Microsoft Windows 98 (CD-Rom)

Windows 98, released by Microsoft in June 1998, was the successor to Windows 95 and became one of the most widely adopted operating systems of the late 1990s. It introduced USB support out of the box, Internet Explorer 4 integration, and the Windows Driver Model. The Second Edition (SE) update in 1999 added internet connection sharing and improved USB support.

Sealed, boxed copies of Windows 98 are increasingly collectible among retro computing enthusiasts. The full retail box with holographic Microsoft certificate, product key, and manual is the most sought-after version. Upgrade editions are more common and less valuable. The SE version is slightly more desirable due to its improved stability. European multilingual editions in Dutch, German, and French are commonly found on the European secondhand market.

When buying secondhand, verify the product key sticker is intact and legible — many collectors want a valid key for retro PC builds. Check that all discs are present and scratch-free. The original box should be in good condition without crushing or water damage. Sealed copies are rare and command a premium, but verify the shrink wrap is factory original. Complete-in-box copies with the manual, quick start guide, and certificate of authenticity are worth significantly more than loose discs.