Trying to run recovery disk on windows 98 software so i delete it and replace it with windows xp. The problem i'm having is that the recovery disk must be started when you boot up your computer. There is usually a key to press to start running the disk drive but i dont what it is. And I can't enter desktop because it freezes when it loads up.

So you want to totally get rid of 98 and replace it with a fresh install of XP? It's probably a good idea to bump up your RAM to way more than the 128 you have now. As far as installing XP, I think all you need to do is boot up with the XP cd and choose the option to remove the existing partition. The reboot and let XP setup a new partition and install. You can also get a 98 bootdisk, bootup with it and at the a:\> prompt type format c: and enter. That'll wipe it. When it's done, reboot with the XP cd. But first make sure you've got what you need for a decent XP system. If your 'authentic AMD' came with 98 it probably only has a K6-2 cpu. I put an XP PC together with a 500 mhz K6 cpu and 256 of ram for someone recently. It was slow but I guess that's what they wanted.

Oh, if you don't have a 98 bootdisk you can create one on your existing 98 system by opening control panel, then 'add remove programs' and click 'startup disk'. When you boot with the XP cd you need to set the cdrom as the first boot device in cmos/bios setup. The key to enter cmos is usually either DEL, F1 or F2. It'll be F10 if you have a compaq.

XP will run like crap with just 128MB RAM. If you can't upgrade to at least 512MB, stick with Win98 or try Win2000. "If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions" - Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) in Pulp Fiction