Computer Won't Boot From the XP Installation CD Disc - Reformatting Hard Drive - Troubleshooting

The two most common reasons a computer fails to boot from the XP installation CD -

1. The CD player is not first in line in the BIOS boot order.
2. Your computer has two CD players and you are trying to boot from the wrong player.

Solution:

Try the easiest solution first which is to place the XP installation CD into the second CD player attached to your computer (if applicable) and restart the computer.

If that doesn't work you should check the boot order of your CD player by entering your BIOS - usually by pressing F2 or DEL during intial start-up of your computer. * If you need additional information about accessing and working with your computer's BIOS set-up I recommend an online search with the keywords "YourComputerModel BIOS set-up" or something similar.

While in BIOS set-up if your CD player is not first in the boot order use the "U" and "D" keyboard keys to move the player or hard drive up or down in the list.

Select "Exit and Save" when leaving the BIOS set-up.

If after making changes to the BIOS and restarting your computer it still fails to boot from the XP CD try placing the XP CD in the alternate CD player (if applicable) and restart the computer.