why is wiping the computer so hard???

  • Thread starter Thread starter meredijo
  • Start date Start date
M

meredijo

hi. i am trying to reformat my dall laptop, which has windows xp. the
problem is that i cannot boot the computer from the windows xp install
cd. i go into BIOS at startup, select to boot from the cd-rom AND
order the choices so that cd-rom is at the top, but nothing doing.
help?

so, as an alternative, i tried to open windows in safe mode with
command prompt to uninstall. however, it says that it CANT uninstall
because the necessary registration information is missing.

let it be known that the internet on this computer is totally non
functioning so i cant download anything TO the computer. i could
download some stuff on another computer and burn it to cd, but i dont
have a floppy drive since i have a laptop.


please help!
 
You need to boot from the cd, somehow. Be aware that many times, even when
configured to boot from the cd first, a message will come on the screen
saying something like "hit any key to boot from the cd". If you don't hit a
key it will continue to boot from the HD. So... perhaps you're not seeing
that message? try hitting the spacebar as it boot and see what happens.

-Frank
 
ive tried to boot from cd about one hundred times so im pretty sure im
not missing a message. also, i tried the space bar trick and, nothing.
is there ANYTHING else i can do? i know the cd is bootable because dell
just sent it to me.
 
Here's the thing...

You need to remove/delete the hard drive partition. You cannot remove/delete
any hard drive partition that you are currently booted from. Catch22.

I don't know why you can't boot from that cd, but that's the only way I know
you will ever be able to reload from scratch.

You might try unplugging the hard drive and see if you can boot from the cd
that way. If you can boot from the cd, plug the hard drive back in and
continue. Worth a try I guess.

-Frank
 
One more thought. You might check to see if there is a BIOS upgrade for your
laptop. If so, apply the upgrade and try to boot from the cd again.

-Frank
 
Is the laptop in warranty?
If so contact Dell.
Even if you format the drive somehow, if the CD drive is not working
properly you probably still have a problem when it comes to installing
Windows XP.

If you have verified the boot order and are pressing a key during boot,
something major may be wrong.
If out of warranty, you may need a qualified tech look at the laptop.
 
Sounds like your CD rom drive is broken. (This apart from the other stuff
that's wrong with the computer)
 
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