[Ferra]

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.

[DragonChi]

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

[Presto]

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.

[mrks]

Another option is to boot from a flash drive if your computer supports it.
Use Wintoflash (http://wintoflash.com/home/en/) to create a bootable WinXP USB stick.