Help with Re-Image

[azdevil09]

So I bought a laptop from a friend that is a old work computer. So it has all the system security settings that you would expect. So I am unable to logon to the computer due to security. I wanted to re-image the computer with my XP disc. When I try to book from the CD drive I get an error that the system can't find a HDD. However, when I enter "BIOS settings" upon booting up (F12) there is a HDD diagnosis tool and my HDD is tested normal and working? What would be causing this to happen?

Sorry, I know my verbiage is probably incorrect in a lot of this. I am just a novice PC tinkerer.

Thanks

 

[badge]

Simple enough, ask your friend the secuity setting password.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/help/install-reinstall-uninstall

 

[azdevil09]

yea, I have emailed him, but he is in Europe backpacking for a month. So who knows when he will get back to me... Thought I would seek a DIY answer here.

 

[badge]

In BIOS, be sure the hard drive is set as a bootable device

Also set the first boot device to DVD drive to load XP.

 

[badge]

from the link provided.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978307

To perform a clean installation of Windows XP, follow these steps:
Back up all important information before you perform a clean installation of Windows XP. Save the backup to an external location, such as a CD or external hard disk.
Start your computer from the Windows XP CD. To do this, insert the Windows XP CD into your CD drive or DVD drive, and then restart your computer.

Note To boot from your Windows XP CD, the BIOS settings on your computer must be configured to do this.
When you see the "Press any key to boot from CD" message, press any key to start the computer from the Windows XP CD.
At the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to start Windows XP Setup.
Read the Microsoft Software License Terms, and then press F8.
Follow the instructions on the screen to select and format a partition where you want to install Windows XP.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the Windows XP Setup.

 

[azdevil09]

Thanks for the Reply's badge. I may have not been clear what the issue is. I am able to initiate boot from DVD drive. However, once the XP drive boot screen appears and the next screen says welcome to setup and offers three options .
1-to setup XP press enter. 2 To repair XP press R 3 to exit without installing XP press F3
I press enter and the following message comes up. When I select "setup XP" the next screen I get is:

This is the issue that I am having. The HDD is not recognized when booting from Disc. But I know the HDD is fine as I am able to boot up fine under from the HDD.

 

[badge]

If the cops are not watching > go into BIOS and look for hard drives or boot priority or similar. To install Windows be sure the system hard drive is set as a boot device. Also set the first boot device to DVD drive. Insert the installation DVD and Save and Exit. Sounds like the hard drive is not recognized as a boot device.

 

[badge]

If you read those installation instructions carefully, in order to install Windows you must 'boot' to the installation CD. You do that by setting the first boot device in BIOS to DVD.