I have just got back my old PII486 2.4Ghz PC that I gave my son for gaming.

I would like to wipe it and install Linux on it but can't get PAST the log-in because my son installed Windows XP on it and can't remember the name/password he used.

He can't even find the original Windows CD, all that came back with it was a copy which is supposed to boot but doesn't.

I am not familiar with managing BIOS because I am principally a Mac user.

I have started with either a Linux Mint DVD in the DVD Drive or the Windows XP CD and hold down the F2 key which is supposed to TAKE me into BIOS. But both times it will go through the VERIFICATION and then onto the Windows log-in.

I removed the DVD Drive and reinstated all the cables and it does seem to spin up.

I am pretty CERTAIN this model predates the ability to boot off a USB drive or Key.

There is a 2nd DVD/RW drive and 3 internal HDDs but I can't see where and how to stop the verification so that I can alter the Boot process.

Any suggestions? Correction I have a Pentium 4 2.4Ghz BIOS revision 1.13a

HDD:
Primary master    Seagate HDD
Primary slave       Fujitsu HDD

I can see a 3rd drive, don't know what that is.

Secondary master LITE-ON DVDRW
Secondary Slave"   Sony CD-RWYou don't need the password. If you want to format the system partition it needs to be done before the system boots to Windows. You'll need to have or create a CD to format at boot.