also @ TechSpot: Leaked next generation iPhone casing photos validate multiple rumors

TechSpot
Collaborate in the cloud with Office, Exchange, SharePoint, and Lync.
Microsoft Office 365. Pay-as-you-go starting at $8/user/month. Begin your free trial now.

Want to wipe PC / unable to boot from disk

Discussion in 'Other Hardware' started by aegisrose, Dec 22, 2009.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

  1. aegisrose Newcomer, in training

    Greetings TechSpot! I'm back with more questions!

    ok~ new PC, new issue. This gem is an old PC that is still worth saving; however, the previous owner did not have legit software, etc. I found this out AFTER I attempted to authenticate the version of windows XP and attempt to upgrade to SP3 which made the machine all sorts of buggy and wrecked the registry.

    Anyhow, long story short, I have a legit copy of windows XP and I would like to simply start from scratch.

    I attempted to boot from disk, but when prompted to "hit any key" the PC just ignores my command. I also tried going into the BIOS, and the PC ignored my command. It's almost as if the keyboard isn't loading in time.

    I'm wondering how I can go about manually deleting windows, etc. I'm not savvy enough to know my way around DOS with the del command... I need to be able to boot from the CD, or else I'm dead in the water. aren't I?
    aegisrose, Dec 22, 2009
    #1

  2. mailpup TechSpot Special Forces

    Are you using a USB keyboard? If so, it might not be supported by the older motherboard BIOS. Switch to a PS/2 keyboard if you have access to one. After Windows is installed you can switch back to the USB keyboard.
    mailpup, Dec 22, 2009
    #2

  3. aegisrose Newcomer, in training

    I was just coming back to post that I thought of the same thing! I feel smart!

    I just tried with an old dusty PS/2 keyboard I had hidden under the bed and VOILA! I knew I kept that thing around for a reason!

    Thanks Mailpup!!
    aegisrose, Dec 22, 2009
    #3

  4. mailpup TechSpot Special Forces

    Very good! Another problem solved.
    mailpup, Dec 22, 2009
    #4
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.