From: Computerpilot on 08/21/2002
It is possible to install Windows 98SE and Windows XP using the same FAT32 partition. Please make sure that they do NOT share any files or directories. If each operating system were to share system files from each other, things could get ugly!Also, did you use a NTFS partition for your Win XP install? I always recommend this as NTFS is a far superior file system. This might benefit you as you can have larger file sizes with the NTFS (comes in handy for those large AVI files) and considering you are a video/audio extraordinaire, you might find this benificial.
This brings me to the problem at hand. REMOVE NORTON UTILTIES as soon as possible! This will probably fix your problem. Find yourself a nice version of just the antivirus (NO PREMIUM) and you should be happy. Unless you have a high speed internet connection, then you might consider a firewall.
I say this not in opininion, but more as a fact. If you have Norton searching to optimize numerous partitions (could be both FAT32 and NTFS) AND other operating system files, you could find your system slowing to a crawl. I am not even sure that the utilty did not already change system files on both operating systems already, creating permanant damage! If this is the case, there is still a remedy without reinstall.
You can run an SFC (system file check) on the Windows 98 install. Windows XP will automatically detect problems with its system files and replace corrupt or missing files.
Go to Start, Programs, Accesories, System Tools, System Information, and select System File Checker on the Tools menu. Choose Scan for Altered Files.
If this does not help, check some more obvious things. Check the clock speed of your processor to be sure that it is running properly and at the right voltage. Also, be sure that all your RAM is showing up during bootup or in the System Tools (windows XP and 98).
This should get you started on your problem. It sounds like you have a knowledge of computers and probabbly built your own computer. Therefore, I think you probably have enough knowledge to 'tweak' your system and take proper care of it than with Norton Utilities. It is more for the novice user that probably does not know what defraging a hard drive really is.
Good luck and feel free to post back. I might be able to give you more advice if this does not work.
Computerpilot.