Windows XP reinstall problem

[viperpa33s]

I looked and can't find this problem and appreciates any help.

I am trying to reinstall Windows XP on a Dell with a SATA hard drive. When I reboot the pc with the Windows cd in the cd drive it says there is no boot device available.

I already made the cd drive the first boot device in the bios but still says boot device not available. For giggles I even tried to make the floppy drive a boot device and still the same thing. I took the hard drive out of the equation and still the same thing.

Hoping that someone can help with this problem.


Thanks

[doctorgonzo]

Is the CD drive showing up in the BIOS? Have you tried with another bootable CD?

[viperpa33s]

The cd drive is showing up in the BIOS. I have 2 cd drives that came with the pc. I don't have another bootable cd.


Thanks

[doctorgonzo]

Is that an authentic Windows install CD?

If you don't have another bootable CD, you can download and try Knoppix to make sure the drive can boot from CD: www.knoppix.net

[viperpa33s]

Thanks for the link. I am downloading it now, be about 30 minutes for it to complete. The cd I currently have is an authentic Windows install cd. When it says there is no boot device available, does it mean there is something wrong with the cd?


Thanks

[viperpa33s]

Sorry it took me so long to get back, doing real life things. I burned that file and it loaded on startup. So it must be my Windows disc causing the problem. I had that disc for awhile now, there are a few scratches on it. Didn't think it would be enough to effect it. I tried getting the scratches out but nothing. Looks like I will have to get a new Windows disc.

Thanks for your help

[glc]

You can try burning a copy of it and see if the copy will boot.