If your old software doesn't run on XP you may be SOL. However, it is possible to make a dual boot system with Windows 2000 where you can pick 98 or 2000 for example. Since I'm running old "legacy" computers and still run the business on DOS applications, I don't know about XP.

The only problem I know with dual boot systems, is which one was installed first. In other words, if I want to run 98 and Windows 2000 (NT) I have to have the 98 installed first and them ADD, not upgrade, the second system.

Hope that's a little help. Many old software applications will run on XP Many will not.

Note: WIndows will officially STOP supporting windows 95 and 98 in the near future, so after that, it's out of date. XP wsn't designed to be completly backwards compatible, so most of us are being forced to buy new, or keep an old computer running.