We just brought a new computer with windows XP and hate it and want to take it off and install windows 98 we have the 98 disk. Could we do this ourselves? Stu

Yes. If it's installed as fat32 then just reformat the drive (as fat32) using a '98 boot-disk (format util) and then install '98. If it's ntfs then (again via a '98 boot-disk) use Fidsk to remove the ntfs (non-dos) partition; then recreate a partition (Primary) and format (using the format util) as fat32. If wanting to change/improve drive partitioning a little further, create both Primary 'and' Extended partitions. Primary for OS/apps/utils; Extended for data, and this can be further sub-divided into two or more logical-drives - for ease of data organisation and faster/easier defrags. An all-in-one drive - with everything in the single (Primary) partition is not really an ideal arrangement. Lose the Primary for whatever reason and everything goes. But with an Extended there as well, data etc. is (should be) safe... and a re-install to Primary - even a reformat if need-be - should not affect the Extended area. Fdisk "how to", and a few other useful items re' installing '98: http://www.btinternet.com/~robert.bale1/formatinstall.htm http://www.compguystechweb.com/index.html

re response 1 - AFAIK if you have NTFS u will not be able to boot with a Win98 boot disk. You will have to use something like delpart.exe to delete the NTFS partition then use FDISK to create new FAT32 partitions.

One other consideration to make, since it is a new computer. Be sure to check the company's warranty/service/tech support policy for changing the operating system. It is possible to void your warranty/service/tech support by making such a change.

Another thing to remember is that Win98 is old and will soon no longer be supported by Microsoft, and when that happens, software makers may not support it either. Just give XP a chance, it's really not a bad OS. If it's the look you dont like, you can change it to look like 98. Other than that, in my opinion, XP is far better than 98 with tons of more options.

Booting with a '98 boot-disk will take you to a dos (A:>\) prompt; then you run Fdisk util and proceed as outlined (to remove the ntfs partition on the hard-drive, and then reconfigure etc...). If XP = ntfs then Fdisk will show it as a non-dos partition; this (almost certainly) will be be the only partition (the active Primary) on the drive. Most current systems are shipped configured with an all-in-one partition (a single Primary). M$ Fdisk will remove a Primary ntfs area but NOT an Extended ntfs area. For the latter you either remove it via Disk Admin from within the installed OS, then use Fdisk to remove the Primary area - via a '98 boot-disk; or use Delpart (or another similar util) to remove it - and the other partitions too if so wished.

Why would you want to???...xp has everything and more...is it because your used to using 98 and you are not familiar with xp? You know you can make xp look and feel like win98? Navigating and the such are hauntingly similar to 98 after a few tweaks. I used to feel the same way you do about xp when I first installed it but gave it a try and I'm glad I did. Its more stable(with updates and tweaks) and you have more control over the system. But that's just me, everybody has there own opinion! Bon.