YouTuber Successfully Ports .NET Framework to Windows 95 After 28 Years
28 years after its release, Windows 95 may seem like a relic of the past, but one YouTuber, MattKC, has a special fondness for the operating system. In a remarkable feat, MattKC has successfully ported the .NET Framework from Windows 98 to Windows 95, allowing thousands of software applications that rely on the framework to run on the older system.
The main difference between Windows 95 and 98 is the introduction of the .NET Framework, making this porting project no easy task. While tools like KernelEx can help Windows 98 systems run software designed for newer operating systems, such as Windows 2000 or XP, they are not compatible with Windows 95. This forced MattKC to find alternative solutions to make the porting of the .NET Framework possible.
One of the main challenges faced during the porting process was the lack of a large number of necessary DLL files. To address this, MattKC used a unique dump tool that identified the missing DLL files and allowed for them to be replaced or ignored. Additionally, over 5409 entries had to be added to the system registry to ensure the proper functioning of the .NET Framework on Windows 95.
Despite the initial success of implementing the .NET Framework on Windows 95, compatibility issues still remain. The JIT Debug function is hindered by the outdated driver ndphlpr, and various other compatibility issues persist. Nevertheless, MattKC’s accomplishment in porting the .NET Framework to an outdated operating system showcases the dedication and ingenuity of the YouTube community.