How can I replace a driver in Win 98??

[wetbehindears]

I'm trying to replace oleaut32.dll with a newer version. I keep getting a message that windows is using the file. I have tried something I found on the Internet about copying in the new file as oleaut32.dll_new at the command prompt and then renaming the old file, but it still wouldn't let me rename the old one. It said it was a duplicate file name or the file was in use.

[glc]

Do it in safe mode, if that doesn't work, use safe mode command prompt only.

[wetbehindears]

I have tried both of these and get the same response I did before.

[edfair]

Build a floppy EBD and do it using that. You might put it on the hard drive under a different name first then copy it over on the next boot with the floppy.

[wetbehindears]

thank you

[GaryRouth]

I like using the Real-Mode DOS disk like edfair mentions - but if you've got time to toy with a possible alternative - I think the System File Checker utility in Windows 98 can "restore" different versions of system files from within Windows (it generally asks for a restart to take effect - though I'm writing this from memory [I can check on it a bit later & see if I remembered correctly or not]). You go to Start/Accessories/SystemTools/System Information/ ...and from the "Tools" menu, choose "System File Checker", ...and from the System File Checker screen, select the option "restore one file from disk" [have the version of the file you want on a floppy diskette, CD, or copied to a hard drive already] - and point to it.

Just figured I'd mention it as an alternative.
. . . Gary

[Dan Penny]

Another method not involving a floppy is to use the Raw_Dos of the machine. Copy the needed new file to the root directory of C: so it's handy when you need it. Then when booting, start tapping the Ctrl key. (Use Ctrl as opposed to F8 as some people/programs edit the msdos.sys file to remove the F8 capability.)

This should give you the MS Windows 98 Start Menu. Choose Command prompt only. You'll end up at the C:\> prompt. Then type in copy/v/y oleaut32.dll c:\windows\system. This will copy the new file (and over-write the old file without confirmation).