I've refurbished a lot of computers and I always set up the boot sequence as
   
  "A" floppy disc,  CD rom or R/W  THEN   "C" hard drive.     Then it's easy to
   boot from a floppy, then to the CD, or  just the CD. If you're installing an OS,
  the C drive should be empty and it won't start.    AL SMITH
  

Tim Seaton <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
  My PC has completely crashed and is no longer recognizing the operating 
system (Windows XP Home). I am unable to reinstall, as it does not 
recognizing the CD Drives either. When I initially boot up the computer, 
I receive the following message:

Strike F1 to retry boot, F2 for setup utility

If F1 is struck, nothing seems to happen. Upon striking F2, I am 
taken to the Setup Utility as described. Everything looks normal except 
under the boot sequence, which reads as follows:

1. Hard Disk Drive (not installed)
2. CD-Rom Device (not installed)
3. Diskette Drive

Since the A: drive was available; I attempted to use a boot disk to 
start the computer. In doing so, I did manage to get to an A:\> prompt, 
but was unable to get any further. I cannot get the computer to 
recognize the CD for reinstallation of the OS. I receive an error message 
telling me I cannot install from DOS.

Can anyone please help me fix this situation, as I need the computer 
for both work and school. Thank you in advance!

Tim Seaton

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