Another XP dual-boot question

[Guest]

I have a machine that I use for many different applications (video
production, music recording, web browsing, using MS Office, gaming), but
several times over the last few years I've had to wipe/reload XP from scratch
when the system becomes so bogged down with clutter from various programs,
plug-ins, updates, etc, that I can't find out what's keeping me from running
some of the apps properly.

I want to stop doing this troublesome wipe/reload and just create a second
boot of XP on my system drive's available partition with which I can run the
more sensitive video and audio apps and limit other programs that muck up the
computer performance.

My OS consists of an old copy of 98 that I upgraded to XP, so I don't know
how this complicates it. But when I go to set up 98 with the install CD, it
tells me that I cannot install it without overwriting the existing OS.

Is there a way to get the 98 installation to look at the free partition I
have waiting for it? And does the free partition have to have a specific
drive letter, like would it have to be D (sequentially after the existing
system drive C) or can it be whatever I like?

Thanks for any help with this.

 

[georgehafiz]

I would suggest using something like Partition Magic. On this program,
you should be able to select this new partition as active, it will then
reboot your computer and then you insert your windows 98 disc, and it
willl only see this drive. Also, make sure this new partition is FAT32.
It is not likeley you will be able to see the other OS in either of the
individual operating systems, or you will at least be able to view the
files in a read only format using partiotion magics built in software.
Good luck!