after u power on your computer, when you see dell logo, press F12. inside there, choose boot from IDE CDROM then press enter. After that, the system will load the Windows setup, then you just have to follow the instructions.. Hope this can help...

Hi, feelgood_7

I'm not sure its possible to boot from an external USB, however you might need to look at what boot options are available in the BIOS, instead of boot from CD ROM (IDE) see if there is any thing like boot from CD-ROM (USB) or anything along those lines. If not you will need to get hold of another internal CD drive. They are cheap and easy to install into the system.

Hi chaistt, thank you for replying. I should have been more specific. I went to the BIOS and set the cd drive as first in boot sequence. My pc cd rom isnt working (dust?), so im using a external cd/dvdrom. So, setting the boot sequence, when i restart my pc, the PRESS ANY KEY TO BOOT FROM CD doesn't show up; windows simply starts up normally. Any suggestions?

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. I called customer support and they basically told me to get a new windows xp cd for $300 :smileyindifferent:. Anyway, I made a backup copy of the dell windows xp re installation cd and it worked on my original cd rom. Everything went smoothly but when i tried to download service pack 2, it took me to the windows validation page and I got a message saying that some error occured and therefore my windows version cannot be validated. What should I do?:smileysad:

Hi, have you managed to activate windows? If not do that first. There should be a key icon near where the clock is.

hey chaistt, thanks for your help. i got everything done. managed to get service pack 2 installed and got every all the other updates installed as well. i guess i have to buy a new cd/dvd rom. any suggestions ?:)

also, i was wondering if you could recommend any good spyware/adware softwares that are free and effective? i am using AVG antivirus which is free and it has worked well for me previously. Thanks again

Hi feelgood_7, Any CD/DVD or even upgrade to a DVD writer will work as long as its IDE interface. Big brand names will be the most reliable: Sony, LG, Toshiba, Samsung, Liteon, Benq. Its hard to recommand a specific model as there are so many out there. Seek out one which is from a reliable manufacturer, good warranty; all required features and within your price range (plain DVD drives are real cheap now a days from many online retailers and also local shops).

As far as Anti Spyware, I would recommand Lavasoft Adware: www.lavasoft.de and also Spybot Search and Destory (you'll have to google that one as i can't remember the full website address) - Both are free. Make sure they are keep up to date. I find them very reliable.

Glad that everything worked out for you!

Message Edited by chaistt on 07-07-200609:48 AM