Fresh install probs

mikedeuk

mikedeuk

Member
Im having problems doing a fresh install of xp on my old computer.
Ive put the cd in, Entered bios & changed the primary boot device to cd and restarted. It then says press any key to boot from cd(which i do)
.....And then it loads up my old desktop!:confused:

Do i need to format my hard drive 1st? Can somebody tell me how to do this please?
 
This can happen if the CD isn't bootable. In that case, it can't boot from the primary device so it boots from the secondary. Be sure your CD isn't defective in some way.

The best approach to preparing a used drive for a new O/S is to remove all the partitions. I use the old fdisk.com from DOS but there are certainly more modern ways to do this. I just don't know what they are since I've used fdisk.com for over 20 years. Once you remove the partitions, the drive will look like a new drive to the installation disk and work normally.

My guess is that you have a defective CD based on your comments.
 
tremmor said:
when you say it loads your desktop, you mean after the installation traces are still there. heres some freeware. killdisk that will wipe. ive used several times. works well

http://www.killdisk.com/
Click to expand...

No, he's saying he can't even install. It bypasses the "boot disc" and goes straight to the original desktop. As fmw says it looks like the CD is "iffy" or not bootable.

Is it a genuine or copy?
 
Thanks guys,
Its a backup copy i made on a good quality dvd, My dvd drive is still working ok.

Maybe i could boot from a usb key?
 
Never booted from USB, so can't suggest anything there.

In future reference, you should make sure you enable all verification methods provided on your burning software, also writing at a slower speed than optimal is safer. I've experienced write errors (which were fatal) on boot CDs with a few systems, so it does happen.
 
Sommer said:
Never booted from USB, so can't suggest anything there.

In future reference, you should make sure you enable all verification methods provided on your burning software, also writing at a slower speed than optimal is safer. I've experienced write errors (which were fatal) on boot CDs with a few systems, so it does happen.
Click to expand...

Ok thanks, I'll have another go. I was using power iso
 
XP is on a CD, but since technically its illegal to make a backup copy... i dont think we can help you there, but hopefully a mod could say if discussing this would be against the rules....
 
bomberboysk said:
XP is on a CD, but since technically its illegal to make a backup copy... i dont think we can help you there, but hopefully a mod could say if discussing this would be against the rules....
Click to expand...

Lol Maybe that explains why im not getting much help!
I do hold the licence for this but am having cd problems!

Maybe someone could pm me for a private or hyperthetical discussion?

Sorry if i was wrong to start this thread or offended anyone :mad:
 
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