Dell Desktop Cannot Boot From CD/WinXP Disc.
 

I got an old Dell P4 2.8Ghz desktop being used as a download/media center.

THe machine is working fine now, but the window has so much junk I decide to format and reinstall window.

However, I can't get the system to boot from CD no matter what. I changed the boot sequence, but all I get a like a minute of blank black screen when the window xp CD is in the drive...then after 1 minute, the computer just boot into window again.


On the post screen, it also has the option to press F12 for boot option. (beside F2 to setup/bios), but when I press F12...just computer just stay at the blank black screen forever.

Any idea why is that? and How do I fix it?

Funny thing is...this isn't the first time I format and reinstall this machine, and I don't remember having the same problem last time when I re-install window on this machine.

Have you tried another boot cd?
Are you able to read the contents of the XP disk when you boot into Windows?

Yeah, definitely try another disc. It's like it tries to boot, but can't read the disc. I actually encountered a similar problem today getting a new Dell to boot a disc. I tried a different disc, and it worked fine.

Another option is to boot from a flash drive if your computer supports it.
Use Wintoflash to create a bootable WinXP USB stick.