Windows 98 Qcow2
qemu-img convert win98se.qcow2 -O vmdk win98se.vmdk
For a more stable and usable VM, you should consider a more specific set of arguments.
qemu-system-i386 -hda windows98.qcow2 -cdrom /dev/cdrom -m 256
Creating a Windows 98 QCOW2 image allows you to run Windows 98 on modern hardware, without the need for physical hardware or cumbersome installation processes. Here are a few reasons why you might want to create a Windows 98 QCOW2 image:
: qemu-system-i386 -cpu pentium3 -m 256 -hda win98.qcow2 -cdrom win98se.iso -boot d -soundhw sb16 -vga std 3. Essential Post-Installation Fixes windows 98 qcow2
When prompted, initialize the disk with large disk support (FAT32) [4].
Windows 98 remains a nostalgia-rich OS for hobbyists, retro gamers, and preservationists. QCOW2 (QEMU Copy-On-Write v2) is a flexible virtual disk format widely used with QEMU/KVM that supports sparse storage, snapshots, and compression. Combining the two lets you run Windows 98 inside modern virtualized environments while keeping disk images compact, portable, and snapshot-capable. This article explains why you might choose QCOW2 for Windows 98, practical setup steps, performance and compatibility considerations, and preservation tips.
You can manage QCOW2 snapshots directly from the terminal without even booting the VM. While the VM is shut down, you can save its exact state into a new, smaller snapshot file.
Here are some common issues you may encounter when running Windows 98 on modern hardware: qemu-img convert win98se
Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a Windows 98 QCOW2 image:
One popular way to run Windows 98 on modern systems is by converting the installation into a qcow2 image, which can be used with QEMU, a widely-used open-source emulator. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of creating a Windows 98 qcow2 image, as well as provide tips and tricks for running Windows 98 on modern hardware.
Compared to other virtual disk formats, QCOW2 offers several advantages:
Once Windows 98 is installed, you should shut down the VM, remove the -boot d option (changing it to -boot c ), and reboot. At this point, your system works, but it can work better . Combining the two lets you run Windows 98
No DirectX or 3D acceleration available after full setup. #114 - GitHub
format is preferred because it grows dynamically as you add files. 3. Recommended VM Configuration
: Use sb16 (Sound Blaster 16) for the most reliable audio.
