I'm a partner in a business that switched to Linux Distros a few years ago.

I keep a copy of 98SE at home because it was customized for my business
when we started the company. I also still use command line DOS scripts.

Anyway, I've been jumping around the web trying to get all the info I
can about updating my older version of K-Meleon (1.5.4) to 1.7.

I'm kind of lost.


I found this post on several sites:

Use K-Meleon v1.7 with KernelEX v4.5.2 (Run in Windows 2000
compatibility mode)

May also need Visual C++ 2005 runtime installed.


Was there ever a "finished" version of 1.7? The only links I can
find are for beta or experimental versions.

If you can, please provide a link to the most stable K-Meleon 1.7.


I also found this at a site called The K-Meleon Place:

[17/02/2013 - New vital macro for KM 1.7
realgy presents his new extension invaluable for KM 1.7 users!
It fixes an odd bug there which was the reason of number of functions being broken.

Macro Name: hndlDocs(km1.7alfa).kmm

Simply put in your KM 'macros' folder and restart browser.


So, I've got KernelEx 4.5.2 installed already.

I need a link to a stable K-Meleon 1.7.

I'll install Visual C++ 2005 Runtime and the macro that fixes bugs.

Is there anything else I need?


I found some confusing info about K-Meleon Twin+, but I
don't think I need the additional complexity. I really just want
to render web pages properly. That's all.

I'm still on 98SE too, it's my online machine.
KernelEx works miracles But the compat mode must be XP, not win2000.
At installation I chose as default setting "off", so kex is only active when I manually set it for a program.

Tip: one trap everyone falls into sooner or later: after renaming the path to a program, changing folders etc., the kernelex-path is broken and must be set new again :cool:

KM1.7 sadly is alpha version and so full of bugs, can use it only as fallback version if a really important website doesn't display right in KM1.6
Then again, those bugs are mainly breaking macros, not websites. The website display IS better due to the newer gecko engine.

So it depends if you want to use macros or not. If you don't need any or only a few very simple ones, chances are 1.7 runs well enough for you.

That "fix" by realgy is cool and helps partly, but can't fix all probs. What I really hate is that it secretly switches javascript ON, permanently, without even telling the user! That creates on one hand huge safety probs and on the other also huge performance probs on ancient machines.
So I've modified that "fix" to switch it on only when needed. It's in the thread in the forum somewhere.

For everday use I'm on KM1.6 beta25/26
Works well enough for my needs, and for occasionally stubborn websites I use a macro to kill the css-styles, that makes them at least readable again, and often even unhides hidden stuff, pics etc

Getting 1.6 to run wasn't easy at first, good luck ;-)

Is there real need to prefer 1.7 to 1.6-branch?

There are very-very few sites where you can see rendering difference between 1.7 and 1.6.

But while 1.7 is an buggy alpha, 1.6 is almost release (no serious bugs and all the same functionality like in 1.7 - even more as 1.7 has some important ops broken: no AdBlock, no FindAsYouType, broken about:config management).

If no particular site where 1.7 works and 1.6 fails (I knew only one, really 1 such a site) - than no reason to look for KM 1.7.

Use 1.6 instead. It's polished and fully tested in any job.

Also you can ask any question about K-Meleon Twin+ as I'm an author of this assembly. You are welcome!

Mostly yes, but to be honest, at least one really serious bug is still in 1.6: Quite often loading pages/scripts/videos cannot be stopped, despite all fiddling with settings, arrgh. Prefs may help sometimes, alas not always. Lousy workaround is to kill the online connection.

Ah yes, and when the browser was closed off-line, it still claims to be offline after the next start, yet despite this loads pages from the web again (fixed by workaround-macro, just checks pref at startup and then toggles on-off again).

But the point is, 1.7 most likely has the same probs, so 1.6 is still the winner :cool:

(But if injectJS could be fixed in 1.7, first to work at all, second to return a var, then I'd probably consider switching)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/11/2015 11:28PM by siria.

Quote
clutterless
So, I've got KernelEx 4.5.2 installed already.

I need a link to a stable K-Meleon 1.7.

I'll install Visual C++ 2005 Runtime and the macro that fixes bugs.

Is there anything else I need?


I found some confusing info about K-Meleon Twin+, but I
don't think I need the additional complexity. I really just want
to render web pages properly. That's all.

All 1.7 flavours are based on Dorian's version that he created before he ran out of time until last year. The same is true for 1.6. Just grab a recent update by anyone.

Dorian used to have the only build environment to create stable km exes.
No matter what I and others tried during that time the exes where not stable.
So all exes are by him. And so is the code that was used by others to build more recent GREs for the exes.

It seems that it is possible to patch the newer versions to run with the old systems. aimfiend prepared and posted a version for Windows 2000.
http://kmeleonbrowser.org/forum/read.php?1,127042,127095#msg-127095

I have no idea how such a work was done for Win2000 and I have no idea whether it can be done for 98 either.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/13/2015 01:24AM by guenter.

You guys are amazing! I genuinely appreciate all your replies!

I've tried and abandoned more browsers than I can remember. Most
were poor to awful. I think you'll agree with me when I say that
K-Meleon loads web pages faster than any other browser. It never
had endless settings and options like some of the more bloated
browsers, but it runs like a race car and that's all that really
matters.

rodocop, as the author of K-Meleon Twin+ I really need your
advice. You have several links at the bottom of your reply to my
post. Whatever you suggest I'll try! My system is 98SE with
Unofficial_SP2.1a (from MSFN) installed. Years ago I enjoyed
tinkering with operating systems, hacking the Windows Registry, etc.
Now, I just want something that works with the fewest headaches.

rodocop, which of those links you provided to K-Meleon works best
with KernelEx 4.5.2? I don't want to guess. Also, do I need to
install Visual C++ 2005 Runtime or that "vital" macro? Finally,
what is the best default setting for KernelEx? If you're not sure
which package I should download, just pick one. Any choice you
make would be based on your expert level of knowledge about
this browser.

Thanks guys.

He'll say either KM1.6 beta2.6 by JamesD or his 1.6version with the additional chrome twin

Forgot something:
jujuland, a KM mod, has made a slim mini-version of that VisualC2005 (needed for 1.6). Can't remember for sure, but think I installed that one long ago, while the original MS version (link on download page) was either rather big or didn't work right or just because I prefer slim tools. Anyway, just for info
http://jujuland.pagesperso-orange.fr/kmeleon.html
But perhaps you have it already in your 98 SP included?

The test is really quite simple: use a portable KM (just unzip it) and start it. If all is right, fine, but would be a wonder without KernelEx. So right-click on k-m.exe and set it to XP mode. If that's not enough, install VS2005. If tstill doesn't work, gets difficult but not hopeless :cool:



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/12/2015 09:52PM by siria.

Quote
clutterless
It never had endless settings and options like some of the more bloated
browsers, but it runs like a race car and that's all that really
matters.

I cannot second You on that. Ulf and jsjn's 0.9 already had endless options and settings and these were yet increased with Dorian led versions.

For me km is the most versatile, productive browser/shell ever.

clutterless,

well... I was playing with 98's unofficial packs too. I've created KM Twin also. And I even tried to run KM 1.6 there on 98.

But even so I'm bot an expert in your question as I hadn't use 98 for everyday job for years.

All I can say is that speaking about compatibility with 98 all the 1.6-1.7 builds are just equal.
Select what you like more.

Every build has its own bells and whistles - and I can guess that my Twin has more of them than any other build.

But it lacks some beautiful tools from 1.6beta2.6 by JamesD, for example!

Do you still appreciate my help?

So just try one of them (siria's right - Twin or beta 2.6 are most modern and polished builds). Set it up in kernelex like siria says - she works in 98 for nowadays like you, so you'll more likely find common language.

Also you may need that mini-setup of MS VC++2005 by JujuLand (that installs files msvcr80.dll and msvcp80.dll so if you already have ones in Windows\system - you don't need it).

What say more... Twin also can install for you and use GoogleChromeFrame that gives you more compatibility with modern web (KM Twin has 'Chromium-button' which at first click runs GoogleChromeFrame setup and all the next times will open currently viewed page in new tab using Chrome engine). But I can't help you in setting up ChromeFrame under 98. I even don't know whether it simply could be run there.

Maybe siria knows?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/13/2015 06:19PM by rodocop.

I apologize for that "bloated" remark.

A complex app with many features doesn't mean (to me, anyway) that it's
bloated. If an app has numerous useful features that improve performance
and provides the user with a better experience then it's definitely not
bloated. A truly "bloated" app is bogged down with options that no one
cares about or rarely uses.

OK, I'm going to download 1.6beta2.6 by JamesD, mini-setup of MS VC++2005
by JujuLand, and select the XP mode in KernelEx as siria suggested.

Believe me, without KernelEx my copy of 98SE would be used only in my
home office. I test everything in a virtual environment, so the system
remains clean.

I'll return to this thread and post the results.

I'm not surprised an Illegal Operations box appeared when I attempted to
run K-Meleon 1.6.


Here is the info:

K-MELEON executed an invalid instruction in
module IMGLIB2.DLL at 019f:01db5477.
Registers:
EAX=00000000 CS=019f EIP=01db5477 EFLGS=00010246
EBX=00000000 SS=01a7 ESP=007af6f8 EBP=01103060
ECX=00000040 DS=01a7 ESI=01dee728 FS=11e7
EDX=01dea600 ES=01a7 EDI=010d3ae0 GS=0000
Bytes at CS:EIP:
f2 0f 2a 44 24 1c f2 0f 5e 05 e8 af de 01 eb 08
Stack dump:
01079aa8 010ef5b0 010ef5b0 01079a90 01014130 00000000 01015fa8 000001f4 0114254e 01dea640 007af70c 01db1685 01109981 010ef5b0 01072dc0 01079aa8


I did try setting KernelEx to different systems, but it didn't help.

Some of the MSFN forum members are using dozens of apps successfully
because of KernelEx. This has not been my experience at all. Only one
app installed in my copy of 98SE has run smoothly with KernelEx.

Before I call it quits, it looks like IMGLIB2.DLL is the problem. Maybe
a newer version is the solution. If so, which version should I download?

Hm, doesn't look too good... Did a search in my folder for that dll and found some notes. Seems the imglib2.dll in beta2.6 contains a vulnerability fix, but alas that one is not compatible with win98 anymore - or only not mine?? The previous one in beta2.5 seems the last working one, but at own risk, as always. Its date is 24-jun-2011, version 1.9.1.20pre. It must be replaced in the components folder and the 2 *.dat files deleted (they get created automatically again).
Here's a link I had stored:
http://kmeleonbrowser.org/forum/read.php?3,122169

In 1.7 I don't find that dll at all, yet it runs...

KernelEx helps for quite some apps for me too, perhaps the half, and I'm usually only looking for slim and simple ones anyway. Haven't checked in a while for updates, last time the project was near-dead (as KM for a long time ) - which version do you see in the compatiblity tabs in the left bottom corner? Mine says 4.5.120 funnily, although its properties etc. claim 4.5.2



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 04/13/2015 11:53PM by siria.

siria, I'm beginning to regret bothering all you smart people with my foolish
ideas.

I'm not sure what you're suggesting. In other words, is there any way to get
a newer version of K-Meleon to run with 98SE and KernelEx? You must understand,
I'm just a K-Meleon user. I don't know anything about all the different versions
and customized variations of this browser.

All the references you're making to beta2.5, version 1.9.1.20pre, etc., is like
a foreign language to me. You're a K-Meleon "insider" who has followed all the
different aspects of K-Meleon. I'm definitely an "outsider" trying to run a
newer version of K-Meleon. That's all.

Give me a step-by-step procedure I can follow, or a link to any of the K-Meleon
variations that might work with 98SE and KernelEx.

If nothing works, that's ok. All you guys have been incredibly helpful!

Hm, you're right it sounds complicated - but it really isn't ;-) Just saying:
replace the imglib2.dll in your km/components folder!
And be warned, the replacement is an older version with unfixed vulnerabilities, but what do if the newer one doesn't run on our system :-(

Since I don't know where to find it on the web, have it uploaded for your test here:
http://kmeleonbrowser.org/forum/file.php?10,file=1128,filename=imglib2.dll.win98.7z

This contains 4 files. 1 dll (+3 reminders for later).
Throw them all into your folder k-meleon/components.
Delete the two *.dat files in that folder.
Restart KM.
Cannot guarantee that it runs now or if there will be more probs, just try and see.

Don't be worry: paradox of nowadays is that Win98 is the safest OS from all Windows in use

Most actual malware just cannot run there

Sure wish it were

Quote
rodocop
Most actual malware just cannot run there

Unfortunately there's still too many left that can, and not to forget tons of older ones, sigh. But yes, let me dream ;-)

Do you know, dear oldfags, that there is a man who updates KernelEx day by day!

You can read about it (including installation instruction) here on MSFN and download the recent version repackaged by me (there isn't full archive for 13-th release there)

@rodocop: Thx 4 these links. As soon as possible I'll have a little more time I'll look there on it. I heared allready KEx is not died by stopping of the regular development but till now I got only nebulous infos about it. This looks to be something concret and usable.

Quote
clutterless
I'm not surprised an Illegal Operations box appeared when I attempted to
run K-Meleon 1.6.


Here is the info:

K-MELEON executed an invalid instruction in
module IMGLIB2.DLL at 019f:01db5477.
Registers:
EAX=00000000 CS=019f EIP=01db5477 EFLGS=00010246
EBX=00000000 SS=01a7 ESP=007af6f8 EBP=01103060
ECX=00000040 DS=01a7 ESI=01dee728 FS=11e7
EDX=01dea600 ES=01a7 EDI=010d3ae0 GS=0000
Bytes at CS:EIP:
f2 0f 2a 44 24 1c f2 0f 5e 05 e8 af de 01 eb 08
Stack dump:
01079aa8 010ef5b0 010ef5b0 01079a90 01014130 00000000 01015fa8 000001f4 0114254e 01dea640 007af70c 01db1685 01109981 010ef5b0 01072dc0 01079aa8


I did try setting KernelEx to different systems, but it didn't help.

Some of the MSFN forum members are using dozens of apps successfully
because of KernelEx. This has not been my experience at all. Only one
app installed in my copy of 98SE has run smoothly with KernelEx.

Before I call it quits, it looks like IMGLIB2.DLL is the problem. Maybe
a newer version is the solution. If so, which version should I download?

Could you solve this problem? It remembers to my KM1.6 installation process. I took the JamesD's version as recommended but very soon after starting I got a similar message as you for the file XPCOM_CORE.DLL. Than I copied/overwrited this file by that one from the version BetaS2014 by Fred. Than came the same message for xpcom_core.dll, I did the same as by the previous. Than came the same message for the next one and so on. MGLIB2.DLL was under that too. Sometimes after changing of about 20 DLLs from the S2014 by Fred worked than the 1.6 properly as it can. Later I fuond somewhere in this forum, someone about 1 year before me had the same installation problem (in that thread is not visible if he could to solve it finally). It seems, by unknown reasons works the JamesD for some people problemless, but some people must use such tricks. If I remember correctly the S2014 by Fred also didn't work directly as it is on my system (W98SE + selected features from unofficial SP, now using KM1.7).