How to Connect Windows 95 to the Internet in VirtualBox or VMware

This article will provide a guide on connecting an internet connection on a Microsoft Windows 95/98 operating system installed using Oracle VM VirtualBox or VMware Workstation virtualization software.

How To Fix Windows 95 / 98 VM Internet Connection Settings in VirtualBox / VMware

An internet connection may be necessary to perform online tasks on your Windows 95 or 98 system installed on a virtual machine through Oracle or VMware.

Suppose you encounter the error “An unexpected error has occurred. Restart Internet Explorer, and then try again” when you connect to the Internet with the Explorer browser in a Windows 95 virtual machine. You probably still need to install the TCP/IP protocol in your virtual system.

A computer’s inability to acquire an IP address from the DHCP server is a prominent factor preventing Internet access. Although this is the most fundamental problem, it also means that the computer’s LAN (Local Area Connection) settings may need to be set.

Before accessing the Internet on a virtual or physical computer, installing the TCP/IP protocol is essential. With this protocol, Internet access is attainable. Therefore, installing the TCP/IP protocol is a prerequisite for establishing connectivity and gaining access to the online realm.

Suppose you have installed the Windows 95 Nostalgia operating system using one of the related software. In that case, you can now follow this guide and configure your system’s network settings.

Windows 9x Internet-Related Features

Windows 95 is an operating system with its era’s standard Internet connection features. Here are the significant features of this system regarding Internet connection:

• TCP/IP Support: It supports data communication over the Internet by supporting the TCP/IP protocol. This protocol lets users communicate with web browsers, email clients, and different Internet-based applications. The underlying mechanism facilitates seamless interaction and data exchange between users and these online platforms.
• Dial-Up Connection: By supporting dial-up (over the telephone line) connections, you can connect to the Internet via a telephone line with a modem device. In this type of connection, users must have information such as making calls, securing, and username/password.
• PPP and SLIP Support: This nostalgia system of Windows supports Internet connection protocols such as PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) and SLIP (Serial Line Internet Protocol). Thanks to these protocols, users can use dial-up connections to connect to the Internet.
• Internet Explorer: The Internet Explorer web browser allows users to explore websites, perform searches, and effortlessly access a broad scope of Internet content. It is a versatile tool that empowers users to navigate the online landscape and engage with the desired information and resources.
• Email Support: With email protocols such as POP3 and SMTP, users can send and receive emails with the email client.
• Network File Sharing: Users can share files over the network with other computers and share printers with network file-sharing support.
• Network Connection Manager: It gives users a built-in utility to configure their network connections effectively. Users can conveniently adjust connection speeds, modify various settings, and ensure optimal network performance through this manager. It is a helpful tool for managing and customizing network connections according to individual preferences and requirements.

How to Install TCP/IP Protocol and Configure Network Settings on Windows 95

Although modern operating systems typically include automatic TCP/IP protocol installation, older Windows systems may need more functionality. Consequently, to configure your computer’s network settings, it becomes necessary to manually install the TCP/IP protocol and establish the Internet connection. Doing so ensures your web settings’ proper setup and functionality, allowing you to customize and manage your network connection easily.

Shortly, the TCP/IP protocol plays a vital function in ensuring the accurate transmission of data packets to the destination. It facilitates device recognition and communication by utilizing IP addresses.

Moreover, it empowers computers to establish Internet connectivity and leverage various Internet-based applications, including web browsers and email clients. In essence, this protocol acts as a fundamental framework that enables seamless data transfer and effective utilization of online resources.

Step 1

One of the easiest ways to test LAN or WAN connectivity on any operating system is to ping the destination address with CMD or MS-DOS Prompt.

Open MS-DOS Prompt from Start / Programs on your Windows 95 virtual machine and execute the “ping 8.8.8.8” command to test your connection by pinging Google servers.

ping 8.8.8.8Copy

If you experience an error message similar to “Bad command or file name,” depicted in the accompanying image, it likely indicates that the TCP/IP protocol is absent from your system.

Step 2

To establish the TCP/IP protocol on the virtual appliance, navigate to the Control Panel by clicking Start / Settings. Next, locate and double-click on the Network option. Alternatively, right-click on the Network Neighborhood from the desktop and click Properties.

To add the TCP/IP protocol in the Network window, just after clicking the Add button, select Protocol in the Network Component Type window and click the Add button again.

In the open Network Protocol window, select Microsoft first, then TCP/IP, and finally, click OK. Restart your guest’s machine after installing the necessary network protocol.

NOTE: If your system needs the necessary files for TCP/IP, the “Windows 95 CD-ROM” warning window will display and ask you to insert the installation media.

Step 3

After restarting your Win9x system, double-click The Internet from the desktop location. In the Internet Connection Wizard window that opens, select only Next and then Current in the Setup Options window and click Next to complete the process.

Step 4

Upon completing the connection wizard, you will immediately notice the availability of your Internet connection. To prove this, attempt to access the “google.com” webpage using your Microsoft Internet Explorer browser. Once the browser opens and successfully loads the webpage, it clearly indicates that your Internet connection has been established and is fully functional.

Video

Conclusion

In this article, we have configured the Internet settings of the Windows 95 VM we use with VirtualBox or VMware on a Linux, Windows 10 / 11, or macOS operating system. If you are operating one of the older Windows legacy systems and experiencing difficulties in establishing an Internet connection, it is crucial to verify the installation of the TCP/IP protocol.