Install w98 in xp or w7

Do a virtual machine and go with Windows 7.

You can also use VirtualBox which is Oracle's free version of their virtual product. Its great for running legacy software. I'm using it to run XP on a 7 host so I can run Peachtree Accounting 2006.

I really doubt that you will be able to have a multiple booting system with a windows 98 operating system. I doubt if 98 would support a multibooting system. I am confused why you would want to have a windows 98 operating system running on your system, the only software that will install is software from that generation. You would not even be able to find drivers for a windows 98 system, especially for a board that was designed for windows xp.

I use separate computers for all my operating systems.  Especially since all I have are Windows XP and before and the machines really don't have the power to run VMs.  But there are so many older machines available now, I don't see any point in running old software on a new machine that most likely won't support it.  

I have machines from Windows XP going back to DOS 6.22.  My Windows 3.1 machine is one that still make me a lot of money because of the CAD software I bought for it in 1991.  It's been making me money every year for the 13 years since then.

I don't have a use to have so many machines kicking around but keep the os discs from way back then, you never know when they may be useful.  For example I heard of old windows 98 machines used to operate the embroidery equipment in a manufacturing plant. If they need windows 98 to run the software then you need to install windows 98 on their system. Unless they upgrade their equipment.

hey lorenzo  -may i ask why you want to retain those machines?  maybe as a collectors item?

Most suggestions were very interesting. My problem is that apart from having a dedicated w98 machine that I wish to retain, I also have v3.1, Xp and w7 machines that I wish also to retain-
. Thanks everyone, Regards again

so i may not know why you want to retain these?