Computer Won't Boot From Windows CD

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4 Jan 2007
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Bit of a weird problem, I tried to reinstall Windows XP the other day and the computer wouldn't boot from the cd. I had a linux disc to hand, so I tried that and it booted straight into it first time. I installed xubuntu, left it for a couple of days and then decided to retry the Windows disc. (I have a rather blase attitude to reinstalling OSes :D)

The windows CD still won't boot but linux live CDs work fine.

The Windows CD will boot in other computers - I tried it in an old laptop and got as far as "press any key blah blah..." so I know it will work.

I've tried putting a different hard drive into the computer and it still won't boot, so it's not a problem with the hdd.

Oh and the BIOS is set to boot from CD first :D

I'm completely stumped, anyone have any ideas?
 
Bit of a weird problem, I tried to reinstall Windows XP the other day and the computer wouldn't boot from the cd. I had a linux disc to hand, so I tried that and it booted straight into it first time. I installed xubuntu, left it for a couple of days and then decided to retry the Windows disc. (I have a rather blase attitude to reinstalling OSes :D)

The windows CD still won't boot but linux live CDs work fine.

The Windows CD will boot in other computers - I tried it in an old laptop and got as far as "press any key blah blah..." so I know it will work.

I've tried putting a different hard drive into the computer and it still won't boot, so it's not a problem with the hdd.

Oh and the BIOS is set to boot from CD first :D

I'm completely stumped, anyone have any ideas?

Got another windows cd to try? Could be the drive at fault? Have you tried cleaning the cd? Bet you have but gotta ask :)
 
I haven't got another Windows cd. I did give it a bit of a clean, and I even tried burning a copy cuz the cd is a bit scratched, but the copied version wouldn't boot either.

I have got another drive I could try, it just means pulling apart the media pc downstairs. Not sure if it is the drive though, cuz it will boot from other cds - just not this one. The cd can be read from within the OS as well, just not at boot apparently?
 
Have you set optical drive to 1st boot?

Are you pressing any key to boot?

Perhaps your usb keyboard isn't working when you press key (enable usb emulation in the bios to fix this)
 
I'm completely stumped, anyone have any ideas?

Yeah I had the same problem ,in the end I had to reinstall windows from within windows ,then it warns about installing windows on top of windows ,but I formated the hard drive which it gives you the option to do I believe it wipes it empty then installed !
It was a real pain in the ass not sure if I installed windows on top of windows or not but its been working fine since .
Never had this problem on my old pc and did it loads of times !
good luck
 
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