My goal is to reformat, and reinstall Windows XP. I am using a custom machine so there is no DELL or HP support here. I have been able to boot from CD and install/format Windows XP before. I have a "bootable data disc" burned with Power2GO: http://www.cyberlink.com/products/p... Here is how every boot attempt goes: When I start up, it goes to my Motherboard start-up screen. - In my Bios I have the boot order set to CDROM before anything else - After it lists all the devices it says these 2 lines: " BOOT FROM CD: BOOT FROM CD: " - (When I first installed it said, press any key to boot from CD. This time it does not" - Then it goes to the OS selection screen where there are 2 options: " Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows Setup " - The setup brings me to a blank or black screen with the blinking underscore or cursor. - I have even let that run overnight but to no avail. - Microsoft Windows brings me to a normal start up with the Windows Logo and the loading bars under it. Then it proceeds to load up into itself fully functioning and everything. - The End. I have tried this with every combination of: PowerISO, Power2Go, CD, DVD, .iso File, and the uncompress Files of the .iso File

Use ps/2 keyboard maybe? Enable legacy support for usb in bios? Dunno Seems that you are not booting at all from CD. Is the CD and drive known good? Test with linux cd maybe or vista cd. "Best Practices", Event viewer, host file, perfmon, antivirus, anti-spyware, Live CD's, backups, are in my top 10

Well I am able to read and right to/from the CD/DVD in the drives(I tried both my read and my read/write). The Keyboard sworks fine, my purple connector keyboard works fine navigating bios and selecting OSes

Sounds like problem with the Cd - try something like nlite to create a new iso from install files and then burn a new disk. try using a different program to burn - eg, nero.

im 'obtaining' nero and will later thank you

Problem solved, I used Nero to burn a CD and it works now. Thank You all.