Can't run a freeware program ?

[welderjeffo]

I've tried several freeware programs (file recovery) and none of them will run.
The rig is an old Compaq W95 that is not online, no hardware to get it online.
(I have cable internet now, and no telephone)
Each program that I tried asks for a chain of DLL's, which I downloaded with my XP rig, transferred to floppies and installed in the W95 rig.
(msvcrt.dll, olepro32.dll, wininet.dll, msoss.dll, advapi32.dll, crypt32.dll)
Eventually, I get an error...."a device attached to the system is not functioning ...yada,yada,yada"
The programs are trying to make an internet connection through a modem which is not connected. I would try to remove the modem, but it's an old 28.8 built into the MB.
Why does a "FREE" program need an internet connection anyway?
I did a bit of research and found out that some of these "free" programs want to plaster ads all over my screen or install spyware, and others just want to provide a way to purchase a "full" version.
I can't connect and I don't want to purchase.... I just want to recover a few files.
Is there a workaround for this crap?
Maybe some alternate DLL's that could be renamed, so the program won't look for the modem?
Any ideas?

 

[welderjeffo]

UPDATE;
I just stumbled across a program that runs.....without internet connection!
It's called "File Recovery" from PC Inspector.
All I had to do is update my "comctl32.dll".....and it's running.
I just started the scan on the formatted drive and it's already found 46 directories and over 1,000 files.

Note: "comctl32.dll" comes with MS IE 5.0 + (my old rig only had IE 2 in it)