dumb xp question

[Byte 2.0]

Ok, I have to back up some files from my win98 Machine while I format and reinstall my OS.

I copied my documents over to a folder on my desktop on my win xp box.

win98se reported 6,520 files 721 folders
Size 8.38 GB )9,003,106,,058 byte) 9,159,737,344 bytes

Win XP reports 1,652 files 272 folders
6.47 GB (6,955,494,083 bytes)

I was certain i was missing about 2 GB of files, So I deleted the folder on win xp, used a file sync program, mapped the drive over to win98se and copied the directory again using the file sync. It reports it copied 6520 files, 721 folder. When it compares the Source to the target, it reports the same, but when I check on the win XP folder, I get the same, what appears to be wrong info.

Can anyone explain why? Maybe I have some hidden files in my documents that windows XP is not reporting?

[Byte 2.0]

Also, I can't find anything missing when I look over the contents, i know that is alot of files and it would be easy to miss stuff.

I am just concerned because this is valuable data to me and I don't want to risk deleting my source until I am certain it is all safely backed up.

[morriswindgate]

Do you have show hidden folders enabled on both machines, otherwise you will not be able to copy them correctly.

[Byte 2.0]

I know show hidding files is on win98.

I think I just messed up with the win XP, I was playing with the win XP firewall a bit and now only ICQ can get to the web on it.

Even though I have undone all the changes I have done, I may now have a serious issue on it.

EDIT, yes show hidden is on, but I just noticed, i backed out one folder more and checked the properties and it is also reporting the same numbers, so I am sure it is just something in the way xp is reporting to me.

[Confused]

Are you running XP as NTFS? I'm wondering if that has anything to do with the way things are reported.
Chas

[Byte 2.0]

Yes I did a clean install and used NTFS, thinking next attempt will be a FAT 32.