Problem with the install of vmware

Perhaps it does not say "instmsia" is missing, but instead "instmsi"?

MSI is a Microsoft Installer module native to newer MS operating system installers, not W98 or W98SE.

Regardless, your computer is definitely telling you that you lack some required resources that are mandatory to install the VMware software.

You should read the documentation carefully, especially "system requirements" because you are definitely missing something that is required to use the software. It may be any of the following:

OS: Perhaps the software you have is for Windows ME, 2000, XP or Vista -but not (your) Windows 98.

CPU/Processor Support: Perhaps you have a 64-bit version of software, rather than 32 bit. Your W98 and W98SE are 32 bit-only operating systems. 64-bit software will NOT run on W98x.

Other Software: Perhaps your version of VMware requires a specific DirectX, Java, or other software/version be installed FIRST. And some versions (many actually) will not run on W98x. MS consumer support was dropped for W98, meaning most new MS-software does not run on W98.

RAM/Video: You may not meet the minimum RAM requirements, or the minimum Videa/Display requirements.

I suspect it is the first cause, since VMware that I have used specifically requires W2K or above (and in fact, required the SERVER version of the OS). But that does not mean there is no W98-compatibility in other versions).

To determine what you lack, you will need to read the documentation that came with your software (specifically, "requirements") and/or consult the VMware website: www.vmware.com to find out what are the minimum requirements.