What is BIOS and how do I boot from a Windows XP CD?

Question

I am trying to reformat my hard drive and re-install Windows XP on a computer I got for free from a business warehouse. To enter BIOS, I read that you should press F8 while the computer is starting up. When I do this, it gives me a menu called "Windows Advanced Startup Options" with a bunch of options like "Safe Mode" and "Debugging Mode"... but it still only allows me to boot in "Windows XP Home Edition" from the hard drive. Am I in the correct menu and if not how do I get there and boot from my Windows XP CD?

Answer 1

When you PC FIRST starts up, before you even see the Windows XP screen, you see that text only looking screen, somewhere it should say "Press [some key] to enter setup" or something to that effect.  It might be del, or a function key.  That's how you get into the BIOS, not by hitting F8 when you first see the Windows XP screen.  If you see that, it's too late to get into the BIOS and you need to restart.

Answer 2

to get into your bios you should press f2 or delete.  those usually work.  to install xp from a cd you just put the install disk in your cd drive.  as long as your computer is set to boot from cd before your hdd it will say press any key to boot from cd.  you press any key and follow instructions.  be sure to have all hardware drivers before you format your hdd.  also when installation is complete be sure to install all updates and service packs via windows update.