Packet of Rice CakesFirstly may I point out to you that there is no need to quote each of my posts on your reply.. You only need to quote if there is a particular aspect you wish to draw to my attention.
Your last post raises two issues.
1. The XP CD
Yes, I have a Windows XP disc, it was made for me by one of my dad's friends who is very good with computers so I think it will work for the Dell as he knows the laptop is a Dell.
You need to speak to the person who made the XP CD.
You cannot simply copy XP installation CD`s adhoc and use them to install on another computer. It is in most circumstances a breach of the TOU (Terms of Use) friom Microsoft. Most XP Cd`s are a one licence, one use, licensing condition. In otherwords, if that XP installation to which this CD applies is in use on another computer, you cannot use it on this computer. There are exceptions to this general use condition. An XP CD can be made from an existing XP CD, to incorporate Service Packs, this is known as slipstreaming. There are also other circumstances where it is permissable to copy the Microsoft CD or indeed an OEM XP CD.
OEM refers to original equipment manufacturer - such as DELL.
However the important question is, as outlined, if the installation is already in use on another computer you cannot install it on this computer.
Clearly you have no XP Product key for the installaltion on this computer, as it is Windows Millenium Edition.
2. To set a boot priority to CD Drive you enter the BIOS on F2 normally, you then find the screen for Boot Priority and set that as CD for first drive. You save and exit those settings normally F10.
You then reboot with the CD in the drive and if the screen appears press any key to boot from CD you do so.
If having followed those instructions it will not boot to that XP CD, then discounting for the moment, any probelms with the CD drive itself, we can safely preume that the copied XP CD is faulty.
Try it in another computer, obviously NOT proceeding with setup.
3. Having looked at your other threads again it appears that the first mentionedin the Malware section, dealth with the same cxomputer and to some extent the same query
is there any way I can wipe it clean, I do not have the Windows disk it came with, I received the laptop from an old job I had.
To wipe the hard drive - format it - and giving due consideration to what was discussed in that thread, use the ISO CD image I sent you.
Following the instructions here.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/255867which deal with the boot from floppy, but you will use for the boot from the CD, made from the link I sent you.
That of course again presumes that you can obtain a boot from CD
Edited by Macboatmaster, 22 September 2011 - 08:33 AM.