Hi GK,
To do it without formatting the existing system, you must either a) have
available free space on the existing hard drive and be using the FAT32 files
system (Win98 cannot boot from an NTFS partition) on the active (system)
partition or b) use a third party boot manager and partitioning software to
create the necessary free space and boot entries.
For A, you would simply create a primary DOS partition, then boot with a
Win98 startup floppy and run setup from the CD after following the steps
here to later recover the XP boot entries:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_9x.htm
For B, you should follow the vendor's instructions for creating new
partitions and having a dual boot system. Boot Managers and Partitioning
programs:
BootIT NG
www.terabyteunlimited.com
Partition Magic
www.powerquest.com/partitionmagic
Partition Commander
http://www.v-com.com/product/pc_ind.html
Ranish Partition Manager
http://www.ranish.com/part/
An alternate solution to your problem would simply be to try installing the
software. Much of the software designed for Win98 will install and run in a
WinXP system, and there is a compatibility mode option to assist you in this
(start/programs/accessories/compatibility mode wizard). Sometimes you may
need an additional patch, upgrade, or workaround from the program vendor.
Best to check with them on this.
Another viable solution is to use a Virtual OS installation that runs within
WinXP where you can create a working Win98 installation without having to
dual boot. This would allow you to install and run the software within a
Win98 environment. Available products include Microsoft's Virtual PC
(
www.microsoft.com/windows/virtualpc/default.mspx) and VMWare
(
www.vmware.com)
--
Best of Luck,
Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone
Windows help -
www.rickrogers.org