Dell Dimension 2400 Unable to Re Install Windows Xp

Hi I am trying to re install windows xo on my dell dimension tower. I have gone in Bios and set it to boot up with CD, but once I have saved this it starts the process of Booting up from CD but then this happens



* Diskette drive 0 seek failure *

*Secondary drive 0 not found *

Strike the F1 key to continue. F2 to run the set up utility *



I have gone into Bios and looks like everything is ok. The system has never been opened. I have tried diffrent Cd's as well. Any suggestions Guys. Thanks



Tony

 

Have you tried f1 option?Does it read the CD at startup ? under f2, you must have it set to boot from CD first...

 

yes tried f1 and f2 ie from have put boot sequence to run from cd

 

And what happens, What was on the hard drive before ?

 

just my normal stuff, and as it was filled with viruses i thought i would reinstall

 

Did your Dell come with a recovery disk ?Did it come with a floppy drive ? Have you done a fresh install before ?

 

No mate I bought in second hand from the market. Yes I am very familiar now , thanks to this website to reinstall.

 

Ok then. not knowing about the hard drives Partitions, It is best to just do a total fresh install.. you will need to totally wipe the hard drive of all partitions...You will need a windows 98 boot disk or a Hiren's Boot CD.. Fdisk/mbr first...This will remove any boot loaders. Next remove all partitions,then format...Then install XP..

 

Oh ok, i havent any cd's but will try to get them.so you saying my xp cd may not boot from cd but the windows 98 will right? also what is Hirens boot cd

 

NO on win 98 Cd, You will need a windows 98 Boot floppy disk with CD support.... What do you have ?
You just have a windows XP setup disk , Right ..Again , Do you have a floppy drive ?
Tell, you what, just email me.. I will guide you through the process..

 

yes just a windows xp cd , i dont have any other cd's. if i can get hold of any i will let you know