can i delete my xp pro and install windows 98 then upgrade to xp home edition...thanks

If you want to "downgrade" (so to speak) to Windows 98, then you will have to completely format your PC and start from scratch when installing 98. Then when 98 has been installed, you can upgrade to XP providing you have the correct disk. If during the upgrade process you are prompted to change your file system to NTFS, then you should do this because it is a newer and more secure file system (please be aware though, that if you want to do anything advanced like be able to boot both 98 and XP on your computer, then NTFS isn't supported by 98)

Remember:
- Backup all the files from your XP Pro system before formatting that you want to keep.
- You must have a valid Windows XP Upgrade CD to be able to upgrade from 98 to XP.

Also I would ask "What is your goal"?

Do you want to dual boot '98 and XP Home? If not you do not need to install '98 in order install XP Home. Just remove XP Pro (format) then install XP Home. If you are using an "upgrade" CD just insert your '98 disk when prompted for proof of a previous Windows. It does not need to be installed: just seen.

But why do this? XP Pro is a better Operating System than Home.