Creating or using a Windows 98 virtual machine (VM) in modern computing environments often involves converting old installations or ISOs into virtual disk formats compatible with contemporary virtualization software. QEMU's QCOW2 is one such format. Here’s some useful content on how to work with a Windows 98 VM in QCOW2 format:
qemu-img convert -O qcow2 win98se.qcow2 win98se_optimized.qcow2
Once the installation is complete, you'll need to configure the virtual machine to use the QCOW2 image. You can do this by creating a new QEMU command: windows 98 qcow2
qemu-system-i386 -hda windows98.qcow2 -m 256 -vga cirrus -soundhw sb16
This will start the virtual machine with a Cirrus VGA graphics card and a Sound Blaster 16 sound card. Creating or using a Windows 98 virtual machine
In an era of NVMe SSDs, 16-core CPUs, and ray-traced graphics, the clatter of a dial-up modem and the chime of a 32-bit operating system seem like ancient history. Yet, for retro gamers, industrial control system administrators, and software archivists, Windows 98 remains a critical platform. It represents the pivot point between DOS command-line grit and the modern Windows NT architecture. Cause: QCOW2 fragmentation
However, running Windows 98 on bare metal in 2025 is a nightmare. Drivers for PCI Express, SATA, and USB 3.0 simply do not exist. This is where virtualization saves the day—specifically, QEMU using the qcow2 format.
This article is a deep dive into obtaining, creating, optimizing, and troubleshooting windows 98 qcow2 images. Whether you are looking to replay StarCraft, run a legacy CNC machine, or simply experience the "Active Desktop" again, this guide is for you.