How to Boot from an XP Install CD
Booting from your XP install CD will require that you first change your computer's boot sequence. This is because changes or repairs to an operating system usually cannot be done while the operating system is running. When your computer boots from the hard disk drive, it starts the operating system. You can make your computer boot from the CD-ROM drive by making some simple changes to the motherboard's bios.
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Instructions
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Turn on your computer. Enter the computer's bios (basic input/output system) menu by pressing the appropriate key, usually F2, F5 or X, during the boot process. Watch as your computer starts up to find out which key you will need to press; it will display a statement such as "Press F2 to Enter Setup."
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Enter the bios menu by pressing the indicated key. This needs to be done at the right time during start-up and it is easy to miss the opportunity. A good way to do it is to restart your computer and repeatedly tap the key during the boot process.
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Find and access the boot sequence. Look toward the bottom of the screen for instructions on navigating the bios menu. Look for a menu option called "Boot Sequence" or "Boot Devices," or look along the top of the screen for a "Boot" tab.
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Put the CD-ROM drive first in the boot sequence. The "Primary Boot Device" at this point should be the "HDD," or hard disk drive. Change it by pressing "Enter" and selecting "CDROM" or "CD/DVD." The boot sequence might be shown simply as a list of the boot devices; look for instructions on changing the order of the devices, such as "Press F6 to move an item up in order and F5 to move an item down in order."
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Save your changes and restart. Look toward the bottom of the screen for the key that will allow you to "Save and Exit." This is usually F10. Press it and your computer will restart and boot from the CD-ROM drive. Be sure your XP install disk is in the drive before you restart.
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Tips & Warnings
Some computers will allow you to press a key, such as F12, during start-up and go directly to the boot sequence. Look for it during the boot process.
