I got hold of some little conversion software program early in the month. While installing it, it mentions and Authenification process is going on. It then mentions I have a copy or non-authentic version of Windows 98. Now, I have pooped out hard drives, and am on my third one, but in each situation, they got loaded up from the disk I bought for $100 back when. It ain't a real one?

Got a furthermessage that said, if you believe the authentification process in error, then download yet another piece of software. It too says I have a phoney, and Windows can only then be done via an orginal disk. Getting to be a loop you see.

Now where do I go? I have my original disk purchased late in 1999. But it was a phoney? Boy, would the biggie computer store like to hear that they were selling pirated software obtained direct from M-S.

Wm.

There is no authentication process for Win95/98/ME or 2000.

What is the "little conversion software program" that you got your hands on?

The nearest thing I've ever run into on W98 is a verification process when you want to download specific MS programs or hotfixes. Otherwise it's as Jam says.

Yeah, what software?

DerekW

What version of 98 are you using? If the software came out before 98 SE it may be expecting to find the first edition.

Are you being re-directed to Microsoft's website when this is occuring?

For that's the only way you would recieve such a message which, is meaningless.

Microsoft no longer supports Windows 98 and it won't even recognize Windows 98 as a part of Microsoft's family.

Windows 98 came with a Certificate of Authenticity with a number following after.

But, if the numbers were wrong you wouldn't be able to use your computer.

The Above Computer Specs Are For Internet Surfing Only!

I have been ill since posting, so am getting back on to this again. But am wrong. I got the 98 software in early 99, and states that is about a 3-4 month old version at that time. It is not second edition, but has a few of the features of it, like USB recognition.

The software I am wanting to install is just a simple column text converter for airfoil coordinates. Changes them from one arrangement to another, or moves the decimal point. Then it hangs a different extension on to the file when completed.

And yes, according to the troubleshooter for installation, it redirects me to some M-S looking web site to download some authenification software. According to software distributor it works most all versions of Windows from 98 up to XP. Now, wonder if that isn't 98 Second Edition? I do have a SE computer, but the airfoil program and conversion software is not upon it.

(Cold fingers causing keyboard spelling problems)

Wm.

Might be worth posting a link to that website. Things that "look like MS" may not be so. Sounds a bit strange to me.

DerekW

Hey Coos Bay Lumber,

I use Windows 98 Gold (Some call it First Edition) and, you will need to contact the manufacter on a way to get it install without going to Microsoft.

Windows 98 Gold (What you are using) is as good as dead on Microsoft when it comes to verifying anything.

I was considering downloading the latest directX seeing that it states adaptable to Windows 98.

I downloaded the verification checker, and got invalid or no longer supported operating system.

It's a good thing I saved my DirectX 9 on CDR incase I ever decide to give 98 a fresh install.

I may need to download it on Windows XP Home, and burn the file for my 98 machine.

The Above Computer Specs Are For Internet Surfing Only!

Authentification came in with XP and has never applied to any W95/98 version, which is about what jam said at reply #1.

What we need is links to both the source of your "little conversion software program" and that "MS looking website". All the rest is beside the point and/or repetition.

Sounds like some virus or other.

If you now have some ruined HD's because of this then try fdisk /mbr on them.

DerekW

Have been ill on and off for a week now. This causing problems in me even getting near to a computer, but Derek....

At the site www.MH-AeroTools.de they have software for airfoils. It is a three step process, but go to this page, hit English, then Model Aero, then at left find software link. At new page find Concord. This is the software to which I cannot install. Maybe you can.

I hit the Installer, and depending upon routine, how far I can get, I then come upon the error message that I have a non-authentic version of Windows 98. I am wondering if the message comes up due to XP users?

Wm.

This all makes a lot more sense now that I see they are "Microsoft" Installer Files. This is like I said way back in post #2 and has been going on for some time when downloading MS programs, even on W98.

Look for the "alternative" method they should give you for this verification process. You run a little program while you are online and it pops up with a code which you then either type or paste into the box.

See how you get on - it has always worked for me.

DerekW

Derek.....

Am not getting you on this. I tried the installer, and of six tries, two of which then said had a Non-Authentic version. Said to enter my number, which I got smack off the booklet cover I was given years ago. Too many numbers it always cited. Said it needed only six, not the 25 as in my number. Thus I could not proceed. If things don't work you need to contact M-S and get their Auth. code. For such a simple program it wasn't about to be set onto my computer.

On the tries w/o asking for an Auth. number, it seemed to be running and installing, but after 20 minutes, I figured it wasn't doing anything. Most tries, it just flat refused to go further.

Am I doing something wrong, or not understanding it at all?

Wm.

Is it possible to just download the file ready to install offline?

If so then I can always try myself on my W98SE machine. I obviously don't want to actually install anything.

Maybe it is not the process I have in mind. What I found is that when you tried to get an MS download it gave you the option of going through the first verification process or an "alternative".

It was the "alternative" which, after running a small MS file, popped up a box on the screen with a number in it (it probably was about six digits). You then you had to copy that same number into another box whilst you were online.

DerekW