XP installation CD doesn't boot

[devil0150]

I am trying to reinstall Windows XP on my Dell Optiplex 360. I enter the boot menu and when I choose CD-ROM Drive I get this message:

Selected boot device not available. Strike F1 to reboot, F2 for setup utility. Press F5 for onboard diagnostics.

The CD works because it can auto-play when I open it in My Computer.
I don't know if this is relevant but in My Computer the drive is shown as DVD/CD-RW Drive, whereas in the boot menu or boot sequence in System Setup it is shown as Onboard or USB CD-ROM Drive.
What do I do?

[DaveLembke]

Which port is the drive plugged into if it is SATA? 

If its IDE, I'd try a different CD ROM or DVD Drive if you have one available. Make sure the jumper is set correctly also if its the older IDE type. IDE is easy to identify by the wide ribbon cable if you dont know the difference, while SATA has a cable that is usually about 3/8" wide.

If its a Mixed configuration of both IDE and SATA such as an IDE Optical Drive and SATA HDD you will want the Optical Drive to be the Master in the chain if there is a 2nd drive on it and it is not set to Cable Select. Also in the BIOS set the Boot Order to this IDE Optical Drive first before the SATA or IDE HDD.

[Geek-9pm]

For reference...
http://www.dell.com/downloads/emea/products/optix/optiplex_brochure_360_en_new.pdf

The OP needs to look at the BIOS options.  But the question becomes 'why did it change?'  Maybe the C MOS battery died.

[devil0150]

Both the CD drive and the hard disk are SATA. The hard disk is plugged into SATA 0 and the CD drive into SATA 1. Should I still set the CD first in the boot sequence?

[patio]

Yes...
When you set it then press "F10 to save changes and exit"...

The PC will re-boot by itself.
Then you will see a prompt upper screen stating press any key to boot from CD...
Press any key.

Make sure you have backed up anything important as everything will be gone...

[devil0150]

That's the normal way to do it. But that doesn't work. It just starts from hard disk normally.

[patio]

What exactly does it say on this XP CD ? ?
Autoplay does NOT mean it's bootable...

[devil0150]

Just like this but there's one more option: Learn more about the setup process between Install Windows XP and Install Optional Windows Components

[patio]

What exactly does it say on this XP CD ? ?
Autoplay does NOT mean it's bootable...

[devil0150]

So it's not bootable? Do I just click Install Windows XP and it'll do the same thing?

[patio]

Please answer the question above...

[devil0150]

I already posted the screenshot. Isn't that what you where looking for?

[patio]

NO...

What exactly does it say on the CD itself ? ?
Did someone make this for you ? ?

[devil0150]

Sorry.
It's blank. A friend of mine gave it to me with a piece of paper with the product code written there. First time I'm using this CD and first time I'm trying to reinstall on this PC.

[patio]

Then it's not bootable...and likely not Legal.

Topic Closed.