How do I read Notepad Windows 97 & 98 Documents on XP?

I have been sent Notepad 97 & 98 Documents.  I'm running XP, and all I get is machine code text!  I've worked out how to run old 98 software on XP (thanks to the Help & Support Center.)  Is there a simple 'Patch' available to enable the XP Reader, or do I have to install 97 & 98 to read these documents?