Install windows on a pc

[hattster]

I've recently bought a pc tower unit but it hasn't got any windows platform or anything on it. When i switch it on alls that appears is the c:\ prompt. I have windows XP that i wish to put on but when i insert the cd-rom it doesn't recognise it, how can i load windows onto it??? any help would be appreciated

[ian.miller]

you need to access the BIOS (usually by pressing the delete key or F10 during boot - there should be a message)

And then change the boot device list so that it starts with you CD-ROM rather than your hard disk.

Also if you have a c: prompt it's been formatted for you, try a DIR command on it to see if anything else has been put on.

[Loosehead]

When you say it's doesn't recognise the cd drive are you talking about when you type D: at the C: prompt it doesn't work?

[jenstar]

It may have an earlier version of Windows on it but set up to boot into DOS. Try typing "win" (without the quotation marks) at the C: prompt and see if that starts Windows.

[stevie21]

My attempts would be the same as ian.miller's.
Go into BIOS and change the "first boot device" to your CD drive and then save and exit. I've done this myself before so this would be my plan A.
Failing that, type "D:" (or whatever letter represents your CD Drive) and then enter at the C:\prompt to have a nosey around what's on your Windows CD.
Either then type "setup" to run the installation or type "dir" to browse the files on the CD to find where the setup file is.

I'm assuming that when you say that you insert the CD and your PC doesn't recognise it that you're saying that you don't have anything "autorun" - you just have the C:\ prompt awaiting instruction?

[Tweed]

Windows XP CD is bootable and should install the CD drive drivers automatically, and continue to install itself. But as has been suggested, change the boot device.

[hattster]

Thanks for all your advice, i changed the bios settings to look for my cd-rom and hey presto! it picked it up and now has loaded windows on to the hard drive. I am now a happy bunny...thanks again :o)