[Nar57981]

I just got parts today for a basically new computer (Mobo, CPU, RAM, PSU) and I decided I would just use my old HDD, and delete my old partition from the old build (old Compaq).
I've changed bios to boot from the CD drive, but whenever I turn the computer on, it will try to log me into windows, and will say that I need to activate.
For some reason it won't go into windows setup so i can load the new windows. Also it won't let me register online (since I can't instal drivers for the LAN) or do phone registration. Also the windows support is no help since I bought OEM.

Does anyone know how I can fix my computer to go into the setup?

btw i have this mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813138036

thanksh

 

[bbearren]

If you have an OEM version of XP it may not necessarily be bootable. Is this a legal copy of XP?

 

[Old Rich]

enter BIOS ( Setup ) and set the first boot device as CD/ROM. Put your XP Disc in the drive and disconnect all external peripherals except the monitor, keyboard and mouse, and be sure those are not USB, or wireless. Any internal USB card should also be removed.

Once you set your BIOS to boot first from cd . . when it restarts you will see a black screen with a prompt "Press any key to boot from CD" . . do that and you will be able to delete any or all partitions and recreate one or more, then proceed to formating and installing XP.

That message can pass quickly, so have a finger on the keyboard when you boot. This will delete all data on the drive so be sure you have your important data backed up. The prompt will appear after every reboot, but do not press any key on subsequent reboots. The setup process will continue with no action required from you.

If you do not get that message, and you have another optical drive, try the XP CD in the other drive.

If you are installing on SATA drive, there is an additional step:

http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp_on_a.htm

This is a site that walks you thru a simulated XP installation:
http://www.echoproject.net/en/software/catalog.html

These are good guides to reinstalling XP . . you might want to print one for reference during the install.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
http://www.socrtwo.info/cleanxpinstall.htm
http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_install_-_graphic.htm

You will likely have to load drivers (Chipset first) and applications, If your XP installation disc does not include SP2, after the installation, you will need to download and install SP-2, while windows is clean. Prior to connecting to the internet be sure you enable the XP firewall.

If you want to save your files and settings, you can use the XP Files and Settings Transfer (FAST) wizard to create an image of them and save to cd or other removable media. These are good guides to using the FAST wizard. Just be sure you have an up-to-date antivirus before you re-instate them!

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_fstw.asp
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm

For help entering BIOS: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

 

[Nar57981]

Yeah it's legal, I got it off New Egg.
How could the CD not be bootable? I've installed computers with OEM cds before, should this be any different?

 

[Nar57981]

enter BIOS ( Setup ) and set the first boot device as CD/ROM. Put your XP Disc in the drive and disconnect all external peripherals except the monitor, keyboard and mouse, and be sure those are not USB, or wireless. Any internal USB card should also be removed.

Once you set your BIOS to boot first from cd . . when it restarts you will see a black screen with a prompt "Press any key to boot from CD" . . do that and you will be able to delete any or all partitions and recreate one or more, then proceed to formating and installing XP.

That message can pass quickly, so have a finger on the keyboard when you boot. This will delete all data on the drive so be sure you have your important data backed up. The prompt will appear after every reboot, but do not press any key on subsequent reboots. The setup process will continue with no action required from you.

I do press keys when this message pops up, and it still goes to the hard drive, I even took the hard drive off the boot priority and it still goes to it.

 

[Old Rich]

ARe you saving the BIOS changes when you make exit? ? ?

Edit: . . are you using a USB keyboard? . . those may not work at this stage of the installation . . if so, try substituting a PS/2 keyboard

 

[Nar57981]

Yeah i was pressing F10 and saving and exiting.

Alright i fixed my problem!
I was using my Saitek Eclipse USB keyboard before...
I got madder and stuck in my crappy PS/2 Compaq one and got into setup

Thanks for the quick replys!

 

[Old Rich]

Well done . . . :up: