slipstream your xp disc to sp2
enable the 48bit lba on your maxtor cd before you partition. p.s. there nothing with a 10 sec format. the drive is empty.
make 2 or 3 partitions. I would do 1 20gig os and 2 90gig partitions (data and music and/or movies)
I'll try both of your plans, but I'm leaning more on EricB's plan. It seems a bit more laid out, and I have nearly tried the 100/100 partition and it was 80/120.
i know you don't want 98, i was just saying the one you tried was corrupt. so next time you might want to use the me. don't forget, xp will need the right service pack to recognize it.