Find out what hardware you have on your system. Compare the list your program provides to the Windows HCL, and download any drivers listed or special installation notes. Get updated drivers from your hardware vendor. Regardless of whether the HCL lists your hardware as working with your new version of Windows, you should still check with your hardware vendor for solutions, workarounds, or new drivers. It's important to get the latest drivers for your hardware because the Win98 CD-ROM contains drivers that are close to a year old now.
New drivers can offer better performance and fewer problems.
After you download your new drivers, copy them to diskettes for easy installation. Get expert help before you start the upgrade. You should search Microsoft's Support amp Knowledge base online for references to your specific hardware and your new version of Windows before you upgrade. One of the most common upgrade problems with Win98, for example, is undisclosed problems with the System.ini file. Microsoft largely replaced it with the Win95 Registry.