restore

[Superman]

When I use the XP OS CD to reinstall XP do I need to go into F12 and set CD
drive as the boot device?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

When I use the XP OS CD to reinstall XP do I need to go into F12
and set CD drive as the boot device?

Given that there is the definite reality that your computer is different
than most others in the world (although it is likely the same as a few
others in __hardware__ *if* it is a name-brand like IBM, HP, Packard Bell,
Dell, etc...) - I have to ASSUME that when you say "go into F12" <-- that
refers to some message you get when you first turn on the computer about
entering your System BIOS, System Setup or some other similarly worded
on-screen instruction?

If you wish to install Windows XP onto a computer and you are utilizing a
true Windows XP installation CD and not some restoration method provided by
the OEM who put together your computer - then you should go into the System
Setup/System BIOS and ensure that it is set to boot off the CD/DVD/Optical
device first and save those settings when you exit - having the proper
Windows XP installation CD in the drive in question as you do so. Watch for
the "Press any key to boot from CD..." message and do so promptly upon
reading it.

Have you backed up everything you need?

 

[db.·.. >]

you might try to repair
the o.s. instead of re-installing
it but you will have to boot
the cd and or set the cd drive
as the boot up devive:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx

 

[Superman]

It is a Dell Dimension 2400. Yes I'm talking about entering system setup at
boot. I have the OS CD provided by Dell with the computer when it was new. I
also have the drivers CD. Can I install XP with this CD?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

It is a Dell Dimension 2400. Yes I'm talking about entering system
setup at boot. I have the OS CD provided by Dell with the computer
when it was new. I also have the drivers CD. Can I install XP with
this CD?

You'd have to ask Dell - but they usually provide actually installation CDs.