Hi all,

am trying to install a copy of Windows XP Pro onto a
laptop, but not having any luck.

I have a legit version on a 'TIME' disc, but this crashes out
3/4 of the way through, every time! And as it's out of
warranty, time won't supply me with another disc!!!!

I borrowed a friend's copy from work and it installs, but it
won't accept any code other than the one that came with
the disc, and my mate can't give me it cos it's from his
work!

And last but not least, i got my brother's copy and tried to
boot from that, but it didn't work. He assures me it works
for his PC.

I don't know DOS or how to boot by command, only re-
starting. Can anyone help?
Thanks

Do you have a floppy drive?

yes i do. What do you think i should do? (P.S. i'me pretty
clueless when it comes to PC's

the TIME cd for a windows install is probably set up for specific hardware. 3/4 of the way through is usually the hardware detection and the driver install. Basically, the manufacturer gives out a windows cd only for reinstallation on the hardware sold with the cd.

You need a legitimate retail copy of Windows. Your brother may have this, and the problem with booting is that your laptop is set to boot from other devices. To change this go into the CMOS settings. Immediately after startup (before Windows loads) you'll see something on the screen like "Press del to enter setup." In setup find the boot order and make sure the CDROM is first. Restart with the CD in the drive.

Don't forget Windows XP requires online activation.

"If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure." - BILL CLINTON