Windows

Did the hard disk format normally when you did a FORMAT C: /FS:NTFS with the Windows XP cd?

With a boot disk (http://www.botodisk.com) does the system boot normally?

If it does, this means the system board and hard disk are functioning normally.

What did the system do when it asked to rebbot the system during the XP installation?

Is the PC just dying at reboot?

XP can have a problem with older monitors.
Many do not support the default resolution rate that XP uses after the first reboot.

When XP first came out, I went round and round with this until I figured it out and replaced my bench monitor.

After installing XP, you can have major problems attempting to install W98.

Did you fdisk and format the drive again before attempting to install W98?

You may even need to run the MBR command to clear the master boot record in order to install W98 after attempting to install XP.
fdisk /mbr

Chas

Without further information, I would suspect memory malfunction.

First reboot after copying files is first time Windows setup utilizes extended memory. Prior to that it's working in the good ol' 640K mode.

Since you obviously can format hard disk, have to assume it is OK.

Could be CPU, BIOS, or other glitch, but check memory first. Download and run memtest86. Available at:

http://www.memtest86.com/

Dalton

HP, DELL ect have a sector saved for thier own use. Fdisk will not see it and removing and making partitions will not remove some things added by them. Also if you tried to install XP with ntfs it can cause problems with a reinstall. Try fdisk and remove non dos partitions or down load delpart it will let you delete any partition even those that are hidden. Be sure you down load the driver for your mother board to be ready to install them when done.