Infopackets Reader 'Tom' asks:

" Somewhere, someone told me about a website that allowed users to download a windows 98 Second Edition full CD that included all the critical updates. I also heard that you needed to use the original CD key to use this install. Do you happen to know if this is true, and if so, what is the web site? "

My response:

As far as I understand, it would be illegal to distribute any Microsoft product that is normally for sale (I.E.: the Windows Operating System itself -- Service Packs, on the other hand, are free).

On that note, I happened to stumble across an 'unofficial' Service Pack for Windows 98 Second Edition, which was put together by a fellow named Alper Coskun. According to the exuberant.ms11.net web site, this unofficial release includes "all Windows98 SE updates from Windows Update site and more", but does not include "Internet Explorer 6, DirectX 9, Media Player 9 and their updates."

http://exuberant.ms11.net/98sesp.html

Side note: Although this package looks legitimate and equally impressive, I must stress that this service pack not supported by Microsoft. Please view the disclaimer on the exuberant web site for more details.

Official Service Pack + fixes via Microsoft

If Alper Coskun's package doesn't interest you, perhaps your best bet is to visit the Windows Update web site. According to Microsoft's Windows 98 Download page, Service Pack 1 is available through the Windows Update Web Site (along with drivers and other critical updates).

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/