Mismatched versions of Windows components...

[Zylstra]

"Mismatched versions of Windows components are installed on your system, try running the setup again"
OS: Windows 95

My question is this:
How exactly would I reinstall Windows 95 without loosing data?
I don't have a restore CD. But I have a Windows 95 CD. And no, I am not going to format.

What do I do?

[Fed]

http://www.windowsreinstall.com/

[Zylstra]

Ok. I think its just plane weird that there would be a site ALL about reinstalling Windows...
...
I am going to do a reinstall of Windows 95 then. If that doesnt work, then I will upgrade to 98, then 98SE.

I will use the below instructions.

Advantages :

You Don't loose any data or your preferences.

  
 
Disadvantages :

Only works in about 50 % of occasions and any Hard Drive problems are not detected. The success rate can differ from operating system to operating system. Windows 98 2nd edition and Windows ME have higher success rates. Unfortunately you may find that problems get worse or different problems arise from trying this method.

Windows NT, 2000, and XP repair option can cause problems due to different service packs being installed, to what is available on the Windows Disk.

  
 
How to do it :

Windows ME, 98, 95

You start the windows installation and reinstall in same directory.
 

But theres one problem, I dont have the CD key. Does Windows 95 have a CD key?

[GX1_Man]

Yes, and you can find yours with this:

http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

Write it down!!!

Once you get it reinstalled you could backup your data and do it correctly.

I would want better odds than 50%!   That's the same as random occurrence, like flipping a coin.

[Zylstra]

Yes, and you can find yours with this:

http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

Write it down!!!

Once you get it reinstalled you could backup your data and do it correctly.

I would want better odds than 50%!   That's the same as random occurrence, like flipping a coin.

Now I have run into a problem. I was planning on using a Windows 95 CD that wasn't used to install Windows on my system.
I don't know what the key is for the CD I have. I don't even know what computer used the key in the first place. I believe its long gone now.

[GX1_Man]

Do you know if it is an OEM, or a consumer version or even what specific version it is - A, B, C? That does make it a little tougher.

[Zylstra]

Do you know if it is an OEM, or a consumer version or even what specific version it is - A, B, C? That does make it a little tougher.

Just says "Microsoft Windows 95"
"FOR DISTRBUTION ONLY WITH A NEW PC"
"0196 Part No. 000-27722
219755"
(I don't think that that number is the CD key)
Info on number here:
http://www.emsps.com/OLDTOOLS/mswin95v.htm
I am currently reading the info on that page.

[Zylstra]

(done reading info)
It is a
"0196 Part No. 000-27722 - Windows 95 OEM version A. Most recent directory dated 1/16/96 2:58:12PM. Files in root dated 7/11/95 9:50:00am."

(- http://www.emsps.com/OLDTOOLS/mswin95v.htm )

What do I do?

EDIT:
I have found the key for the CD.
(it was in the filing cabinet. Hidden among manuals and books. )

[Zylstra]

I am not sure that I want to do this yet.
My next question is this:
If I reinstall Windows 95, then will I have to reinstall ALL of my programs as well?
Am I better off upgrading to Windows 98?
(I have a 130MHz laptop with 24MB RAM. Would Windows 98 really work on that very well?)

[GX1_Man]

IF you can reinstall Windows95 on top of what you have (and this is unlikely without a valid number, unless the one you have on there just happens to work, and I doubt it) you probably will not need to reinstall programs. If they are buggered up you may have to anyway. I am unsure of the present state of conditions.

Win98 on 24 meg. regardless of processor is NOT recommended. If it runs it will be so slow and thrash your hard drive so much you will not use it for long.

So, I guess it's off to eBay for you.

What are the specifics on the Win95 machine you have now? The 24 meg RAM will be usable with Win95.