querry abt computers...

[shiraz]

hmmm i've got a rather small doubt here... i've got a datamini and it's been giving me endless problems recently so i'm gonna reformat it, using the backup winxp home edition cd..

now as far as i understand, u put in the disc, and it's autoplay... it asks u what u wanna do and then performs the operation.. right? or am i wrong??

but on this occasion, nothing happens, do i need to go into dos mode and q/format the c: drive then d: - setup to install the operating system? thanks!

[SharkBait]

There isnt any dos mode on xp.

Insert the disc into the drive and restart the system. It will then go into a blue screen. Choose setup windows without repairing.

[jesperlam]

Yup...just follow through the setup instructions. The instructions are quite easy and simple.

The formatting/partition will be done on the blue screen itself. Then it'll copy the setup files and will install...

[shiraz]

tried restarting but nothing... has it got something to do with the 1st boot drive thingy?

[Vinoth]

Is it recovery CD or Original windows XP CD?

[shiraz]

recovery cd...

[Vinoth]

If recovery CD means then you have to follow the procedure stated by datamini. WHat happens when you put the cd? Is it going to the recovey console or goes to windows?

[shiraz]

nothing of that sort opens... the only box that opens is the usual one asking what i wanna do with the cd... like for example... open with a certain prog.. or copy using nero... or view pics with acd see... or open using IE... u know that box... when i restart with the cd in my drive, it just ignores the cd and boots up normally...

[Vinoth]

Hah then you have to change your boot device priority. First CD and then hard drive.

[jesperlam]

Ya....need to bypass the boot of HDD first or else your Windows will load first rather than the CD drive.

[shiraz]

hmmm so during the boot up i have to hit F12 until it goes into BIOS then change the priority then repeat the whole process of restarting with the cd in the drive?

[Vinoth]

Yup go to bios and change it .Then it will boot from your cd. From there i thk it will be quite strait forward.

[jesperlam]

Don't know which button for the BIOS menu but i guess you got it already. Yup and then move the bootup device for the CD-ROM up, usually when reinstalling Windows i put it in first place. After installation den change it back. Remember to save changes in the CIOS menu.

[shiraz]

ok thanks dudes!! will try it out now... really fed up with the amount of illegal operations im getting!!

[shiraz]

hmmm hitting f12 does not bring me to the bios screen... any1 can confirm which button it is? thanks...

[jesperlam]

Mine is the "Delete" button. The first loadup screen doesnt show?

[shiraz]

no... there is a datamini splash screen that shows all the way until windows starts... ok thanks.. wld try del...

[Vinoth]

Mine also delete. But sometime ctrl+del+esc, F2, F1 etc.

[ryz]

haha f5 or f8 I think...

[jesperlam]

I think F8 goes to the option to choose the modes to load windows...if i'm not mistaken...it all depends on the BIOS, different characther ma! :lol:

Try all "F" buttons, think should at least have 1 of them right!

[auberon]

Thar's what I do too when I have to help reinstall the OS. Hit DEL and all the F* keys...

Wish they make it all the same...

[shiraz]

thanks ppl... got my pc formatted... hmmm actually it's DEL lar... all the F keys don't work thanks jesper and vinoth mainly for the help

[Vinoth]

No problem bro. Hope no more illegal operation. Actually windows XP is quite stable compared to previous versions of windows.

[jesperlam]

It part of sharing...so next time u can impart it to others as well.

But Windows XP must really get original ones....the pirated ones always got problem one...Microsoft damn clever...But still prefer my Win2k! :lol

[Vinoth]

Anyone tried to install service pack 2? I got mine installed and hell lot of compatability problems. Even microsoft products like office 2000 not working with service pack 2.

List of programs not compatible. Many more will be added

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=884130