Win95 as abandonware

[pip]

does anyone know when windows 95 will become available as abandwonware cause I have a 486 and I don't have a computer that can play |)00/\/\ properly let alone raptor

 

[ThePerfectCore]

If I remember correctly, Doom would run just fine under DOS 6.22 with himem.sys in the config.sys file. Why not go find a copy that and use it?

 

[pip]

could you elaborate a bit more

 

[Audioaficionado]

Just because M$ has abandoned MS-DOS and 95 doesn't mean they don't mind if you find it free somewhere. They want it and the old boxes it runs on to die so you can buy the newest version of MS OS and a business partner's modern computer. If they catch you, they can use the DCMA to squash you like a bug. They have the itellectual rights for 95 years unless congress gives them even more time in the future.

Reminds me of the old Asop's fable about the "The Dog in the Manger".

 

[Zim2411]

Well... they no longer support it. There is no mention of 95 on msoft's site.
I'd consider it abandonware. Where to get it? Kazaa? (Check for viruses if you do that)

 

[Audioaficionado]

Every site that had it and was posted about in the usenet groups was shut down by M$ in short order. So M$ still won't let you have it unless you get it on ebay where it's dirt cheap and still legal for now.

I've bought several old M$ OS just to collect as antiques. They're still fun to run on old multiboot boxes. At least they don't make you activate or register them if you don't want to.

 

[TazExtreme3]

[Edit]

 

[diggingforgold]

Yeah, I would consider Win95 as abandonware... They don't officially support it, they dont sell it, they are actually trying to phase it out.

If it truely is abandonware, I say download it.

If NOT, I'm sure you can find a friend that has a old disk and liscense, and he could just transfer the liscense over to you. In fact, I used to have 3 Win95 legal liscenses and disks. I've lost the disks and keys a long time ago tho...

 

[JigPu]

I've got a copy of the restore disk for my Packard Bell (YUK!) saved as an ISO on my HD, along with it's key. Really usefull for if/when my P-133 needs a format

I consider 95 to be abandonware, but like others have said, if it's not....

PS - Don't think about asking for the ISO from me. I'm on 56K, and you would NOT want to try to get it from me. Besides, we're still not sure wether it's abandonware or not ^_^
JigPu

 

[Audioaficionado]

That restore disk would only work if you installed it on the same computer it came with. It's not an install but a ghost HD image of an installation from the exact brand/model of computer it was shipped with.

 

[su root]

Watch it!

Abandonware, even though it is no longer supported nor sold by it's publisher is still copyrighted (copyrights last for 75 years in the US) and considered illegal unless the publisher has re-released it as freeware.

As you guys should know, pirated software is a no-no in these forums. Check the rules link in my sig.

 

[JigPu]

That restore disk would only work if you installed it on the same computer it came with. It's not an install but a ghost HD image of an installation from the exact brand/model of computer it was shipped with.

Actually, they stuck the installer on the CD, so it is an actual install disk. Did they even have ghost install disks back in '95?

However, I did find a way around another of my boxes install disks which is a HD image. However, I won't go into any further detail (not here, not PMs, not email, not chat, not ANYWHERE) because I don't like the idea of helping out people who would just use it to distribute illegal copies. People like that need to get a (better paying) job.
JigPu

 

[Blueacid]

Elaborating on dos...


If you find a copy of DOS 6.22 (I don't want to discuss where, but lets say a friend) you will need:

himem.sys installed (dos does this, when you install it... when you boot up, it says "HIMEM is testing extended memory...done")

Mouse drivers (just plain old dos drivers, search the web)

Soundcard drivers (Search for 'Sound Blaster Pro' drivers - they tend to be the most compatible with modern hardware)


Good luck! DOS was such a long time ago, though, so I can't remember much.

 

[William]

Come on guys, if you have any links to warez junk in this thread or were talking about it, I would get rid of them now before the mods come running in(reported the post). Several of the posts are over the line. Abondonware doesn't mean that you can do whatever you want with it, especially give it out for free. Microsoft doesn't want people doing that and thats their choice, not yours.

 

[Audioaficionado]

Come on guys, if you have any links to warez junk in this thread or were talking about it, I would get rid of them now before the mods come running in(reported the post). Several of the posts are over the line. Abondonware doesn't mean that you can do whatever you want with it, especially give it out for free. Microsoft doesn't want people doing that and thats their choice, not yours.

I already sent a PM to the worst offender. A direct or indirect link is a BIG no no and a liability to the existance of this forum. If you guys want MS-DOS or 95, you'll just have to find it on your own. When you do, keep the news to yourself.

Someone needs to edit out that link if the poster can't or won't.