Software Repairs for Windows 95

If you are running Windows 95, Microsoft has released a patch that will allow Windows 95 to display dates beyond 1999. Windows will currently support dates beyond 2000, but often a patch is needed for it to display the date correctly.

• To download the patch, click here.

There are really only two possible scenerios for computers that are not already certified to be "Year 2000 Compliant"

Scenerio 1: If your computer can't handle the date 2000.

Before you decide that your computer is completely un-compliant, we recommend applying all the patches below and re-testing.

If this is the case, you will probably have a problem. The problem exists on your computer at a hardware level. You may be able to obtain a BIOS update or you may have to get a new motherboard or computer system.

If a new BIOS is available for your computer that will solve the problem, it is recommended that you contact a computer support staff member as this update can be somewhat tricky. [click here for a more in depth explanation]

Your computer can handle dates past 2000, but won't rollover to 2000 on January 1.

Option 1 (Recommended)

If your computer falls into this catagory your computer can function properly past December 31, 1999.

VIASOFT distributes a free application that installs a software patch onto your computer system that monitors the system date and corrects it if any errors are found. This patch seems to make most older computer systems that can support dates beyond 1999 Year 2000 compliant.

• Download VIASOFT's BIOS FIX [1,228 KB]

After installing this patch, you will want to run the McAfee testing program again. Your computer should now be reported as year 2000 compliant.

When Windows 95 is installed it chooses to represent dates in a two digit format. To change Windows date representation system:

1. Click on start.
2. Go to settings, then control panel.
3. Choose regional settings and then the date option.
4. In the short date style:
   If it displays yy, add yy so that yyyy is displayed.
5. Repeat for long date style so that it displays yyyy as well.
6. Click on apply and then OK.

After completing all these steps, re-run the test application above. You will receive two warnings that the files you are installing already exist in the specified directory. When you are asked if you want to overwrite the file, press YES.

Option 2

You will need to manually set your computer's date on January 1, 2000 (or when you return to your computer next). This will only need to be done once, as the computer is capable of maintaining the new date after it is entered. To set the date:

1.Close all open applications and documents.
2.Display your DOS prompt (in Windows 95, select Start/Run, then type command).
3.Type date at the prompt. The current date will appear, with a request for a new date.
4.Type in the new date, 01-01-2000, and press Enter