Formatting a computer

I am trying to format an older computer to put Windows XP on it, but I cannot
figure out how to get to the BIOS to tell it to look for the CD drive first.
When I first start it up, the cd drive makes a noise like it might be about
to start, but I don't know if that is a normal startup noise or not. Isn't
there a way to format the computer from a command prompt? And does anyone
know which key to push on startup to get to the BIOS of a Toshiba Tecra? Any
help is greatly appreciated.

Bios keys are usually, delete, F1, F2, F10. Consult the support section of
the Toshiba website for info on your particular unit.

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"Rush" <Rush@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:E97B6A33-B1A4-4F6E-8891-AE16963F9499@microsoft.com...
>I am trying to format an older computer to put Windows XP on it, but I
>cannot
> figure out how to get to the BIOS to tell it to look for the CD drive
> first.
> When I first start it up, the cd drive makes a noise like it might be
> about
> to start, but I don't know if that is a normal startup noise or not.
> Isn't
> there a way to format the computer from a command prompt? And does anyone
> know which key to push on startup to get to the BIOS of a Toshiba Tecra?
> Any
> help is greatly appreciated.

David's suggestion will work...but way back before there was even a little
hint of a standard method to get to the PC's BIOS setup and there was no web
to consult with, I used to just press multiple keys during power-up. The
keyboard buffer would fill and more often than not, the PC's reaction was to
go into the BIOS setup. Not elegant...but it worked.

Also, some older PCs and laptops do not have an option in their BIOS to
change the boot order. Very annoying. Not a lot that can be done then...

Tim

"Rush" <Rush@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:E97B6A33-B1A4-4F6E-8891-AE16963F9499@microsoft.com...
>I am trying to format an older computer to put Windows XP on it, but I
>cannot
> figure out how to get to the BIOS to tell it to look for the CD drive
> first.
> When I first start it up, the cd drive makes a noise like it might be
> about
> to start, but I don't know if that is a normal startup noise or not.
> Isn't
> there a way to format the computer from a command prompt? And does anyone
> know which key to push on startup to get to the BIOS of a Toshiba Tecra?
> Any
> help is greatly appreciated.

You sure this older PC has drivers avilable for winxp?

"Rush" <Rush@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:E97B6A33-B1A4-4F6E-8891-AE16963F9499@microsoft.com...
> I am trying to format an older computer to put Windows XP on it, but I
cannot
> figure out how to get to the BIOS to tell it to look for the CD drive
first.
> When I first start it up, the cd drive makes a noise like it might be
about
> to start, but I don't know if that is a normal startup noise or not.
Isn't
> there a way to format the computer from a command prompt? And does anyone
> know which key to push on startup to get to the BIOS of a Toshiba Tecra?
Any
> help is greatly appreciated.