on a SATA HDD with and SATA to IDE adapter on a Dell Dimension 4100
I have this refurbished Dimension 4100, and I've been trying to install 98SE on it with a SATA HDD (with an 80GB FAT32 partition) with a SATA to IDE StarTech adapter and whenever I try to install it, it always freezes at some point during the installation process, this happens with the Dell product recovery CD and the normal bootable OEM install.
I even tried removing a ram stick and all the other unnecessary expansion cards one being the sound card, and it still doesn't work.
Hard Drive I'm using: Amazon.com: Seagate BarraCuda 500GB Internal Hard Drive HDD – 3.5 Inch SATA 6 Gb/s 7200 RPM 32MB Cache for Computer Desktop PC (ST500DM009) : Electronics
What should I do?
redxps630
9 Legend
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15.5K Posts
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March 16th, 2026 01:37
Re: whenever I try to install it, it always freezes at some point during the installation process
this is probably because Win98 does not have SATA driver. SATA to IDE adapter allows old motherboard to recognize a SATA drive even though the board has no SATA port. SATA drives requires the OS to have driver to install OS on it.
(edited)
Nirby UYP
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March 16th, 2026 03:18
@redxps630 I just installed 98SE onto an IDE and cloned the disk to the SATA HDD and now it boots, do I have to install the SATA driver now and if I do how?
redxps630
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15.5K Posts
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March 16th, 2026 11:29
If you can run Win98 now on SATA hdd you are good. Check device mgr for missing drivers which you may not need to install all. If this OS is for running old applications give them a try