How to re-installal windows Xp?

[astaza]

recently I have problems in starting my pc compac windows xp. the following message :appear non-system disk or disk error.replace and strike any key when ready. do this means I have to reinstall windows Xp.if yes, how I can do it?
I put the cd, I cilck on f10, but I see no option to reinstall the windows.
presently, my computer is able to start just by chance.I kno if I switch it off, the poblem comes back. so how can I reinstall the window xp. thanks.I am a new bee with computers.help, please.

[yostar]

put your CD in the drive and re-start the computer with the "windows Cd" in it.
wait to see "Boot from CD - hit any key" or something like that... hit any key on your keyboard

that's it.

[ft@t@lk™]

might have to change boot order sequence in BIOS in order to have computer boot from CD drive first

to get into Compaq BIOS, it should be F10 as soon as you see the Compaq logo screen come up..or it could be the Del button or F2

:thumbsup:

[barry_allen]

reading your post you state that you are a "new bee". so i hope you realize that a full install will wipe out everything you have saved on the disk. i recommend backing up photos and other stuff before starting so you won't lose valuable files fixing your system.

there could be a recovery partition that can be used to reload your computer back to factory settings. you may see it under "all program" when you get into windows. or maybe F11 when the computer is booting.

i think the big question is why are you getting a message of non system disk.

your system isn't recognizing your hard drive so it may be faulty, it could be from file corruption or your system is infected.

do you have a bootable virus scanner?

i would scan for virus and malware next time the computer lets you boot into windows. malwarebytes has a free version


http://www.malwarebytes.org/

and spybot is still a great free program too (they do ask for donations though).


http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

i would also try a checkdisk. the easiest way to do this is to get into windows (when your system lets you in), go to "my computer" and right click on your "C" drive. left click on "properties", left click on "tools", left click on "check now" and make sure both squares are checked and click on "start".

this will check your hard drive system files and try to fix bad sectors.

good luck!

[Ben Doon]

before you try reinstalling, take any cds out of your drive/s then restart your computer ,i have seen this error when my wife leaves a game cd in the drive,and i have my computer set to boot from cd in the bios also if you have an A drive make sure there is no disk in there hope this helps:thumbsup: