If you are trying to install Windows 98 / SE on Oracle Virtual Box but are getting stuck with a message telling you, “This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down.” then we have a possible fix for you!
The error is, “Explorer has caused an Exception 6d007eH and Shell32.DLL”. Without getting overly complicated and trying to get to the fix quickly, the problem is mainly 32-bit protected mode disk drivers.
The “fix”, or more accurately, the workaround is:
- Reboot the VM once this error occurs during installation
- Press F8 before Windows 98 / SE setup continues
- Skip or wait for Scandisk to finish if it loads
- Enter “Safe Mode” <This can sometimes take awhile for safe mode to boot>
- Once in Safe Mode, right click “My Computer”
- Select “Properties”
- Select “Performance”
- Select “File System”
- Select “Troubleshooting”
- Put a check next to “Disable all 32-bit protected-mode disk drivers”
- Click “Apply”
- Close the dialog box and restart the VM
Allow Windows 98 / SE to continue setup as it normally would and this time it should complete the install.
Screenshots of the Process are below:
Select “Properties”
Select “Performance”
Select “File System”
Select “Troubleshooting”
Put a check next to “Disable all 32-bit protected-mode disk drivers”
