I am entering a second write up of my problem with more detail. 
I have a desktop pc with windows xp sp3 in it. I had disconnected it when I got a laptop computer. Now I need it to download some Zip files to a cd. The laptop has no connection for a Iomega zip drive.
The desktop won't boot up.
I turn it on and get the Windows xp screen, then it goes to the screen to start in safe mode, etc. I tried safe mode and last config and it goes back to Windows xp screen and goes back to giving boot choices and the screen showing the Processor, etc. Then it goes back to the Windows xp screen and goes repeats with boot choices etc. 
If I hit F8 I can change the items but after doing this it repeats like above. I downloaded the boot cd from Free Pc that is to repair existing xp drives and ran it. It showed a lot files and shut down. Rebooting it when back to the same problem of recycling. I can hit delete and go to setup screen. I did this and hit F5 (load old values in cmos)and F10 to save. When I rebooted it went to the Windows xp screen and began recyling again as above.
A long time ago I had successfully downloaded the xp set up disks onto floppys but i no longer have them. I can't download them again because I don't have any A drive on my laptop or on the desktop. The cd available from Pc Free is an image cd that has to be downloaded to a floppy and then installed.
HOw can I get this to boot?
System information:
Maxtor 6040L0
IDE-0 1st boot drive
cdrom 2nd boot drive
zip 3rd boot drive
Main processor is Pro 1800+
Amibios system config
Primary Master 19600 41110mb
It has usb and ethernet
Can I get this to Boot?

              The NOSPIN Group is now offering Free PC Tech
                     support at our newest website:
                          http://freepctech.com