I have exactly the same issue to ask.. on a FRESH install (ie. either a brand new hard drive, or a drive that has been properly and completely wiped), how can one get past requiring the validations of the previous windows version? I know i dont need the win98 cd to transfer any files, it only wants it for verification that you are entitled. Once it has that, it tosses the disc back out to you and prompts you for the xp cd and carries on; but it wont budge until it gets that. my only thought on that note is either theres something that can be added to one of the inf files, or possibly supply the win98 folder from the cd to the same disc xp is on and see if it does a scan from its only drive first? long shot i know.. but maybe?
