how to format drive c:

Hey,

Im running windows xp home on my laptop, and I'd like to format
using a windows cd i have but the CD-ROM drive (D is not a bootable drive.

My CD-ROM is removable.

Can I make the CD-ROM drive a bootable drive and just boot from the xp home cd
I have ?

How do I make the D: drive a bootable drive ?

There is also an option to format C: when I right click the C: drive. What is that ?
How is that different from formatting from a boot cd ?


Thanks

deez

It depends on the laptop brand. I have a Dell Inspiron 1100 (basically their current 1150 or whatever it is) and I couldn't boot off the CD rom either.

check out the BIOS and see which version you have, then make sure your running the latest version. Then there should be an option in the BIOS to change the boot order, make sure CD-ROM is 1st boot option.

I know that this sounds simple but I do recall installing XP from Win98 back in the bad old days. IF my memory serves me well Win XP will install the setup files on the HDD and reboot into the setup. Although this option requires you to install an earler OS than Xp you should be able to get it working.
P.S I know it sounds simple, but maybe you over looked the problem?