REVscene Automotive Forum - View Single Post - Dell Desktop Cannot Boot From CD/WinXP Disc.

Ferra · 11-04-2010, 05:31 PM

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.

11-04-2010, 05:31 PM	#1
Ferra I don't like cheese but I love milk! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Van Posts: 1,980 Thanked 895 Times in 243 Posts Failed 105 Times in 49 Posts	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.