Windows 95D Lite 1.5a

Revision as of 10:33, 20 December 2023 by Undefishin (talk | contribs)

Windows 95D Lite 1.5a is a bootleg Windows 95 OSR2 edition, which was created by Kugee and TheOneGoofAli (he designed the autorun graphics and made the 95D Lite logo). It released on December 23, 2021, and was added to the archive on February 15, 2022.

Windows 95D Lite 1.5a
Crusty Windows bootleg
The desktop of Windows 95D Lite 1.5a
The desktop of Windows 95D Lite 1.5a
Original OSWindows 95 OSR2
Release dateDecember 23, 2021
AuthorKugee, TheOneGoofAli
CountryUnited States
Language(s)English
Architecture(s)x86 (32-bit)
Other version(s)1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6a, etc
File size499 MB
Download linkwin95d_lite_15a.iso
Date addedFebruary 15, 2022

Description

The bootleg is a modified Windows 95 OSR2 ISO. This bootleg is largely intended to be an enhancement to Windows 95, adding many quality of life improvements to the OS to make it easier to run and use on old computers, and the successor to Windows 95B (which this mod is based on), skipping Windows 95C which included the infamous Internet Explorer 4 and Active Desktop features entirely, thus the name, Windows 95D.

The "Lite" in the name doesn't mean that it is stripped down like so you would expect, but it actually means it has a very different goal from the mod that came before it, Windows 95D. That was more of a proof-of-concept, to show that gradient titlebars are possible to get in Windows 95, by taking system files from a certain Memphis build with the functionality implemented and replacing 95's system files with it. Not in this OS, though. The goal here is to do away with all that, and focus more on bringing things that are actually useful to the table, such as pre-integrated updates and drivers to make getting them far less of a chore.

The drivers consist of mostly drivers of popular chipsets, processors, sound cards, video cards, and more. MS-DOS has been given some more spotlight in this OS, thanks to the new MS-DOS programs included. The help files have received a massive facelift - MANY invaluable tips and tricks, and detailed instructions on the dark arts of remastering Windows 95 are included.

The installation of the bundled integrations is meant to be completely seamless, you will not find any kind of extra RunOnce entries or WPI here. The pre-installation process has been greatly simplified, thanks to an automated script being there, which does all the heavy lifting (making and formatting a new partition, preparing the setup files, etc) for you. You can even do an express installation from here!

Unlike other bootlegs, this one is a lot more discreet and does not have any custom branding. Older versions (pre-1.2) used to have custom branding, until it got removed in version 1.2. The executables to restore the branding is included as a CD-ROM extra.

Speaking of CD-ROM extras, many new ones are included. First and foremost, there are the themes, which is included in a "Plus! Pack". All of the 90's era Plus! themes (Plus! 95, Plus! for Kids and Plus! 98) are included, even things like the Windows NT 4.0 Resource Kit, and custom themes made specifically for the OS. Some of them were user-submitted!! There is also of course 3D Pinball Space Cadet, and also some videos included, among them are the Windows 95D Lite trailer including the one for the version in the archive (1.5a). There's also some beta content (from Chicago build 99) and some in-joke material in there too. And yes, Hover is still included.

Changes from Windows 95 OSR2

  • New setup graphics. Updated setup billboard graphics
  • New font set

Software

  • APMTOGL 1.1

Updates

  • DCOM95
  • Dial-Up Networking 1.4
  • DirectX 7.0a
  • FIX95CPU
  • HyperTerminal
  • IntelliPoint 3.2
  • MSInfo32 (System Information)
  • Microsoft Installer
  • Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 Runtime
  • Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 Redistributable
  • PATCHMEM
  • Unicode Layer
  • Winsock2
  • eXtended USB Supplement

Software on the CD

TOOLS

  • Cabinet Software Development Kit
  • DOS font changer (as DOSFONT\ENABLE/DISABLE.REG)
  • Remote Desktop Connection (DS Client for Windows NT)
  • Layout Splitter (LAYTSPLT)
  • Microsoft Installer
  • Microsoft Office Document Compressor Kit (EMCABIN10)
  • Windows 95 Kernel PowerToys
  • Windows 95 PowerToys
  • Windows NT Server Tools

ADMIN

APPTOOLS
  • LFNBK
  • Password List Editor
  • System Policy Editor
  • Windows 95 Resource Kit
  • Windows 95 Shortcut Maker/WinSet
NETTOOLS
  • Batch Setup 2.4
  • Microsoft Print Agent for NetWare Networks
  • Microsoft RPC Print Provider
  • Microsoft Remote Registry
  • Network Monitor Agent
  • SNMP Agent

Notes

  • A lot of extra material is included which can't be described in the Description section. They are only available in the "Full" CD, the "Base" CD don't include the extras. Overtime, older releases get stripped down to just the "base" CD to save storage space on the Razorback servers where the ISOs are hosted. Here is a list of them:
There is a folder on the CD named "DRIVERS" which contains several popular drivers which are otherwise already integrated into the OS, made seperate for you to use on your own volition in case you need them. Most of them are more so miscellaneous, however. The AWE32 folder for example, only has the control applets and not the actual drivers.
Sources for utilities and various other material used to make the bootleg are included in a "SOURCE" folder on the CD. This includes APMTOGL 1.1, LAYTSPLT, INFSECT 0.5 and the original Diamond Disk Definition files for the mod.
Internet Explorer 3.02 and Internet Explorer 5.5 SP2 are included as extras on the CD, in a folder named "IE".
A text file named "VMWARE.TXT" can be seen on the CD. It describes how to get working sound with Windows 95D Lite on newer versions of VMware.
The original autorun has its strings replaced to match Windows 95D Lite's. The graphics have also been updated.
  • The full name is set to "Purple Belugy".
  • The computer name is set to "win95dl".

Gallery

Themes