move along, nothing to see here

[desk]

i just built a computer and am trying to install winxp. but my computer won't boot from my cd-rom. it keeps trying to read from the a: drive. i changed the boot order in my bios, but it still won't attempt to boot from the cd.

i just get the standard:

DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER.

when i boot the computer i can either go into the bios or enter the boot menu. as i mentioned, i have the cd-rom as the first boot device in the bios. however, i can't get it to switch in the boot menu (it just stays on the hard drive).

i originally had my cd-rw and dvd-rom on the same ide cable. i tried each individually and still no luck.

it feels like im missing something obvious, but i can't put my finger on it. any help would be greatly appreciated.

if you need more info just ask! thanks.

here is my setup:

chaintech vnf3-250 mobo
wd special edition 80gig hd
amd 64 3000
leadtek 6600gt
cd-rw
dvd-rom
combo a: drive/media reader

 

[mechBgon]

Is your Windows CD-ROM disc genuine?

Also, be aware that Western Digital PATA drives have four jumper settings: Master, Slave, Cable Select, and Single Drive. If the WD 80GB drive has its own data cable, the correct setting is Single Drive, not Master or Slave. You set the jumper for Single Drive by removing the jumper cap entirely, and leaving it off.

 

[desk]

hey mechBgon...thanks for the advice! i had the hard drive set to master. i pulled the jumper and walla!

btw...the windows cd is genuine (from newegg).

thanks again.

 

[mechBgon]

Excellent 🙂 Make sure to take precautions against worms and stuff during the vulnerable just-built stage: precaution suggestions If your CD has SP2 in it already, that's a help 🙂