Dell laptop Inspiron 9300

[timsam]

Hello, No os (removed), shuts down if something is inserted in top usb slot on the side. cannot boot from usb, cd external usb dvd drive, always get "no bootable devices found strike f1 etc.... No matter what boot order I use or striking f12 on start up, I can't install XP. Motherboard possibly shot?

 

[pfrozen]

Hello, No os (removed), shuts down if something is inserted in top usb slot on the side. cannot boot from usb, cd external usb dvd drive, always get "no bootable devices found strike f1 etc.... No matter what boot order I use or striking f12 on start up, I can't install XP. Motherboard possibly shot?

It is a plausible solution but, why not use the internal hard disk?

 

[timsam]

I'll need specific instructions lol. I get the "no bootable devices" message no matter what boot order I use including the hard drive. I've restored the defaults in the bios but still get that message....

 

[timsam]

If there's a step I've missed or trick that'll get this thing going, I'd be grateful. I'm yanking my hair out here....