Don't want to lose apps

[sbrown02]

I have a Gateway P2-350 that over time I've upgraded from Win 95, to 98, and finally to XP. After going to XP several older 95/98 programs (older games, DVD driver, etc.) don't work.

I'm considering going back to 98, but I don't want to lose (via formatting the HD) some of the old apps, since some were preinstalled on the machine from Gateway, and I don't have the CD.

I have two hard drives. Can I use one drive to format and install a fresh win98, and after its installed, somehow load the apps from the 2nd harddrive (it has Win XP and all my old apps on it) over to the 98 drive? If so, what basic steps do I need to follow?

Thanks

[HAL9000]

Maybe... maybe not. You see... the thing with Windows programs is that it puts the bulk of the program in it's own directory, then it tosses stuff into the C:\WINDOWS and C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM directories, and possibly others. Without having the associated files, your apps won't work. Have you tried running these apps in Win95/98 compatability mode?

[sbrown02]

I have tried running them in compatibility mode and they still don't work. Now I didn't play much with the compatability mode settings (memory, etc.) so that may be a next step. However, I also feel my system is pushing its intended limits loaded with XP. I probably should have stayed with 98.

[Dan]

Sorry to just jump in here without knowing anything about XP, but isn't there a way to just uninstall XP that won't adversely
affect the outcome??

[HAL9000]

If he selected the option during XP setup, XP made a backup of your previous configuration and then yes, you should be able to go to Add/Remove Programs, uninstall XP, and have your system returned to the same state that it was in before the upgrade.

[GaryRouth]

If you left the hard drive formatted with FAT32 when you went from 98 to XP, and if you used an "upgrade" version: did it ask during the installation if you wanted to save the Win98 settings in case you wished to uninstall in the future? (by default, it saves them). . . Then you can safely uninstall XP and return to 98 - but there are some "gotcha's" - any programs you've installed since you moved to XP will need to be reinstalled.

Here's the link over at Microsoft with the details: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;303661

It's a pretty clear little article.

Since you have two hard drives, another option you have is to multiboot between XP and 98. This isn't all that easy when XP is already installed (it's ridiculously easy when 98 is already installed). Here's a coulple of links about adding 98 to an existing XP installation: the first is from a newsletter, the second is Hpro's tip here at Pc Mech. http://www.scotsnewsletter.com/24.htm http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24831

Your situation is fairly unique: you could even consider 1) uninstalling XP and testing your Win98 installation. If all is Ok, then 2)re-install XP as part of a multiboot. (this method eliminates your need to use anything like System Commander)

On the P2-350, you might want just to stay with Win98, but that's your call - every machine is different.
Have fun, and best of luck
. . . Gary

[p.s. hmm . . . as you can see, I've been typing and browsing at the same time today. Just noticed Dan and Hal's replies - they're quick on the draw, I'm lying in the street with the Doc running over . . . the credits are scrolling . . . :)