I am wondering if I can use Partition Magic to create a new partition or two and then use Ghost to install a clean W98 image on one of the new partitions. Then, if I install XP, it seems like it should install over the top and recognize most of the programs that I am presently using on my W98 installation and save the hassle of reinstalling all of my software. After that, if some programs need to be reinstalled, do I install them in an empty partition dedicated to software that will be used by XP or just reinstall over the existing copy in the old partitions? My data is located on a third partition at this time. Thanks PS: I should also ask if dual booting is even a good idea. I had XP on the machine a few weeks ago and had to take it off because of minor problems such as missing drivers. I use the computer in my work and had to get it running again quickly so reinstalled W98 (The XP promise to return to previous state did not work. Resulted in a crash). I think that I now have all of the drivers that will be needed. The reason for the dual boot is that some of my favorite hardware and software will never work on XP and they are important to my work. An example is an old Co-Star label printer and a sketching program that will not be supported in XP.

XP dual boot with Win98 is possible just install the XP CD in your cdrom drive and it will let you choose the setup you wanted. Make a new install from different partition, if your Win98 system is in C:/ make your win xp on d:/ then set it up and wait. After rebooting, there will be an option if you wanted to boot Windows XP or plain Windows 98. Dual booting is a good idea because of other programs not working on XP. eventually they will all make programs on XP. for the time being, make a dual boot system cuz i do! hope this can help! good luck!

Carlo Thanks for the help. I am going to get a newer version of Partition Magic in the near future and go for it. Not sure yet if I am going to use Ghost to install an extra copy of Win98 on the new partition before installing XP because it might cause more problems than it is worth Dave