Resolved Windows OS cd won't boot

I am trying to reload my XP Prof OS and when I select F2 for boot order and select cd, the OS just loads normal. I went into setup and the cd is listed on the boot device menu but I am wondering what is not allowing it to be a boot device. I have run a couple of programs on the drive, so I know it is responding and when I put in the XP disc, my computer is showing the OS cd. I have also tried to boot a Hirums boot disk and it won't load as well. I need it to boot so I can do a re-install. What should I check? Thanks

 

reply

Thanks for the replys. I did remove and completely clean the cd drive and then ran several cd programs just fine. Of course I changed the boot order in bios. I even disabled the hd. That is my problem, I don't know where to go to make sure that boot is enabed on the cd drive. It is listed in the boot order, but I have been told that does not always mean it is boot enabled.. Thanks for your helps

 

sorry, this is a Dell Dimension 4600, Win XP Prof-SP3 w/512mb ram running at 2.8 mhz

 

First off, why do you need to re-install your OS, are you having other problems.

Have you ever done a re-install before on this machine.

As the Hirums disc is not booting correctly (has that worked before) this would suggest that the boot order is not set correctly, yet you say it is.

Are you putting the Hirum's or the Win Xp disc into the drive before you restart?

As a last resort you could remove the computer cover and unplug the hard drive, then restart with the Win Xp disc inserted, and if it comes up with an error message I think you can be fairly sure that the problem is with the disc drive.

You could also check that the CD drive is set as master with the jumper on the back. Not sure if this will change anything but it may be worth a try.

 

Unless I'm write off the rails here these instruction indicate that if you use F12 it will allow you to alter the boot sequence for the next boot only, after which it reverts back to the original boot sequence.

Geno368 was using F2 which also allows boot sequence to be changed but it stays the way you set it for all future boots.

Geno368, can you check that the boot sequence has stayed exactly as you set it using F2 and let us know.

 

Just so geno368 is not completely confused by the last few posts. The use of the F2 key to set the boot order was correct.

If you could answer my questions in post No9 I should be able to help you further.

The most important thing for me to know is (as asked in post No11) has the boot order stayed in place as you set it with the Disc Drive first. I have made the mistake before of changing boot order then leaving setup without saving, easily done, you must save the settings for them to take effect.

 

Thanks for the replies...I have used the Hirens in other pc's successfully. I checked and the boot order was saved. I even disabled the floppy and hd and put the cd as the #1 and the only boot device. The system is still locked in the xp setup that won't finish when it does try to boot. The last few times, it is showing no boot device. I am going to remove the cd drive again and see if it is master, but don't remember any jumpers.
To answer one of the questions...I have put in both the Hirens and the xp disc and then powered on...same results...

 

It did in the PAST, but not now...sorry for the confusion.
I will try your suggestion with the floppy...thanks, again.

 

Sorry for the confusion...It used to boot, but not now. The cd's work in my other system.
I dl'ed the win 98 program to a floppy. I booted the system while hitting f2 for setup. I made sure the floppy was installed and enabled. I put it in #1 boot position. The system wouldn't boot. It gave me f1 to retry or f2 for setup. I tried several times and rechecked the setup again. I then re-enabled the hd and when I powered up again, the Windows setup again tried to continue with 39 minutes left...but it never completes even when I re-load the cd.

 

I did remove and test the cmos, and with my multi tester it showed weak, so I replaced it. Is that good enough for a reset of the bios?