i have a small network (6 computers). I wanted to re-format one of the computers because it is running too slow and there's a frequent virus notification via AVIRA (free download i got online). I was thinking that if i reformat the COMPUTER, it will run faster and no more viruses.

the computer i want to try to reformat doesn't have a CD/DVDrom so i tried to connect one CD/DVDrom by connecting the IDE cable (the flat & broader one) + the power cable coming from the CPU. But FIRST i made sure that the CMOS was set up to CDROM as the 1st boot device and the harddrive as 3rd boot

i restarted the comp and hoping thst it would take me to "SET UP" but it didn't. It only continued to start up to windows.

I couldn't provide the system INFO because when i tried to open it, it says:  CANT COLLECT INFORMATION Cannot access the Windows Management Instrumentation software. Windows Management  files may be moved or missing.  I tried at the control panel SYSTEM PROPERTIES and it showed: MS WIN XP, Professional Ver. 2002 Servie pack 2, 512 MB RAM

With this, i don't know if my CD?DVDROM i am using is defective for not displaying the set up. Pls help me analyze this problem.

Thanks a lotYou don't necessarily have to boot from the CD/DVD drive to install Windows XP.  Not sure if this leaves the door open for viruses and/or malware, but you can kick off a Windows XP installation from the existing operating system.

Boot the current Windows XP operating system.  Place the Windows XP Install CD in the CD/DVD drive.  After the drive spins up, see if you can access its software.  Navigate to the :\i386 directory and look for either the "winnt.exe" or "winnt32.exe" file.  The first is a 16-bit executable which is used to setup the operating system when you boot from the CD; the later, the 32-bit executable which may be used to setup operating system from an existing 32-bit operating system.  You may use either one, but the later is the better choice (more options available).  Double click the "winnt32.exe" executable and follow the setup procedure to completion.

If the option presents itself, you should delete the current windows partition and recreate it to wipe out any malware residing there (and hope there's nothing in memory to reinfect).

You should backup your "data" before you install the fresh operating system to avoid losing it.

If this doesn't work to your satisfaction, we'll have to determine why you're not booting from the CD/DVD drive.  Or let us know if you'd prefer to troubleshoot the CD/DVD boot issue.I COULD be wrong here...but i don't think you can run the setup from within Windows.Hmmm...  I may be taking a fall here...  Been working on a multiboot system too long - not sure if I've ever kicked it off from within the partition I want to replace.

Change of plans.  Kick off the "winnt.exe" instead of the "winnt32.exe".  Since that normally works in a "bare" machine (no disk based operating system); it presumably would ignore the presence (or absence) of disk based operating system.

Perhaps the original poster (OP) could test this for us.  It's either that or troubleshoot a CD/DVD boot issue (BIOS sees drive, BIOS drive parameters, BIOS boot order, disk jumpers, 40 wire vs 80 wire cable, position on IDE cable. power to drive).

OP:  Let us know what you want or need to do (or what resolved the issue, if known).Sorry for not being able to get back ASAP, Guys.I had some prob with connection.
 And, THANK YOU too for the prompt response.
 
About the CD/DVDrom drive,  i took the liberty to open the unit itself coz I was thinking it might be the reason why i can't format my other comp. I discovered that the CD's lens is defective and the CD itself doesn't run anymore.

I will try to ask somebody to fix it and then try it again or else i will be forced to buy a new cdrom drive to do the formatting. I will keep you posted.

Thanks a lot and more power to all fo you.Here's the info for when you get another CDDrive:

Clean Install of XPThanks a lot patio for the info. I will try to do it and let you know what happens next. God bless everyone!Anytime....

Bring us Good News.sure, i hope so too...Hey, Patio, i already have a new DVD Writer and i tried to follow the instructions on the link that you have posted on our thread. But there seems to be something wrong coz I only came up to STEP #2


Steps to Clean Install XP

If the above instructions for configuring your system to boot from CD or you have acquired the necessary boot floppy/floppies; you can now boot the computer and follow the on screen prompts.

Have your Product Key available, typical install is around 30 minutes. If setup seems to hang, wait at least 10 minutes + before restarting system. You should experience momentary screen blackouts.

 
 
 1. Power on the computer. Press the Pause/Break key as soon as you see text on the screen.
[If you currently are running in an OS of any flavor,  insert XP CD and restart computer. Skip to #3 if system is configured to boot from CD.]
 
 
2. Insert XP CD into CD drive. Press ENTER to resume booting from the XP CD. 
(the BIOS is already set to CDROM as the 1st boot priority)

Instead of seeing BOOT FROM CD, i saw; :DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK & PRESS ENTER"

WHAT DO I DO NEXT?? I tried to do the instruction over again but it didn't work
 Hey, Patio, i already have a new DVD Writer and i tried to follow the instructions on the link that you have posted on our thread. But there seems to be something wrong coz I only came up to STEP #2


Steps to Clean Install XP

If the above instructions for configuring your system to boot from CD or you have acquired the necessary boot floppy/floppies; you can now boot the computer and follow the on screen prompts.

Have your Product Key available, typical install is around 30 minutes. If setup seems to hang, wait at least 10 minutes + before restarting system. You should experience momentary screen blackouts.

 
 
 1. Power on the computer. Press the Pause/Break key as soon as you see text on the screen.
[If you currently are running in an OS of any flavor,  insert XP CD and restart computer. Skip to #3 if system is configured to boot from CD.]
 
 
2. Insert XP CD into CD drive. Press ENTER to resume booting from the XP CD. 
(the BIOS is already set to CDROM as the 1st boot priority)

Instead of seeing BOOT FROM CD, i saw;

VERIFYING DMI POOL DATA
DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK & PRESS ENTER"

WHAT DO I DO NEXT?? I tried to do the instruction over again but it didn't work
 What exactly does it say on this Windows CD ? ?just when i pressed the PAUSE/BREAK button and  the pc and put the XP CD into the cdrom drive, i didn't see the BOOT FROM CD notification...instead, this is what i got at the lower part of the monitor: 

VERIFYING DMI POOL DATA .....
DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK & PRESS ENTER"

and when i pressed ENTER, the same notification above has shown.


I then tried the same procedure to another comp and it worked well! I donno what's wrong with the other comp :-(It's still trying to boot to the hard drive...
Did you set the CDRom to be the first boot device in the BIOS ? ?

Quote

What exactly does it say on this Windows CD ? ?