Getting a Windows 98 game to run on modern windows

[Dr H]

Windows 98 relies on BIOS to access the hard drive during booting. That can't be done with hard drives bigger than around 7.5 GB. If you insert a Windows 98 boot-disk into a modern computer, the FDISK can't even detect the hard drive (I've tried that myself).

You could partition the HD into smaller chunks, but dual-booting can be problematic in other ways.
For example, Win98 may not recognize some of the more modern hardware without additional drivers -- which may or may not run under Win98.

Virtual machine is a better way to go.

Or, buy a refurbed old 486 from Goodwill for $30, install Win 98 on it, and keep it as a dedicated antique gaming machine.

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What he said.  You can get windows versions from 7 onwards to emulate previous versions.  

I have a laptop with Windows 7 that is set up to emulate XP, 2000, and 98se.  What you do is set up a virtual machine, which creates a subenvironment and lets you open a window in which you can install and run previous versions of Windows.  Then you install your legacy software via that virtual machine window.

Doesn't work 100% of the time, but it's not too bad -- maybe 95%.

For windows 7:

https://microsoft-virtual-pc.en.softonic.com/

For later versions:

https://www.virtualbox.org/

Have fun.

Um yea, but you cant downgrade on most machines now. Believe me I tried to go from Windows Vista back to 7, the tower I bought with Vista on it wouldn't allow it, and trust me, I took it to a computer expert, and he couldn't do it.

If the OP really wants this game, hate to say it, they are going have to buy an old tower with an old enough OS already on it.

Installing a virtual machine doesn't involve downgrading.
The VM runs under whatever your primary operating system is -- Win 10, or whatever.
Then you install your legacy operating system in the VM environment.

[Pat Mustard]

Not sure how well NWN will run given it's old DX requirements?
Then again, processors today could probably run it faster using sw emulation anyway

I do have fond memories of that game.

It's on Steam for $20 if that helps.

It's on Steam for $20 if that helps.

I got it from GoG and it used to run good on windows 7. Since I got win 10, I havent tried to dl it, since its on my GoG account. Perhaps they did something to allow compatibility to more modern systems.

ETA: https://www.gog.com

**Makes loud throat clearing sound.**

I suck at computers. I don't even know what version of windows I have, except that it's "not Windows 10." ------7 maybe?

Anyway, I'm trying to run a Windows 98 game (Neverwinter Nights Diamond Edition) on it but it won't work. I've tried adjusting the compatibility thingie under properties. That didn't work. I've been reading some stuff online that says to uninstall it and reinstall under compatibility mode. I have no idea how to do that.

Any suggestions?

The only work around is to open the console* while playing.  For some games compatibility mode installation (or just running) works, eg Diablo & Diablo 2, not NWN.

* Cheat code entry, usually via the Tilde (`) button.

Trust me it's the only way. I own the GoG version of the game (and also a hard copy, my brother robbed that one) and with Windows 8 or 10 playing the game with the console open is the only reliable way to get the fps up to any decent speed. Though you can't use the keyboard shortcuts.

[vulcanlogician]

PSA: I got NWN working. I just needed to track down a critical rebuild patch.

For anyone who may want it: http://www.neverwinternights.info/players.htm#critpatch

[LastPoet]

I liked NWN. These days I only play D3 RoS, only can play 1 hour or two, so its all about getting the build. Season 16 started yesterday and I am going with the monk. Last season went wizard and its cool, but a real glass cannon if you ask me.