Cant install Office97 in Vista

[Alfred Lorona]

I created a 10 GB partition, K, to install Office 98 because I need a word
processor and it's the only version I have. Computer is ACER T180 with Vista
Home Premium. I formatted the K drive.

I put the WIN98 OS disk into the CD ROM drive, E, and type 'setup' thinking
that the set up prompts would ask me which drive to install it into. But the
computer tells me I have to start with an MS_DOS prompt in order to install
Office.

I tried starting the computer in 'Safe Mode with DOS prompt' but whatever I
try from there-on doesn't work.

So how do I install Office in it's own partition?

One other question. Drive K 'Properties' tells me that there is 77.8 MB used
on it. But double clicking the drive tells me that the folder is empty. What
is that all about?

Thanks for any help you can give me. AL

 

[Gordon]

I created a 10 GB partition, K, to install Office 98 because I need a word
processor

If I were you I would download and install the latest version of Open office
rather than Office 98, if all you need is a word processor....

www.openoffice.org

 

[Ringmaster]

I created a 10 GB partition, K, to install Office 98 because I need a word
processor and it's the only version I have. Computer is ACER T180 with Vista
Home Premium. I formatted the K drive.

I put the WIN98 OS disk into the CD ROM drive, E, and type 'setup' thinking
that the set up prompts would ask me which drive to install it into. But the
computer tells me I have to start with an MS_DOS prompt in order to install
Office.

I tried starting the computer in 'Safe Mode with DOS prompt' but whatever I
try from there-on doesn't work.

So how do I install Office in it's own partition?

One other question. Drive K 'Properties' tells me that there is 77.8 MB used
on it. But double clicking the drive tells me that the folder is empty. What
is that all about?

Thanks for any help you can give me. AL

I have Office 97 running on my Vista Business version. I suspect your
problem is trying to install in a non standard way. Why are you?

Did you misstate what you meant to say? If not, why are you trying to
install the Windows 98 OS to a separate partition, if that's what
you're doing? Even if that's what you want, you can't do it that way.

Just install Office like any other application. If it refuses to run
right, right click on the .exe icon for each of the various Office
Applications, properties and try running as XP SP3 or SP2. That should
get you going.

Vista is more fussy than prior versions of Windows and expects to find
program files where it wants them... in the root drive under program
files. Since we're talking less than a GB, shouldn't be a problem
unless you are very low on drive space for C. Are you? If you must,
set Office up after you install it to save your data files to the
separate partition.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I created a 10 GB partition, K, to install Office 98 because I need a
word processor and it's the only version I have. Computer is ACER T180
with Vista Home Premium. I formatted the K drive.

I put the WIN98 OS disk into the CD ROM drive, E, and type 'setup'
thinking that the set up prompts would ask me which drive to install it
into. But the computer tells me I have to start with an MS_DOS prompt in
order to install Office.

I tried starting the computer in 'Safe Mode with DOS prompt' but
whatever I try from there-on doesn't work.

So how do I install Office in it's own partition?

One other question. Drive K 'Properties' tells me that there is 77.8 MB
used on it. But double clicking the drive tells me that the folder is
empty. What is that all about?

Thanks for any help you can give me. AL

First of all, which version of Office are you actually trying to
install? Your subject line says "Office 97," but in the text of the
message you specify "Office 98." Office 98 was designed for Apple's
MacOS and cannot be installed on a Windows OS.

And then you divert into a discussion of Win98, which is even further
off-track.

If you want to install Office 97, just insert the CD and run Setup.exe
from it. There's certainly no reason to create a separate partition for it.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I created a 10 GB partition, K, to install Office 98 because I need a word
processor and it's the only version I have.

I'm not absolutely sure, but as far as I know, Microsoft Office 98
won't run under Vista. You need at least Office 200.

Computer is ACER T180 with Vista
Home Premium. I formatted the K drive.

I put the WIN98 OS disk into the CD ROM drive, E, and type 'setup' thinking
that the set up prompts would ask me which drive to install it into. But the
computer tells me I have to start with an MS_DOS prompt in order to install
Office.

I tried starting the computer in 'Safe Mode with DOS prompt' but whatever I
try from there-on doesn't work.

So how do I install Office in it's own partition?

Why would you want to? There's no reason to have separate partitions
for each application, or even application suite.

 

[Alfred Lorona]

I apologize for a goof, people. I wrote Office98 in the first line when I
meant my Office97 Professional version.. I was thinking of installing Win98
at the same time and did a bad job of proofing before hiting the send
button. Mia Culpa.

I tried installing Office97 into Vista but some features don't work, namely,
being able to write a macro in Word. It works nicely in Win98 and that's why
I thought I would dual boot.. That is why I created a partitition. I wanted
to put Win98 in it and then install Office97. I don't see why wanting to
dual boot Vista and Win98 is such a problem.

In addition, I want to install Adobe Photo Deluxe 3 into Win98 also because
some features don't work in Vista, namely, being able to save a picture in
GIF format. JPEG works ok however. I posted these two problems on newsgroups
but after not receiving info on how to fix these things, I decided 'the heck
with it' and thought I would use a separate partition for the whole batch
and be done with it once and for all. Besides, I have several other older
but often used programs that simply won't run in Vista. Incidently, I tried
the 'compatability' thing on everything but that didn't do anything. Running
the old Win98 operating system solves everything perfectly, no problem,
instead of fussing and fussing trying to get things to work in Vista.

Thanks again for your responses. AL

 

[Nonny]

I apologize for a goof, people. I wrote Office98 in the first line when I
meant my Office97 Professional version.. I was thinking of installing Win98
at the same time and did a bad job of proofing before hiting the send
button. Mia Culpa.

I tried installing Office97 into Vista but some features don't work, namely,
being able to write a macro in Word. It works nicely in Win98 and that's why
I thought I would dual boot.. That is why I created a partitition. I wanted
to put Win98 in it and then install Office97. I don't see why wanting to
dual boot Vista and Win98 is such a problem.

You said NOTHING about wanting to setup a dual boot with W98 in your
original post OR in the subject.

In fact, that post was largely incoherent..

 

[ray]

I apologize for a goof, people. I wrote Office98 in the first line when
I meant my Office97 Professional version.. I was thinking of installing
Win98 at the same time and did a bad job of proofing before hiting the
send button. Mia Culpa.

I tried installing Office97 into Vista but some features don't work,
namely, being able to write a macro in Word. It works nicely in Win98
and that's why I thought I would dual boot.. That is why I created a
partitition. I wanted to put Win98 in it and then install Office97. I
don't see why wanting to dual boot Vista and Win98 is such a problem.

In addition, I want to install Adobe Photo Deluxe 3 into Win98 also
because some features don't work in Vista, namely, being able to save a
picture in GIF format. JPEG works ok however. I posted these two
problems on newsgroups but after not receiving info on how to fix these
things, I decided 'the heck with it' and thought I would use a separate
partition for the whole batch and be done with it once and for all.
Besides, I have several other older but often used programs that simply
won't run in Vista. Incidently, I tried the 'compatability' thing on
everything but that didn't do anything. Running the old Win98 operating
system solves everything perfectly, no problem, instead of fussing and
fussing trying to get things to work in Vista.

Thanks again for your responses. AL

Have you considered setting up a virtual machine with win98 instead of the
dual boot? If it works, it would be quite a bit handier. I also second the
idea of looking at OpenOffice.org and GIMP to see if they would meet your
requirements.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I apologize for a goof, people. I wrote Office98 in the first line when I
meant my Office97 Professional version.. I was thinking of installing Win98
at the same time and did a bad job of proofing before hiting the send
button. Mia Culpa.

Not a big problem. I understood that you meant Office 97.

I tried installing Office97 into Vista but some features don't work, namely,
being able to write a macro in Word.

As I said, I believe you need at least Office 2000 for Vista, and even
there, there are some issues with Outlook 2000.

It works nicely in Win98 and that's why
I thought I would dual boot..

Dual boot? That's the first time you mentioned dual-booting.

That is why I created a partitition. I wanted
to put Win98 in it and then install Office97.

Yes, you can install Windows 98 and then install applications like
Office 97 under it. But you didn't say anything about installing
Windows 98 and dual booting. All you said was that you were installing
Office 98 in a separate partition, and as I, and others, have told
you, that makes no sense.

If you want both Windows 98 and Office 97 in that partition, you need
to install Windows 98 first.

I don't see why wanting to
dual boot Vista and Win98 is such a problem.

It's not. But again, you never said anything about doing that. You
talked about installing Windows 97 in *Vista*.

Also bear in mind that, when dual booting, you normally install the
older operating system first, then the newer one. Although it's
possible to do it the other way around, it's harder and requires a
third-party boot manager.

In addition, I want to install Adobe Photo Deluxe 3 into Win98 also because
some features don't work in Vista, namely, being able to save a picture in
GIF format. JPEG works ok however. I posted these two problems on newsgroups
but after not receiving info on how to fix these things, I decided 'the heck
with it' and thought I would use a separate partition for the whole batch
and be done with it once and for all. Besides, I have several other older
but often used programs that simply won't run in Vista. Incidently, I tried
the 'compatability' thing on everything but that didn't do anything. Running
the old Win98 operating system solves everything perfectly, no problem,
instead of fussing and fussing trying to get things to work in Vista.

I personally think dual-booting is a nuisance. I wouldn't want to have
to frequently change back and forth between operating systems. If it
were me, I would prefer to get newer (or different) applications that
run under Vista. But it's your choice, not mine.

 

[Alfred Lorona]

It seems I did it again! When I wrote 'dual boot' I thought it meant that I
can boot into either Vista or Win98. and I would have that choice when I
turn on the computer. But I guess that is not the case. So now I have to
say that I don't know what 'dual boot' means. I apologize for my ignorance.

I thought it was clear from my first post that I wanted to install Win98
into the new partition when I said 'I put the Win98 OS disk into the CD ROM
drive and tried 'setup'. I thought everybody would realize that I assumed
that I could not install Office into a partition all by itself.

Look, folks, this is getting out of hand. I don't seem to have the proper
vocabulary or computer savvy to ask about my problems. I assumed the
newsgroup was to help ignoramuses like me. Perhaps I was wrong.

So let's forget the whole thing. Sorry to have bothered you. I won't do it
again. I will try to get help elsewhere.

Thank you. for your troubles. AL

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

It seems I did it again! When I wrote 'dual boot' I thought it meant that I
can boot into either Vista or Win98.

Yes, that's exactly what dual-boot means.

and I would have that choice when I
turn on the computer. But I guess that is not the case. So now I have to
say that I don't know what 'dual boot' means. I apologize for my ignorance.

You do know what it means. What perhaps you didn't know, and what I
tried to explain, is that the facility to dual-boot doesn't come
automatically, and when you install Windows 98 *after* Windows XP, you
need third-party software to get it.

And what you apparently still don't realize is the term "dual-boot"
didn't appear in your original message.

I thought it was clear from my first post that I wanted to install Win98
into the new partition when I said 'I put the Win98 OS disk into the CD ROM
drive and tried 'setup'.

Going back and looking at your original post, you did say that. My
apologies. I missed it, probably because you began your post with the
sentence "I created a 10 GB partition, K, to install Office 98" rather
than saying something like "I created a 10 GB partition, K, to install
Windows 98 in a dual-boot scenario and Office 98 underneath it."

I thought everybody would realize that I assumed
that I could not install Office into a partition all by itself.

But the point is that you *can* do exactly that. But there's no good
reason to do so, and we all (I think) assumed that that's exactly what
you wanted to do, for some reason we didn't understand, so therefore
asked you for clarification.

Look, folks, this is getting out of hand. I don't seem to have the proper
vocabulary or computer savvy to ask about my problems.

I don't agree. You simply wrote your first message ambiguously, and
confused us. I don't say that to give you a hard time or to chastise
you; we all do that from time to time. Simply accept it, clarify the
misunderstandings (as you did) and move on.

I assumed the
newsgroup was to help ignoramuses like me. Perhaps I was wrong.

Not at all. And you're not an ignoramus just because you wrote a
confusing message

So let's forget the whole thing. Sorry to have bothered you. I won't do it
again. I will try to get help elsewhere.

Your choice, of course. But if I were you. I wouldn't be so quick to
take offense. We were trying to help you, but the first step is always
understanding what you want, and that often means clarifying any
ambiguities in your messages.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

I created a 10 GB partition, K, to install Office 98 because I need a word
processor and it's the only version I have. Computer is ACER T180 with
Vista Home Premium. I formatted the K drive.

I put the WIN98 OS disk into the CD ROM drive, E, and type 'setup'
thinking that the set up prompts would ask me which drive to install it
into. But the computer tells me I have to start with an MS_DOS prompt in
order to install Office.

I tried starting the computer in 'Safe Mode with DOS prompt' but whatever
I try from there-on doesn't work.

So how do I install Office in it's own partition?

One other question. Drive K 'Properties' tells me that there is 77.8 MB
used on it. But double clicking the drive tells me that the folder is
empty. What is that all about?

Thanks for any help you can give me. AL

You are making this way harder than you need to. You did not need a
partition for Win98. Download VPC 2007 and create a virtual machine.
Install Win98 in it and then install Office 97 on that just like you
would've a real computer. Share the printer attached to your computer with
the virtual machine and you can run Office with full functionality.

There are some problems trying to dual boot Win98 on your computer. For
starters you will not have motherboard drivers for it and Win98 only
supports 512mb without special measures. You don't have any of those issues
in a virtual machine and you don't even have to reboot to use Win98. A
virtual machine runs right on your Vista desktop in its own Window and you
can communicate between them.

There is a newsgroup, microsoft.public.virtualpc, with some savvy folks to
help you get this all set up.

VPC is free at:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...22-6eb8-4a09-a7f7-f6c7a1f000b5&displaylang=en

 

[ray]

It seems I did it again! When I wrote 'dual boot' I thought it meant
that I can boot into either Vista or Win98. and I would have that
choice when I turn on the computer. But I guess that is not the case.
So now I have to say that I don't know what 'dual boot' means. I
apologize for my ignorance.

No problem - everyone has to start somewhere - what you've describes is
indeed accurately termed 'dual boot' - but again I mention that it would
be more convenient to install '98 in a virtual machine so it can be run
from within rather than having to reboot the system.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I apologize for a goof, people. I wrote Office98 in the first line when
I meant my Office97 Professional version.. I was thinking of installing
Win98 at the same time and did a bad job of proofing before hiting the
send button. Mia Culpa.

I tried installing Office97 into Vista but some features don't work,
namely, being able to write a macro in Word. It works nicely in Win98
and that's why I thought I would dual boot.. That is why I created a
partitition. I wanted to put Win98 in it and then install Office97. I
don't see why wanting to dual boot Vista and Win98 is such a problem.

Dual-booting isn't a problem, at all, when done correctly.

Normally, the older OS must be installed first unless you wish to
acquire and use some 3rd-party partition and boot management utility.
(In which case you have to follow the instructions provided by whatever
3rd party solution you select.) However, this KB Article (not for the
faint of heart or technically-challenged) explains how to repair the
Vista boot process after installing WinXP:

Windows Vista no longer starts after you install an earlier version of
the Windows operating system in a dual-boot configuration
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/919529

MS-MVP John Barnett's Guide is considerably more user-friendly:
http://vistasupport.mvps.org/install_windows_xp_on_machine_running_vista.htm

Before proceeding:

First and foremost, if the specific computer model in question was
designed specifically for Vista, there may well be no WinXP-specific
device drivers available to make the computer's diverse components work
properly. If this proves to be the case , installing WinXP in a virtual
machine would be your best option, anyway. Consult the computer's
manufacturer about the availability of device drivers. Secondly, adding
another OS might void any support agreements and, sometimes, even the
warranty. Again, consult the computer's manufacturer for specifics.

However, dual-booting is no longer necessary in a great many
situations. Why not download a Virtual Machine application, such as
Microsoft's VirtualPC 2007
(http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.asp?) or Innotek's VirtualBox
(http://www.virtualbox.org/) and run WinXP and your legacy applications
within a virtual computer? Both are free and work with Vista.

NOTE: Microsoft does not support the use of VirtualPC 2007 on Vista
Home editions, but several people have reported that it works. Your
results may vary.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Bruce, are you sure there even are chipset drivers for Win98/ME for his
computer? I doubt it. The mfgs are not writing drivers anymore (haven't
for about three years) for new mobos and computers. Also, a computer that
is running Vista already has too much memory without taking special measures
because Win98 does not behave with much more than 512mb aboard. I am not so
sure we ought to recommend dual booting with Win9x/ME on the current
generation of hardware. At best it would require a savvy user to get it
going, assuming that Win98 would run stably.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Bruce, are you sure there even are chipset drivers for Win98/ME for his
computer? I doubt it. The mfgs are not writing drivers anymore
(haven't for about three years) for new mobos and computers. Also, a
computer that is running Vista already has too much memory without
taking special measures because Win98 does not behave with much more
than 512mb aboard. I am not so sure we ought to recommend dual booting
with Win9x/ME on the current generation of hardware. At best it would
require a savvy user to get it going, assuming that Win98 would run stably.

All valid points, and something the OP would have to look into before
proceeding. That why I closed with a recommendation to look into
virtual machines, rather than simply dual-booting. (But you're right: I
should have placed more emphasis on the potential difficulties. I was
in a WinXP/Vista frame of mind, I'm afraid. It's been too many years
since I've given much thought to Win9x.)


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

All valid points, and something the OP would have to look into before
proceeding. That why I closed with a recommendation to look into virtual
machines, rather than simply dual-booting. (But you're right: I should
have placed more emphasis on the potential difficulties. I was in a
WinXP/Vista frame of mind, I'm afraid. It's been too many years since
I've given much thought to Win9x.)


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand
Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

Yes, VPC is designed for exactly the OP's purpose. Especially since there
is no partioning or reboots and communication with the host is a mouseclick
away.

 

[Not Me]

I would just go to http://www.openoffice.org and try their free office
compatible suite.
IF you find it workable, great, it's free.
If you still want to use MS Office, a virtual machine sounds like your best
choice.
But with the way you describe your computer literacy, I'm not sure if you
are up to setting up a VM.