I have run into a new issue. With my current system i have done at least two previous clean installs by changing my bios to boot from CD and putting my XP disc into the drive. I delete my XP partition, re-partition, format, install, etc.. no real issues. Yesterday I went to do this again and when I switched my bios and rebooted I got the Press any key to boot from CD message. I tapped my keyboard a few times... and then my windows splash screen popped up. I tried a few more times with the same result - every time I try to boot from the cd I just boot into windows. The only thing I think that MAY have changed from the last time I did this is getting a new keyboard. I belive that my old keyboard is a PS2(is that the name? I forget) while my new keyboard is a USB. Although I don't see how this could be preventing me from accessing the boot disc as the keyboard works fine for accessing the BIOS. I also tried with an older xp home disc that I have around. No luck. Also: I went through my second and third boot priority in the BIOS and set them to disabled. I did a search on these forums to see if I could find a similar issue but there is a serious amount of info - as in years - to sift through here. Thanks for any help.

Have you tried to use the ENTER key instead of the ANYKEY :-) I always have to press the ENTER key to boot the installation CD. (I guess, that's a funny thing from Microsoft) Please send a reply, if you solved the problem !!!

You have identified the problem. There is a BIOS setting that enables legusy USB support. Just use your old PS/2 keyboard. Why are you changing the BIOS boot order. What is wrong with leaving the CD before the hard drive? All that happens is the screen shows the CD drive and then moves past it. Unless, of course you have a bootable CD in place and hit a key when prompted. If you continuously need to reinstall WinXP you might want to change your computing/surfing habits. There normally should be no reason to re-install WinXP.

And why are you reinstalling over and over? "So won’t you give this man his wings What a shame To have to beg you to see We’re not all the same What a shame" - Shinedown

There is definitely something more than what is being said if you constantly have to re-install. Some mobo do not allow booting from USB keyboard. You can use the USB keyboard/mouse by using an adapter which only costs a few dollars at the local computer shop...some keyboard and mouse purchases that are USB actually include the adapters as well! Change Is Good http://www.citizenlink.org/Stopligh...

Thanks for the tips. I thought of the keyboard change as I was typing up my question and was not at home to test it out. I'll do that shortly. I didn't think that doing a clean install was such a big thing. I keep a "windows" partition so that all of my music/files/etc remain. I think in some regards it is probably just a little OCD. I don't have any real issues with my computer. I just like the thought of having a fresh install - and it usually doesn't take long.