Trying to reformat computer, computer won't boot from cd.?

Question

Hi I have a Dell Dimension E520. I'm trying to reformat it. When I restart with a XP CD in the drive it doesn't show the prompt "Press any key to boot from CD", it just goes straight to booting XP. I tried the XP CD on another computer and it was able to boot using the same CD so I know there is no problem with the CD. Any ideas on what the problem could be? Thanks!

Answer 1

It sounds like your BIOS options are not set to boot from CD.

When starting up, press F2 (I believe) to get into BIOS options.  Look for the Boot Order option, and move the CD drive to the first boot.  Remember to move it back after you are done reformating.

Answer 2

You computer may not be checking for the cd at boot-up. Get into your BIOS - When the computer starts up press F11, Delete, or some other key to open the computer BIOS. Check the boot up options and put the CD drive as Number 1. This should fix the problem.

Answer 3

Watch the startup screen before Windows to see which F key to press to access the BIOS. Then change the boot order to put the optical drive first.

Change the order back when everything is fixed.