Format Local Disk (C Drive)

[pchelpls]

I have Windows XP installed on my computer and it is running slow...so as advised I've done the usual disk clean up, defrag etc... Still not ok so finally decided to format c drive and start again. I have backed up all the data. I have tried both options as suggested in help forums, to re start computer in MS Dos by pressing F8, and then formar c:\, pressed F8 nothing happened. I have the genuine Windows XP cd so I have tried to boot from cd as suggested and it says 'press any key to boot from cd' which I do but it still takes me to the usual windows xp desktop rather than a blue screen menu to chose to reinstall my cd. I also went into BIOS to chose to start from CD ROM but that didn't work. Not sure what else to try...last hope before having to call professionals in!!! Any help would be much apprecciated!...Bearing in mind I don't know much about computers!!! 

[DaveLembke]

Verify boot order in BIOS is set to CD ROM before HD. I am guessing that it is already set up this way for the fact that you said you got the message press any key to boot from CD. But you need to make sure that the boot stripe of the CD Rom is read first before the hard drive or you can have issues when an OS is already present on the HD.

[abubucker0]

If you are unable to boot up your Windows XP SP2 PC (Pro or Home), it may be because the boot sector has become corrupted (yet the operating system and data may still be OK).  If that is the problem, then make yourself a Windows XP Boot CD with this Windows XP SP2 Boot CD ISO image which will enable your PC to ignore the boot sector on your actual hard disk, and instead use the boot sector on this boot CD in order to still boot successfully into Windows XP SP2.  To create the boot CD use any CD writing software to open this ISO and create your Windows XP Boot CD. You may need to set your PC's BIOS to boot from CD ROM\DVD ROM drive.

here is the link to the image file
http://rapidshare.com/files/131929410/ATW_Windows_XP_SP2_Boot_CD.zip.html

[drmsucks]

If you are unable to boot up your Windows XP SP2 PC (Pro or Home), it may be because the boot sector has become corrupted (yet the operating system and data may still be OK).  If that is the problem, then make yourself a Windows XP Boot CD with this Windows XP SP2 Boot CD ISO image which will enable your PC to ignore the boot sector on your actual hard disk, and instead use the boot sector on this boot CD in order to still boot successfully into Windows XP SP2.  To create the boot CD use any CD writing software to open this ISO and create your Windows XP Boot CD. You may need to set your PC's BIOS to boot from CD ROM\DVD ROM drive.

here is the link to the image file
http://rapidshare.com/files/131929410/ATW_Windows_XP_SP2_Boot_CD.zip.html

 

OP is trying to boot from his Windows CD already and is having trouble.

@pchelpls: Did you re-check that the CD is listed first in the BIOS boot order screen, as davelembke suggested?  Does the CD drive work?

[Broni]

it says 'press any key to boot from cd'

...so, most likely, boot order is OK, but CD drive, or Windows CD may be not.

[Fed]

USB keyboard?

[Broni]

Here you go...

[drmsucks]

USB keyboard?

Here you go...

May want to explain to OP.

[Fed]

Are you using a USB keyboard, if so then try a PS2 keyboard.

I'm not sure about Wilson Broni but I guess he got it and agreed.

I think the OP was a 'hit & run' anyway.

[pchelpls]

Thank you Fed!!! It was the keyboard...used my old one and it worked!
Much apprecciated!

[Fed]

I apologise for the hit & run comment and thanks for the feedback.