I've installed a fresh new HD in my laptop. I've updated the BIOS to boot
from the CD drive, but the laptop now fails to recognize the optical device,
which means I can't boot from the XP CD.

Ok, Plan B. I downloaded the Windows XP setup boot disk off of the
Microsoft web site and created the 6 floppy disks.

I've attempted to boot from floppy disk 1, but now I get "Non-system disk or
disk error. Replace and strike any key when ready."

Help!? Should I reformat the disks, run the boot disk program again to
create the 6 disks? Or am I just missing something here?

One does'nt need to update the BIOS to boot to xp cd,that option was already
available, (boot priority device,or similiar)...Sure you updated with the
proper
update for that specific machine...If so,try starting up in BIOS,at exit
page,select
"load optimal defaults" or "load set up defaults",reset boot priority,save
& exit.
For a desktop (laptop similiar),one could also,remove battery,locate the CMOS
jumper pin,set from 1-2 to 2-3 for .45 seconds,then back to 1-2,replace
battery,
start pc,reset basic BIOS settings at start up.Removing battery for 5 min
or so
usually produces same results.

"Chad Hanley" wrote: