Windows XP/ Windows 98

[rgittleman]

I am currently using Windows XP and I have an old program that requires Windows 98. My hard drive has a partition that I would like to install Windows 98, but i t doesn't look like I can do it without removing Windows XP. Anybody have any experience with this problem?

[jayb1234]

You can use the XP program compatibility wizard to do that. Look in all programs-accessories for it. There is no need to install 98.

[rgittleman]

Thanks for responding. The compatibility wizard does not work with the program I am trying to run.

[jd6158]

What program are you trying to run? I assumed it is an old DOS program. If it is I might be able to help
JD

[GaryRouth]

Be sure to try as many of the Compatibility settings for your program as you can first (there are several layers to try). Sometimes, if the Win98 program calls several other subroutines from that Win98's program folder, you can set those executables to run in Compatibility Mode as well as the main executable, and the cranky oldie will run OK. [I imagine you know the compatibility routine: right-click the executable, choose Compatibility & try the Win98 setting as a first try].

Another thing to make sure to try would be to visit the support pages of the software house that authored your Win98 program (if they are still in business - sometimes if the vendor has been bought, you can still find support on the new owner's website). Old DK Interactive titles, old Disney titles, old Broderbund titles -- I've found XP-compatibility patches for many such titles --and some actually work (sometimes they'll swap the Win98 CD for an XP compatible one for as little as the $5 shipping, too).

If you decide that you'd truly prefer to try Win98 or Win98se on an already existing & empty partition, that'd be OK, too. You'd have to reformat that partiton to FAT32 before installing Win98 on it. And then after Win98 is all set up, you'd want to boot the computer from your Windows XP CD, start the Recovery Console, and run the fixboot routine to help the XP bootloader setup your multiboot menu [details are available here ... http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058/en-us ... it tells how to use the XP Recovery Console, and how to use the fixboot command]

You need a true Windows XP CD (not a Recovery Disk) to start the Recovery Console from a CD. If your system builder already installed the Recovery Console onto your hard drive, you can reach the Recovery Console by choosing it from a menu (this would display at startup).

Best of luck
. . . Gary