XP won't load after start-up

[meblumen]

My father is experiencing some difficulties with his computer. After booting up his computer he is taken to a screen where it says one of his files is either lost or corrupt, please insert the windows CD to repair the file (sorry for the poor description, he is explaining this to me over the telephone and well I'm now trying to convey it to you all). Anyway, I assumed it would be an easy fix and all he would have to do is insert the CD and be done with it. However, when he inserts the CD and presses 'R' it simply takes him back to the DELL startup screen and then is presented with the same screen about inserting the CD and pressing 'R'. I intially setup his computer so as I recall it is already setup to check one of the CD drives 1st during startup before loading from the harddrive. However such isn't the case as the windows CD isn't launching when the computer is on. Hence, what is the command (key) he needs to press during start-up to get it to start running the windows CD so he can repair the missing/corrupt files? Thanks in advance for your help and my apologies for the lengthy explanation for the short question.

[scott_d]

Well, if he dosent get a prompt to boot from the CD, then you will have to instruct him on how to configure his boot order in the BIOS, so that it looks to the CD drive first.
After that is done, rebooting with the CD should give you the "Press any key to boot from CD" then press any key to get to the XP CD, then, what I do in the shop is press enter like you want to install, then F8 for the EULA, then it gives you the option to run the automated repair.
If that runs good, then he should be back up and running
HTH

[meblumen]

Thank you for the reply, what button do I have to push to get to that setup-BIOS screen (F4?)? Thanks again.

[scott_d]

Usually, it is the delete key (DEL)
But, sometimes i have seen it as F1, F2, and a few others, but thats usually on name-brand computers
What mobo is he using?
It should say what button to push on the POST screen, if the board splash screen is'nt enabled, but usually you can push TAB if it is and it will show you the POST screen.
HTH

[meblumen]

Thanks, I checked the boot sequence and the CD-ROM drive is configured to be checked first in the boot order. However, it still doesn't boot from the windows CD. I've had this problem with other computers and usually I have to press shift + F? but nothing I've recommended thus far has worked and I can't remember which key does the trick. He has a DELL dimension 8100, I don't know what specific mobo is used and I can't recall any of the other specs and he doesn't have a clue so thats about all the info I can provide. Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it.

[meblumen]

I still haven't fixed the problem and was wondering if anyone else could give me a few suggestions. Thanks

[pam123]

I think this is what you need to get your Dad's PC up and running again : http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/doc...asp?dn=1056993