Hi, Yes I know that this might be unorthodox but I am trying it anyway - why not? My hd was replaced, so instead of using the xp setup cd (actually I only have a hp recovery cd no ms xp setup cd)

Anyway I have a saved image of my xp os with all the customized DESKTOP and applications on it.

I did a restore using Image for Dos after creating a partition and formating it with diskpart and format.

Now it says when I boot "reboot and select proper boot device"

I can get past this with the xp boot diskette I got from microsoft and the system boots fine.

I know that since I did not do the setup with the new hd that there is no MBR to point to the boot partition.

Microsoft has no hits when I search with the indications.

Any hints? I know this can be done somehow.

thanks for the help!I did a FIXMBR and it did the same thing.
I did a fixboot and the same thing.
One of ms messages said to check if the partition was active, it was not so I changed it and it works!

thanks for the INSPIRATION of this site!
It sometimes is so helpful just to TELL someone about a PROBLEM and get it off  your chest so to speak and then you see the light!