To prevent the ghosted drivers from reloading, modify C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM.INI :

: Typically includes the Unofficial Service Pack 2.1a or later, which fixes critical bugs like the RAM limitation issue (where Win98 crashes on systems with more than 512MB RAM) and the 137GB hard drive limit.

Occurs when the system cannot find the correct IDE/SATA storage controller driver.

Version 45.23 or 56.64 for GeForce 2, 3, 4, and FX series cards.

. This ensures that when the Ghost image is restored, Windows can find its own base drivers without asking for a CD. Phase 2: The "Full Driver Fix" (Sysprep Alternative) Windows 98 does not have a modern

To fix a broken Ghost installation, you must supply Windows 98 with a universal set of legacy drivers. Before beginning the restoration, download and prepare these essential driver packages on a bootable CD or FAT32 USB drive. Chipset Drivers

Version 3.3 or 3.6 adds universal mass storage support, allowing Windows 98 to recognize modern USB thumb drives without individual manufacturers' drivers.

Restart the PC, press F8, and select (not Safe Mode command prompt). This prevents Windows from auto-loading corrupted drivers. From the C:\ prompt, run:

If you'd like to narrow down a specific issue with your setup, please let me know: What is in the target PC?

allow Windows to reboot into the desktop, or it will start redetecting your current hardware. Phase 3: Creating the Ghost Image

What or behavior happens when you try to boot?

What or BSOD code is appearing on your screen? Are you using a specific custom Ghost image variant?

Windows 98, released in 1998, was a popular operating system in its time. However, as technology advanced, many hardware manufacturers discontinued support for this vintage OS. This led to compatibility issues, especially with newer hardware and software.

If you’re reviving a vintage PC today, do not chase Ghost clones. Instead:

Follow this guide to resolve driver issues on a ghosted Windows 98 system:

This article explores how to create a "universal" Windows 98 Ghost image and provides fixes for common driver-related issues. 1. Creating a "Universal" Ghost Image