Can't boot from XP CD

markeh · 10 Feb 2007 at 11:47

Hello there,

I'm trying to reinstall windows, but can't boot from the XP CD.

Tried all the obvious things:
Made sure CD rom is set first in the BIOS.
Downloaded the ultimate boot cd thingy (which boots fine I might add)
Tried a Windows 2k disk which boots fine.
Tried 2 different cd/dvd drives.

Leading me to believe it's a disk issue, however the disk itself reads fine.

Now I've tried booting it into DOS and changing to the CD drive and running the XPSP2 exe but it can't run in DOS apparently. All I'm looking for is way to get this install running.

Any ideas? :confused:

Priapus · 10 Feb 2007 at 11:52

Get a program called nLite. And make a bootable CD. Very easy to use as well.

markeh · 10 Feb 2007 at 11:53

Cheers for the quick reply, I'l have a looksie, thanks

MAllen · 10 Feb 2007 at 12:34

You can also make up a set of bootable floppy disks. That assumes you have a working floppy drive, and about nine floppy disks!!

Mmm... you don't say if this is XP Home or Pro. And then to add to the confusion, the disks are different for each service pack release. LOL. So here is Microsoft' linky to making the disks up.

M$ KB310994: How to make XP Boot Floppy Disks

Assuming that you have a true, legal CD of XP there, it is bizzarre that it won't boot.

Priapus · 10 Feb 2007 at 13:10

Upgrade disk's from MS for Windows XP were not bootable if my memory servs me well. That nLite will save a lot of hassel and works for Windows XP all versiona and service packs as well as windows 2000 and nt. :cool: