Can't boot-up in normal mode or from CD, when attempting to boot from an XP CD, I get the message to press any key to boot from CD. I press a key and nothing happens, the next message to appear is NTLDR is missing,press ctrl, Alt ans Del to restart computer, I press the required keys and nothing happens. I have even attempted to wipe the hard drive with a CD from a Company call SpotMau; which claims to be able to boot-up any computer and the computers hangs-up ( keys aren't functional to make selections) on the main menu. Any help would be much appreciated as I am attempting to repair this computer for an after school program for junior high school kids. Thanks!!

You must be using a USB keyboard and the BIOS is not set to Enable Legusy USB devices. First reboot the computer and watch the screens for the harddrive to be identified there. If you see no harddrive listing then there may be a hardware failure. You then need to check cables and enter the BIOS to see if the drive is identified there. If the drive is showing in the BIOS then there is a problem with the boot configuration. There could be a number of causes. To enable entering the BIOS you need to get a PS/2 Keyboard or possibly a PS/2 to USB adapter may work. If you get the KBoard working in the startup screens enter the BIOS and Enable Legusy USB support. Once you get the computer to boot to the CD you should be able to reinstall Windows, which would be best. The first time you are prompted by a screen to repair using console ignore it. You will then be given a chance to repair or install new. Choose install new, choose to replace the existing installation and choose to format using NTFS. (edit) Following the above instructions will remove all data on the drive you format and install Windows to. Is that OK?

... after boot-up from CD Select " Repair " ... from console type : Fixboot C: [Press ENTER] ( C ... being your harddrive) ... if that dos'nt fix it try: FixMBR [ENTER] ... Fixed? if not(CDDrive=Letter)type: COPY CDDrive:\I386\NTLDR C:\ [ENTER] COPY CDDrive:\I386|NTDETECT.COM C:\ [ENTER] BOOTCFG /rebuild [ENTER] ... If NOT fixed then format etc ... end of message

oops: COPY CDDrive:\I386\NTDETECT.COM C:\