Boot up problems

Question

Im in the process of reinstalling my PC. I have followed instructions and have set my computer so that it will boot from CD with the Windows XP reinstallation CD in my CD drive.   So when I exited and saved settings, it says in the instructions that i should be asked to 'Press any key to Boot from CD'. But with my PC, a black screen appears with this '_' flashing in the top left hand corner. Then it just boots up normally and takes me to the login screen.   I have followed the instructions carefully step by step, so i dont see any reason as to why this is happening. I have suspicions that it may be something to do with my CD drive.   Any help apreciated.

gazza_be · Answer

yeah, the top one

gazza_be · Answer

yeah, i entered that, and changed the 'boot order' settings so that it is set to 'IDE CD-ROM Device'

osprey4 · Answer

Ok, that's the right approach. Does the CD light go on when the computer is booting, indicating it is trying to access the disc?

osprey4 · Answer

Ok, one quick question. If you have two drives, you usually need to boot from the top drive. Did you do that?

gazza_be · Answer

Well im not entirely sure because i am on the computer right now and therefore cant check. The CD drive was making a noise though. I could hear the CD spinning so i guess the light was lit up.

osprey4 · Answer

Ok, can you get into the BIOS? F2 at the blue Dell logo.

osprey4 · Answer

Check it then. The system should access the drive just as the blue Dell logo disappears.

gazza_be · Answer

Well thats the problem, i have done everything necessary to get it to boot from a CD, but it doesnt. I had the Windows XP disc in the top CD drive, and i turned on the machine numerous times but each time i would just end up at the normal login screen.

I can try again, but i dont see how anything different will happen. I will just end up back to the login screen.

gazza_be · Answer

well does anyone know whats going on?

Oh, and i was just wondering if it made a difference if i push F12 at the Dell logo and choose to boot up from the CD drive since changing the bios settings doesnt seem to be working or will this not reinstall windows XP?

jockquest60 · Answer

Try cleaning the CD drive..

Locked Topics – Desktops General

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