XP only starts with boot CD

[galbicake]

When powering up my computer, the computer is stuck in load mode and asks for the Boot CD (XP CD) before it can get to the XP OS.

Any suggestions?

 

[galbicake]

the error specifically says:

BOOT DISK FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER

 

[tw1164]

I think you need to boot into the recovery console, and try to fix the mbr (fixmbr).

 

[galbicake]

The other weird thing is the computer does not power up properly meaning that I cannot turn it on using the Power button.

It only turns on if I switch off and then on the actual PSU power.

Any thoughts?

 

[mechBgon]

Maybe you do not have the case's power button attached to the correct pins on the motherboard header, or the cable got pulled loose. Or perhaps the case's actual power-button electrical switch is faulty.

As for the booting problem, also check your boot-device and hard-drive prioritiy lists in your motherboard's BIOS, if you haven't already done so.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Don't forget the possibility that the Motherboard is the issue. Mobos now have soft-power on.

When you press the power button, it sends a signal to the motherboard that relays a signal to the PSU to give it the juice.

Try unplugging the power supply for 20 seconds and press the power button while it's unplugged to drop the charge in the capacitors. After that, plug it back in and try to power it up normally.

Edit: I've seen this happen if the motherboard gets a power spike somehow and gets stuck in a weird mode and needs 'resetting'.