First off ...
Yes, you can set up a hard drive with FAT32 partitions and install WinXP. NTFS isn't necessary, it's simply preferred by many users, and recommended by Microsoft. The only real problems that you might encounter with these older machines are creating FAT32 partitions over 32GB with the WinXP CD, and within the GUI, but to get around that, it's easier to just partition the drive with FDISK, and then format with the WinXP CD.
I'd also try to make it a habit to low level format the hard drives before partitioning, just to be safe, rather than sorry, so any bad sectors can be marked. Testing the memory would also be a good idea. And making a practice of installing the latest BIOS versions that can be found will also save you some headaches. These three things cause more problems with WinXP installations on older hardware than anything else, excepting cheap, under-powered PSUs, which can screw up just about any operating system installation.
Next, just in case there is any confusion; the choice of file system has nothing to do with the drivers.
No, sir ... you can't get away with installing Win98 and 98SE drivers in WinXP. They are two entirely different beasts. You can sometimes install Win2K drivers, in certain instances, because of the similarity between the two operating systems. And many of the drivers that are written for WinXP include functionality in Win2K.
However, on the same note, you aren't going to be able to install Win2K drivers in Win98/98SE and expect the system to be stable, either.
For the best results, with WinXP ... newer drivers are a must, or you're just going to be asking for trouble.
This means, with those older, proprietary systems, you may have no option but to install hardware that is supported by the OS, or has workable, stable drivers that are actually available for download and installation.
This might not cost nearly as much as you think. A three year old system may not need a cutting edge video card or sound card, and many older components can be purchased for a song. It would probably cost you about $50.00 per system to upgrade each computer with a standard VisionTek GeForce2 GTS card and a standard sound card ... less if you found a distributor and bought in bulk.
You might find this useful:
<A HREF="http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/upgrading/advisor.asp" target="_new">Windows XP Upgrade Advisor</A>
<A HREF="http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/compatibility/default.asp" target="_new">Compatibility Resources and Information</A>
It's either go this route, or buy Win98SE in bulk to use with the computers, and include a CD burned with the hotfixes, patches and drivers, while you can still pick up the updates for the operating system from Microsoft.
<A HREF="http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;w98" target="_new">Windows 98 Support Center</A>
And here's a fact ... a user who has purchased a copy of WinXP prior to buying a refurbished, proprietary system that is 3 years old (or more) needs to either be persuaded to return the software for a refund, or accept a copy of an older operating system, such as Win2K or Win98SE. They didn't do their homework, or just don't understand that getting drivers for a proprietary system are different than for an ordinary white box with standard components; especially ones that are not integrated on the mainboard. It's up to you to educate them on what is possible, and what you might not be able to do, even with the best of intentions.
Personally, I think that if the user insists on installing WinXP, even though you've warned them that drivers for some of the hardware can't be found, I wouldn't take responsibility for their actions. You might recommend that they spend the extra cash for supported components before the installation, but nothing beyond that, unless they want you to install the newer hardware.
Not everyone listens to good advice, or is an expert ... otherwise, there would be no need for support technicians.
If that doesn't suit them, there's an eMachine at Wal-Mart that's $399.00 after the rebate that comes with 3 months worth of AOL. Buy twenty of them, sell them for $500.00 each, and pocket the profit. ;-)
That's my two cents.
Toey
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