Member Avatar for BROKENCOOKIE

Before getting into another wrestling match pitting logic against a Windows operating system I have for the very first time decided to try the "presence of mind" avenue and seek guidance. After giving XP Pro a fair amount of time to see how well the improvements enriched my over all computer expierence I have opted to declare 98 second edition my choice for a Windows OS. I would think that the easiest way to go about this and not have any FAT nightmares would be to reformat the drive and load the other OS. My concern if there need be one is still being able to use all my Dell software. Or should I even bother with it. I reformatted a Compaq without returning any of the original software to it and just loaded Windows. It worked but it never seemed quite right. I have a GB of memory so I'm not too worried about resorce problems, more compatibilty and performance issues. :o If anyone has any input on the path of least resistance I would be forever in your debt.
Peace n' Luv Smilin' B. Cookie :lol:

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Catweazle

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For : a practical, low‑risk checklist that builds on ’s reminder about install types and drivers. The two common surprises when moving back to Win98SE are driver support and the way the disk is prepared, so the goal is to gather what you need before you touch the hard drive.

Start by making a full image of the current system (so XP can be restored quickly if needed). Collect drivers for the Dimension 8250 now — chipset, video, LAN, audio and modem — and save them to media Win98 setup can read (Win98’s setup may not see USB sticks without drivers, so CD or floppy is safest). Note the storage controller: if the machine is using a newer controller mode, Win98 may not see the disk without legacy/IDE support or specific drivers. Verify that vendor or Dell driver pages actually list Win98SE support for each device before you wipe anything.

When you’re ready, use the image to revert if a component won’t work. After installation, install the chipset driver first, then network, video, and audio — that order reduces missing-device headaches. Be prepared for a few Dell utilities or XP-only features to disappear; they’re usually nonessential but can change behavior (power management, hotkeys, etc.). If the goal is to run one or two legacy apps, consider running Win98SE inside a virtual machine instead — that preserves hardware support, avoids driver hunts, and makes it easy to switch back.

Final caution: keep backups of product keys and installers for any software you need. If anything goes wrong, the disk image is the fastest route back to a working XP system.

Member Avatar for Catweazle

If Windows XP was an 'Upgrade' install over an existing Windows 98, then you might be better to try a fresh, clean install of it first. Upgrade installs are the devil, and never work fully efficiently.

Windows XP on an NTFS partition is the best OS to use.

That said, if XP has used NTFS then you may need to delete the partition, and create a new one, using FDisk. then install.

Best way to install is probably from your Recovery CD, or whatever you get with that Dell. If you do a 'Clean' install, you need to ensure you load all the device drivers as well.

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