Minimum Windows +

[Lilwolf]

Amazing to say...  I FINALLY a computer which is dedicated for my arcade machine (Its been my home development system at the same point for years).

So I'm starting to look at what I should add / remove to make it a dedicated machine..

I'm running 98SE.. And uninstalled all the apps I don't think I will ever use again.

so the question...

What should I keep in?  

Should I try to optimize / minimize the 98 install?  I don't care about disk space that much (Not installing CHD files which don't run full speed).  

I'm not going to have access to the net easily for a while (haven't cabled downstairs).  So adding something later will be a pain (dragging cables across the floor or CD-R's).

I'm asking utilities mainly.

Thanks

[Buddabing]

You might check out http://www.litepc.com/ if you are interested in reducing boot time.

The problem with converting a machine that has been used to exclusive MAME use is that you accumulate a lot of garbage in the Windows directory that you never even notice.

I'd probably just reinstall Windows from scratch, then patch windows, drivers, and such, then download any essentials, such as Winzip.

The cleanest way would be to transfer anything you want to save off the drive and then wipe it, but I'm lazy so I just renamed my Windows directory.

Buddabing

[Lilwolf]

I haven't decided on the reinstall or not yet.... I just installed it a few weeks ago... so I'm just uninstalling a few apps.

The real question... is other then winzip...  Am I going to miss anything when I'm off the net?  (winzip was a definate)

[Howard_Casto]

I would say romcenter or clrmamepro.....


I would also go ahead and share out your drives as in 98 windows asks for the install cd.  That way when you do have ot get into the box you just need to plug in a cable.  (A rather long cable from what your describing.)