Check the boot.ini file.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/289022

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [PCBUILD] no boot?
From: Russ Cox <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Fri, December 31, 2010 6:41 pm
To: [log in to unmask]

I am refurbishing a Dell Inspiron 4500, 1.4 GHz P4, 128 MB RAM, 120 GB 
HDD. I have loaded XP Home several times and it seems to load ok. But 
when I take the XP CD out, it won't boot from the HDD.
Here's what I've tried:
Loaded XP Home, no problem
Removed CD, won't boot
Reloaded XP 2X more, same result
Replaced hard drive, same result. Put original HDD back in
Reset CMOS, no better
Tested memory, no problem
Repaired MBR (fixmbr) with XP CD, no improvement
Repaired boot sector(fixboot) with XP CD, no improvement
Ran chkdsk, said no problem, but on second try said there were some 
errors, did not offer to mark bad sectors ??
If I put the XP CD in the drive, then do_not_ press "start with CD", it 
starts fine from the HDD??
Short test and long test with Seagate HDD test shows no problems.
Replaced the IDE cable, no improvement.
Any ideas what might be causing this?

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