| Problem | Solution | | :--- | :--- | | | Your CPU is too new. Add -cpu 486 or -cpu pentium to the QEMU command to disable CPUID instructions that Win98 hates. | | No Sound in Games | Ensure you use -soundhw sb16 , not -device AC97 . Games from 1998 only talk to the Sound Blaster 16 via IRQ 5. | | Mouse Acceleration is Wild | Download and install the official Windows 98 USB Supplement inside the VM. Then use the usb-tablet device flag. | | Qcow2 file is 15GB but VM says disk full | You need to expand the disk. qemu-img resize win98.qcow2 +10G then use Partition Magic (a retro tool) inside the VM to extend C:. | Part 8: Advanced – Uploading Your Own "Windows 98 qcow2 full" Do you have a perfectly configured image with Office 97, Photoshop 5.0, and Civilization II ? The community needs you.
Pro tip: Before installing any driver pack or running a random .exe from an old CD, take a snapshot. Windows 98 has no System Restore; the qcow2 snapshot is your System Restore. Even with a "full" image, issues arise. Here are fixes: windows 98 qcow2 full
Enter the modern solution: images.