That drive is just too large for Windows 98. Keep the partitions below 32GB.

I would start from the basics by testing the machine with Memtest86. I've used 120 gigabyte SSDs with several Win98 machines and I've never had issues like what you are describing.

RobDos wrote on 2023-09-12, 19:09:

I did use a random Win98 SE image

Just for kicks, try it with a clean, known-good (and non-pirated) copy so we at least know you're building upon a solid foundation.

I'd rule out TRIM issues, since that is something to be triggered by the OS and W98 flat out won't do that since it doesn't even know how to. I'm with Munx in that it's probably simply too large a drive. There's some rloew patches you could try if you're hell bent on sticking with the current one.

Repo Man11 wrote on 2023-09-12, 19:35:

I would start from the basics by testing the machine with Memtest86. I've used 120 gigabyte SSDs with several Win98 machines and I've never had issues like what you are describing.

I have other systems with 120gB (my P3) and no issues like this, I had similar issues when I did a 1tB but not with a 120gb.

I tried a 300gb drive, split c;: 60GB, 110, 110 and in Win 98 it worked, in dos mode the two 110's appeared in fdisk normally but then wouldn't assign a drive letter. I used a different type of SATA adapter.

Might need to take a break on this.

my last thought, the intel chipset isn't playing nice with these adapters.

My supicion falls on this, first and foremost : "5. ATA 100 with a SATA to IDE adapter <-generic from China."

EDIT : ICH4 and newer based IDE controller pretty much only play ball reliably with Marvell based adapters, AFAICR .

If the board is new enough to support LBA up to at least 127GB (LBA28) and there are no hardware faults (i.e. bad capacitors), it should work .

Windows 98 can create and works with 127GB FAT32 drives [1], even when using the standard IDE driver based around ESDI_506.PDR based driver .

[1]
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previ ... echnet.10)

RobDos wrote on 2023-09-12, 22:56:

I have other systems with 120gB (my P3) and no issues like this, I had similar issues when I did a 1tB but not with a 120gb. […]
Show full quote

Repo Man11 wrote on 2023-09-12, 19:35:

I would start from the basics by testing the machine with Memtest86. I've used 120 gigabyte SSDs with several Win98 machines and I've never had issues like what you are describing.

I have other systems with 120gB (my P3) and no issues like this, I had similar issues when I did a 1tB but not with a 120gb.

I tried a 300gb drive, split c;: 60GB, 110, 110 and in Win 98 it worked, in dos mode the two 110's appeared in fdisk normally but then wouldn't assign a drive letter. I used a different type of SATA adapter.

Might need to take a break on this.

my last thought, the intel chipset isn't playing nice with these adapters.

It could very well be an adapter issue, not all SATA to IDE adapters are equal. You mentioned a Sil3114 SATA PCI card, that would be worth a try. In my experience they work fine in some motherboards, and won't work at all in others, but maybe you'll get lucky. When I do an install I usually use Super FDISK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5ivV5tyfRs

Also, the unofficial SP3 caused enough issues for me the one time I tried it that I've never bothered with it since, so I'd avoid it if I were you.

Here's a good thread on the 3114: SIL3114 sata card, need ide firmware.