I've been told by some people that the Microsoft Update website for Windows 98SE is the most destructive of the Windows Updates site and only causes problems for the computer when updates are installed.

I've been told by others that it is integral to install these updates as they pertain to security issues and what not.

So which is it? What should I do.

Hi Jor,

Windows 98 is no longer supported by Microsoft, nor is ME and 2000 recently as well, which means there will be no more updates released for these operating systems.

Updates *can* sometimes cause problems, but it's most likely due to, for example, third party software installed on the PC.

What I would recommend, is to install all the updates you need when you first install 98. Once everything is working properly, go ahead and use your PC as normal.

Also, make sure you have a good firewall, anti-virus. and anti-spyware/malware installed and youll be pretty safe. Even with all the security patches and updates, youre not safe without these.

Yeah see I just had Windows 98 SE freshly installed so I there is like 30 updates available at the Windows site and I just wasn't sure if I should download them because of mixed reactions I got from people when I asked.

I already have a router which acts as a firewall and I have Norton Internet Security and Anti Virus.

Everything works good and I just don't want screw anything up by installing Windows Updates if they aren't necesssary.

If your going to do your updates, now is the best time, as theres less chance of anything going wrong at this point, and even if it does, all you have done is install Windows, no software or data will be lost since your already running fresh. To be honest Jor, I've never had problems updating myself, but it's completely your decision, I'm not going to decide for you.

This site gives you a breakdown of the 98 and 98SE critical and recommended updates (short descriptions of each): Windows 98 Download: Windows Update

It may give you an idea of what each of these updates actually do. If your not running internet on 98 then you don't need to worry about the security updates. Other updates are normally bug fix's with 98 itself.