In order to preserve program settings, favourites, etc, you need to do an Upgrade installation of Windows rather than a Clean installation. Unfortunately there is no upgrade path from XP to 98 so your only option is a clean install. The only practical way to get your applications back is to reinstall them from the original media. Provided you have FAT32 partitions then your data and email should still be available. The best method would be to back up the data & email files to another location, reformat, install Win98 & applications, restore your data. It's a lot of work, but from the sound of your situation worth the effort.. .. .Hope this helps, let me know if you need more info.