install over os

[raftero]

i have read all i could find here about this and it looks like they conflict a little or i don't understand(which is alltogether possable)i'm kind of ignorant,just been messing with computers a little while. what i need to know is---if i have an os installed and want a clean install of another os(full copy) is the hd wiped clean when i install say w2k and let it full (not repair) install and format,or is there something i should do that would be better to erase he hd before the install. and if i need to fdisk can i use a w98 startup disk on w2k and xp or is there one for those?i know this is a dumb question to you who are experienced but how do you learn if you don't ask questions? HA

[reboot]

A full install of one OS will not format a drive automatically. It will install wherever you want it, but all the junk from your previous OS will still be on the drive.
You CAN use a Win98 boot disk (or any other with CD-ROM support), fdisk, and format the drive (fat32, say YES to large disk support), then install any Windows OS you want.
If you prefer NTFS, then just fdisk the drive, and start the setup. You will be prompted for what filesystem you want, just before the setup formats your drive.

[raftero]

thanks reboot i have a have a win98 disk,i am doing my best to learn about these things and have an extra computer i built to practice on. i get it screwed up sometimes but i enjoy messing with them and i can always get help here frrom people who know something ,like you.

[glc]

The Win2K and XP install process will allow you to delete existing partitions. No need to use fdisk or a bootdisk.