I have XP pre installed on a new computer too.
All sorts of old software no-longer works. I will persist with XP but am currently trying to set up a dual (at least) boot, with XP and Win 98 as the alternatives
But my old edition of 98 (of course) has none of the drivers for my new computer - and the XP ones do not work in 98 so it is an ungoing hassle trying to get them too!
Later I would also like to install and learn Linux too. I would just LOVE to be free of micro**** software!