When installing XP from DOS using a Win 98/Me startup disk, you will need to 
load smartdrv.exe before running setup. Not doing so will result in setup taking 
an extraordinarily long time to copy the files for setup. 

You can obtain a specialized Windows startup disk from 
http://www.nerdlabs.org/bootdisks/ with smartdrv.exe 
and other useful utilities. Select either the Windows XP System Setup Disk or 
Boot Disk Essentials disk.


Boot with the special boot disk choosing to load with CD support.


Load smartdrv.exe from the A: prompt by typing smartdrv.exe  then press ENTER .


Change to the CD drive from the A: prompt by typing "CD <CD drive letter>:"  
without the " or <> then press ENTER


Type CD i386 from the prompt.


Type winnt.exe press ENTER.


Follow the setup prompts to install Windows XP.