Watch VCDs on Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE

Posted on by hddvdsupport

Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE improved upon Windows 95’s multimedia capabilities but still lacked built-in support for VCD playback. However, with the right software and drivers, you can easily watch VCDs on these systems. This guide covers the hardware, software, and codecs needed to play Video CDs (VCDs) on Windows 98 and 98 SE.

1. System Requirements for Smooth VCD Playback on Windows 98

Minimum Hardware Requirements:

  • Processor: Pentium 133 MHz (minimum), Pentium II 300 MHz (recommended for smooth playback)
  • RAM: 32 MB (minimum), 64 MB (recommended)
  • CD-ROM Drive: 4x speed or higher
  • Graphics Card: DirectX-compatible with 2 MB VRAM (minimum), 8 MB VRAM (recommended)
  • Sound Card: 16-bit Sound Blaster-compatible
  • Storage: 50 MB of free disk space (for software installation)

💡 Windows 98 SE supports better USB and driver compatibility, which helps if using external CD drives or USB sound devices for better VCD playback.

2. Built-in Software for VCD Playback on Windows 98

Windows 98 included Windows Media Player 6.4, but it did not support VCD playback natively. Instead, you needed Microsoft ActiveMovie (later part of DirectShow) to decode MPEG-1 video.

Using ActiveMovie for VCD Playback

ActiveMovie (now part of DirectShow) allows .DAT file playback from VCDs.
👉 Download Microsoft ActiveMovie Final Beta 5.

How to Play a VCD Using ActiveMovie:

  1. Insert the VCD into the CD-ROM drive.
  2. Open ActiveMovie and browse to the MPEGAV folder on the VCD.
  3. Select the .DAT file (e.g., AVSEQ01.DAT) and press Play.

✅ Windows 98 SE comes with DirectX 6.1+, improving video playback performance.

3. Recommended VCD Playback Software for Windows 98

InterVideo WinDVD (Best for VCD/DVD Playback)

WinDVD is a full-featured software DVD/VCD player that works on Windows 98 and supports MPEG-1 playback for VCDs.

Compatible WinDVD Versions:

  1. WinDVD 1.2
    👉 Download WinDVD 1.2.93
  2. WinDVD 2.1
    👉 Download WinDVD 2.1
  3. WinDVD 3.1 (OEM)
    👉 Download WinDVD 3.1 (nVidia OEM)

How to Play a VCD in WinDVD:

  1. Install WinDVD from the links above.
  2. Insert your VCD into the CD-ROM drive.
  3. Open WinDVD, select “Open Disc”, and press Play.

CyberLink PowerDVD (Popular for MPEG-1 Playback)

PowerDVD is one of the best options for VCD playback on Windows 98. It includes MPEG-1 video support and plays .DAT files smoothly.

Compatible PowerDVD Versions:

  1. PowerDVD 2.55
    👉 Download PowerDVD 2.55
  2. PowerDVD 3.0
    👉 Download PowerDVD 3.0

How to Play a VCD in PowerDVD:

  1. Install PowerDVD from one of the links above.
  2. Insert your VCD into the CD-ROM drive.
  3. Open PowerDVD and select “Open Disc”.

✅ PowerDVD 3.0 is recommended for Windows 98 SE due to improved video decoding.

SoftPEG (Lightweight MPEG-1 Decoder)

If you have an older Windows 98 system without dedicated video acceleration, SoftPEG provides basic MPEG-1 decoding.

👉 Download SoftPEG.

How to Play a VCD with SoftPEG:

  1. Install SoftPEG.
  2. Open SoftPEG and navigate to the MPEGAV folder on the VCD.
  3. Select and play the .DAT file.

✅ SoftPEG works well on slower computers (Pentium 133+).

4. Additional Codec Support for Windows 98 VCD Playback

Some media players require additional MPEG-1 codecs to play VCD files smoothly. Below are useful codec packs:

  • Ligos MPEG-1 Codec (enhances Windows Media Player’s VCD support)
  • Elecard MPEG-1/2 Codec (improves playback for older PCs)

5. Summary: Best Software for Watching VCDs on Windows 98

SoftwareDownload LinkBest For
ActiveMovieActiveMovie Beta 5Basic MPEG-1 playback in Windows Media Player.
WinDVD 1.2WinDVD 1.2.93DVD and VCD support with better quality.
WinDVD 2.1WinDVD 2.1Updated version with smoother playback.
WinDVD 3.1WinDVD 3.1 (nVidia OEM)Advanced features and hardware acceleration.
PowerDVD 2.55PowerDVD 2.55Best balance of performance and compatibility.
PowerDVD 3.0PowerDVD 3.0Most advanced version for Windows 98 SE.
SoftPEGSoftPEG MPEG-1 DecoderLightweight VCD playback for older PCs.

Windows 98 and 98 SE do not natively support VCD playback, but with ActiveMovie, WinDVD, PowerDVD, or SoftPEG, you can easily watch VCDs. These tools provide a mix of built-in functionality and verified third-party software to ensure smooth playback on older PCs.