Hi. New Computer, loading Win XP then realized I have programs that aren't working on Win XP so I need to have a Dual boot with Win 98. Originally formatted drive into 3 volumes - C & D are formated with NTFS installed with XP and E is FAT32 (because I figured I'd install 98 on the E drive). But the MS tech info says the boot drive (c) must be FAT32 to be able to dual/multi boot with 98. Has anyone done this, is this true? Is there any easy way to save all the settings I've already created in the XP for users, defaults, etc before I reformat? Can I just copy all my files and programs to a CD, reformat, install 98 on E, install XP on C and copy all files back so I don't have to set up all again or will the NTFS VS FAT mess up the copy? Will I have any problems reformatting and reinstalling XP? Help, I've been working on this computer for a week getting everything to work and loaded. I just stumbled accross these programs that don't work on the XP and I need them to support a few of my customers with upgrades so I'm stuck using them. I'm new to XP so if there are any features which will help please let me know. Thank you in advance for your help. Lorraine

rule of thumb. win98 must be on drive c: [fat32] win xp on drive d: fat32. fat32 is best so you can access files from each partition, from each os. don't let anyone tell you diff. xp will setup the dual boot during its install. kj computer corrections, cookson, ok

Before you panic and wipe everything have you tried compatibility mode on the apps that you say won't work in XP? Locate the .exe for the app. Right click on the icon. select properties. select compatibility. alter compatibility properties to 98 or whatever from the dropdown menu. Apply and close. Restart the PC then try your app. It just might work. No guarantees but some do, some don't. If that fails then you may find a third party bootwizard that will let you instal 98 on E and multiboot. You do know that 98 will be unable to read anything on your C & D drives. It cannot recognise NTFS. Personally I'd bite the bullet and start afresh. Repartition your drive and format all in FAT32. Instal 98 on C then XP on D. Cheers.

Another thought. How will 98 go with 1gb of ram. I thought that 98/ME couldn't handle anything larger than 512mb. Check out before installing 98.

Well, all is okay. It does work if you install things correctly. It took be almost 3 weeks but all is good. Win 98 dual boot with XP. And Win98 doesn't care about my 1 gig RAM (Whew! I was worried). I followed the procedure. Format only with Fat32. I did 3 partitions. C became Win98, D became XP and E was also XP. Works like a charm. Thank you all for your help! Lorraine