Non-bootable CD-ROM drive...

[Kimberly Smith]

Hi...

I hope someone can help me. I'm trying to wipe my hard drive to reinstall Windows for performance purposes, however... Apparently, my Dell Dimension 4600 has a non-bootable CD-ROM drive. I have verified that the CD-ROM drive is first in the boot order, but apparently is a slave for the DVD drive, is this a factor? Could someone please explain what causes a CD-ROM drive to be non-bootable? Can I swap out the CD-ROM drive for one which I know to be bootable to resolve the issue? Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your time.

[Kimberly Smith]

Sorry, I forgot to clarify that I'm trying to reinstall Windows XP Pro. I've tried the restoration disk which was included with the PC, and I've also tried using my retail version.

[Kablam]

so you want a fresh format or just re-instal.

If it is a non bootable disk then i'm assuming to instal windows you would have to install it within windows then let it reboot