The size of a Windows 98 installation varies depending on whether it's a new installation or an upgrade, and the file system used for new installs. Based on typical configurations, a new installation using the FAT32 file system is often around 175 MB.
Windows 98 Installation Size Details
The disk space required for Windows 98 depends on the installation method and the chosen file system. The reference provides specific ranges and typical values for different scenarios.
Factors affecting the size include:
- Installation Type: New install versus upgrading from a previous Windows version (like Windows 3.1 or Windows 95).
- File System (New Installs): Whether the drive is formatted with FAT16 or FAT32. FAT32 generally uses space more efficiently, leading to a slightly smaller typical installation size.
Below are the sizes according to the reference:
New Installation Sizes
For a fresh installation of Windows 98, the space needed varies by the file system of the target partition:
| File System | Minimum Required (MB) | Maximum Possible (MB) | Typical Installation (MB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAT16 | 165 | 355 | 225 |
| FAT32 | 140 | 255 | 175 |
As highlighted, a new installation using FAT16 typically requires 225 MB, while one using FAT32 typically requires 175 MB.
Upgrade Installation Size
If you are upgrading an existing installation of Windows 3.1 or Windows 95 to Windows 98, the required space is slightly different:
- Upgrading from Windows 3.1 or 95: The size ranges from 120 MB to 295 MB, with a typical installation being around 195 MB.
Therefore, the exact size isn't a single number but falls within specific ranges depending on your installation scenario, with typical values provided for common setups.
