1mAn3rd

Ok, I have a new computer, Dell Inspiron 1501, with Windows Vista Home Basic on it. I'm trying to install Windows XP Pro over it, and when I set BIOS to boot from a CD rom, it won't boot, it takes a few seconds longer than normal, but goes right to the Windows Vista start. I have started from the Vista install disk a bunch of times, and it works fine, so I know there is nothing wrong with the BIOS. I also know that there is nothing wrong with my CD because I booted my other computer from it. I have tried making a copy of the CD, no luck. Please help

Wolfie276

its not weird when its a DELL(i dont like them)

stuartbe

most of these laptops have a boot menu splash screen so you may not see the "press any key to boot from cd" message. try pressing the tab key as the laptop boots. you can allso try pressing F8 on boot to see if you can get to the boot menu like that.

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1mAn3rd

Sorry about such the long wait. I was on a vacation . Well, that didn't work, about it not showing up. The boot menu did show up when I pressed F8 though, so I don't think the GRUB or GUI is messing up... Any moe suggestions? And just so you know Woflie, I think Dells' are great. Don't make fun of them.

Strider

Enter the BiOS and disable all the other Boot devices, like floppy, Darddisk, network etc. ( If possible). Then reboot without your CD in the drive and check if it's booting to Windows or giving a 'disk boot failure' message.

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1mAn3rd

Um... it says:
No Opperating System Found...


and then caps lock, numlock, and scroll lock all turn on, and it does nothing... I use windows vista home basic. Does it mean that windows xp won't overwright vista? I know it can't mean that it won't load, because I have loaded this onto so many computers in the past, I can't remember, but I havn't this time to check if it's the cd's problem... I'll do that in a minute after this post. But yes, the CD should work, and the BIOS message is really scary to me, because that CD cost a few $100 when I got it . Please help

1mAn3rd

... Well, no luck, the first boot machine i tried (HP) did nothing, and the second (Dell Insiron E1505), it said:
No boot devices found...


Well, I guess that means that my CD is broken? If you do have any more suggestions, please tell me though. I don't want to give up, and I see my self getting used to Vista. I like Windows XP better though and I don't like Vista and so I don't want to get used to it -.-. Well, thanks for any suggestions.

Strider

Are you sure the CD is working? Check in a friend's computer and see if it's booting to the windows setup.

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1mAn3rd

Ok, let me tell you something. I'm so mad at my dad. . I've gone crazy. So guess what he did... Instead of giving me the Windows XP Pro Media Center Edition install disk, he gave me the *ucking SP2 upgrade . I HATE HIM!!!!!!

So, now I have a perfect Windows XP install, I'm so sorry about making this whole thread... please. Well, I'm so glad that you helped me so much, and thank you for working so hard and giving me these ideas and tips. Well, special thanks to strider, and all of the moderators, because this is deffinately the most well kept forum that I have ever seen . What I mean is that in almost every thread you'd see at least 1 post by Strider or an administrator, wich is amazing because their aren't alot of you! You guys are great!!!!!


Thanks again

Wolfie276

lol...hmmm...im good at making fun of microsoft and DELL...sry about that post...posted cuz i had NO idea