Did some of the retail versions of Windows 98 SE not include an option to boot a system off the CD? I just got a copy of the retail version of the OS and it doesn't boot off the CD. The package did come with a boot floppy, but I remember my OEM version could boot off the CD. I know you can make a bootable CD, but I was wondering if perhaps my copy is a fake since there is not option to boot off the cd? I checked the back of the CD and the golden hologram surrounds the inner circle of the disc, so from here it looks pretty legit! Thanks Jeff in 7 ways...

I think the retail versions were non-bootable and the OEM (or most of them) were bootable. I'm sure yours is legit. It'd be too much trouble to make an authentic-looking fake.

Some 98 CDs were bootable, some required a boot floppy. Since your's came with a boot floppy, it should be obvious which type you have. What's the problem, don't you have a floppy drive? Considering the cost, there's little reason not to have one. They still come in handy for flashing the BIOS, running diagnostics, loading SATA drivers, booting from a boot floppy, etc. If you don't have one, I suggest you get one.

Well, it wasn't obvious to me since every 98 disc I have ever had in my hands was OEM+bootable off the disc. But no need to worry because I have a floppy drive installed on every machine I own. Booting off the CD is merely a personal preference. Jeff in 7 ways...

Yeah, OEMs are much easier to come by so when you're used to using them it's easy to assume retail disks act the same way.

I have a liget 98 CD and it came with a boot disk and it is bootable also the same with my 98SE and Win Mer CD. Jesus Loves You! Keyboard not detected. Hit F1 to Continue. BREAKFAST.SYS HALTED Cerial port not Responding!!