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When trying to install netbeans 5.0 on Win98SE one of the following things happens, depending on how an installation is attempted: (A) Using netbeans-5_0-windows.exe from netbeans.org: After entering an installation location, or just accepting the default \netbeans5.0 directory, the installation stops with the error message that the directory is not writable. Althogh, verification in the console of course indicates that the directory is writable. This happens independent of whatever directory name is entered. (B.1) Using bundled jdk-1_5_0_06-nb-5_0-win.exe *WITHOUT* having a pre-installed JDK/SDK: Installation stopps right after the main InstallShield window comes up with the greeting message. The error message is that the current user doesn't have enough privileges to install, and that one should change to an account with sufficient privileges. Remember, I am talking about Win98SE, where there is no such thing as a priviledged user. (B.2) Using bundled jdk-1_5_0_06-nb-5_0-win.exe *WITH* having a pre-installed 1.5.0_06 JDK/SDK: Installation runs up to a certain point, but hangs during the creating uninstaller phase, with a progress indication of 92% (C) Unpacking netbeans-5_0.zip gives a NetBeans 5.0 which starts. However, that one doesn't mean much. It fails with severe problems in its metadata handling. I will create a separate issue for this
I am sorry. We do not support Win 98. (Actually problem is with InstallShield 11 we use to build installer. InstallShield did incompatible change in their native support => result is installers based on InstallShield 11 do not work on Win 98.) Workaround is to use zip distribution.
Please add the information "We do not support Win 98" on the download page! I wasted half a day to figure out what is apparently a known "feature" for some time. The download page just allows for the selection of "Windows", and gives no indication that "Windows" means Windows >= Windows 98.
Release Notes contains list of supported OSes. Patrick do you think we should emphasize we do nto support Win 98/Win ME to avoid such troubles?
Well, the release notes state which versions of Windows work. The reporter is asking for it to be stated clearly on the download page. One possible solution is to be more specific in the Choose an Operating System drop-down on the download page. Right now it says "Windows". Better might be "Windows XP". Of course, we would have to remember to change this when new versions of Windows come out.
So where to assign this? This is not so simple. Release Notes says NetBeans IDE is tested on Windows XP Professional SP2 but it is known to run also on Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0, Windows Server 2003. Another possibility is to add test to installer and when Win 98/Win ME is detected we will show error message and do not allow to continue.
I think not allowing the install to proceed and having a clear message why is the best thing to do. Not everybody is going to find their way to the release notes for the explanation. If it is true that the IDE will probably not run on Win98, then let's be clear about that during the install.
This will only handle case when user uses installer. If he uses zip to install NetBeans IDE instaler cannot help. Ok. I will add check to installer. Shall I file separate issue for doc/web?
Marku, the fix with the warning message in installer should go to trunk and also to 5.5 branch. Thanks.
Jack please what is correct component/subcomponent when I want to modify info on download page?
I'll work on this.
Sorry, this issue got lost. It is however long resolved in the new downloads interface. Closing.
We recently moved out from Collabnet's infrastructure