Upgrading 98 to XP

I am reformating my old Compaq that had win98 on it. It had way too many errors coming up on it so I just needed to give it a good cleaning. However, the computer (on its own) terminated the format twice when I attempted it. It would get to 4 % complete and quit. So, I figured, okay I will just restore the recovery cd for the compaq and then I realized that didn't solve my problem.
I want to put XP on the Compaq, does anyone know a way for me to do this without buying an upgrade? I have the restore cd's that came with our new HP computer, but I understand it is to be used only on the HP computer. Any ideas?

 

There isn't a way to use HP's XP recovery CD to install Xp on your current 98 machine. If you did somehow get it on, it would only last 30 days, as that is when it would want to be activated by M$.
You would need to buy the Upgrade for around $99 US. You do need to have a Microsoft Windows 9x, ME or 2000 installation CD for you to be able to use it. The Compaq 98 Recovery CD will not qualify.
Now, on to the format problem, it could be the method you are using. If you Restart in Dos Mode, or choose Command Prompt Only at the boot menu, files are in use on the drive. You need to boot up with a boot floppy, and use this command to completely wipe the drive.
format c: /u
You can create a boot floppy by going to Control Panel\Add Remove Programs, click on Startup Disk tab, put a floppy in the drive and click on Create Disk.
Or go to Bootdisk, and download the file for 98SE OEM, double click this file with a floppy in the drive and it will be created for you.
BTW, the Compaq Recovery CD should format and install for you.