Boot without cd rom support ( using W98 boot disk )
From the A prompt > fdisk , reboot & format c:
Then from the A prompt > fdisk /mbr
Or,
format c:
Then from the A prompt > fdisk /mbr
Reboot with cd rom support using W98/me boot disk with emm386 & smartdrv on .
Execute SMARTDrive by typing smartdrv from the A prompt .
It will only take a couple of seconds to load.
Type drive:,( where drive is the drive that contains the Windows XP CD-ROM )and then press ENTER .
Type cd\i386 and then press ENTER . ( hit R if unable to load )
Type winnt and then press ENTER .
Windows XP Setup starts .
Type the path to the Windows XP installation files , and then press ENTER . For example , type d:\i386 ( may already be there )
Setup will then begin copying all of the Windows XP system files to your machine , which can take quite a while ( hours if smartdrv has'nt engaged )
Note : Always press Enter or hit the space bar to try again , for any can't copy messages .
If XP will not install .
Try using a different HAL, when set up says to press F6 for third party drivers, press F5 and choose Standard PC for the type of computer .
If the above HAL fails , more here .
http://www.billssite.com/clean.htm
http://www.networkcert.net/xp/install.htm
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;307848
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;811267