Is it possible to install 98SE from a full install CD over 95 but still incorporate my Office97 application in 98SE without having to reinstall Office97?

Nope. You could use an Upgrade CD and maintain your Programs, but if you run the full install, you'd have to then reinstall your programs.

Hi jimsum, Jennifer, hi everybody,

Jennifer is right... in theory!
Let's wait for another post but I guess it's possible to cheat:
Just rename C:\Windows\Win.com into wincom.old and start to install...
The full-install-CD Windows installation program won't find a Win.com and will accept to proceed... then, it will find Registry, drivers and applications and will take them into account!

Please, wait for another post confirming my words because I did that years ago!

Have a good day,
Gérard from Paris, France

HI all
Gérard from Paris, is correct ,just be sure when the selection for windows directory comes up it is set for the current dir. likely C:\Windows
if it is not choose "other" then type in your correct directory.

go here:
http://www.btinternet.com/~robert.bale1/formatinstall.htm

I also confirm what Frenchie & TopFarmer have said. I have done it this way several times & all of my data & programs have remained intact & fully functional.

HTH

Dave

Perhaps my experiance might count? Boot 95 and then drop in the full retail 98 install CD into the 95 CD tray and try to stop 98 from installing!!! From inside Windows 95 no less!!!

I'm thinking this rename file rumor only applies to OEM installs, comments? Jimsum, can you confirm or deny if this a full retail 98 install CD or full OEM 98 install CD?

Irregardless, small simple apps will not be harmed and in general work just fine with no lost of data. Office 97 is not a small simple app so you might have to reinstall it anyway. Chances are good even this would not affect your office 97 data files. Result is you get 98 with everything running pretty much the same as it did for you with 95 even if you do wind up having to reinstall Office 97.