Boot from atapi cd rom.

Why don't you get the question right then?

First, you tell us you're having a problem with the computer asking if you want to boot from CD, but you don't want it to.

Then, when you're told to remove the CD and it won't ask any more, you ask ... what if I need it later on?

Then, when you're told to put the CD back in when you need it, you tell us FINALLY, that Windows will not boot and that it's asking for the Windows CD.

It would have saved a whole lot of time and trouble if you had told us that in the first place.

So, what is the problem now? Put the Windows CD into the drive and boot from it!

Of course, I suppose now you're going to tell us that you don't have the Windows CD. Well, if that's the case... you're out of luck... and answers!

But, if the problem is that you do not know how to tell the computer BIOS to boot from the CD first so you CAN install Windows, you're looking for a boot order... select CD first, not HD0 first.

but it does not always work. I've seen that happen before, but on one system, the following method accomplished nothing, so your mileage may vary here.

Right-click My computer, select Properties, select Advanced tab. Under Performance click Settings, select Advanced tab. Under Virtual Memory, click Change. Click "No paging file", Set, OK, OK, OK.

Now follow the same procedure again, this time setting the paging file back to "System managed size".

Reboot and see if it still asks for the recovery CD. If it still does ask, I don't know how to fix it. Perhaps a recovery install or full reinstallation is the best bet.

Insert your XP CD and when you see ?Press any key to boot from CD? press a key. Now wait for the XP installer to finish loading up and you will be presented with the option to press R to Repair.

Press R.
The next screen will ask you which Windows? installation you would like to log on to. Normally the following will be listed:
1: C:\WINDOWS

Press 1, then Enter to continue.
You may now be asked for the Administrator password. If you know this type it and press Enter. If you don't know the Administrators password it may be blank. Just press Enter or type your username and password.

At the command prompt type:

fixmbr and press Enter

fixboot and press Enter

Wait until you are returned to the Recovery Console.

Type bootcfg /rebuild

Once you are back to the Recovery Console remove the XP CD and restart your PC.

Keep us informed as to your progress if you require further assistance.

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