Computer is running Windows XP. Short story:
Tried to update with Win 7
Would not recognize the disk
Tried to reload XP disk without reformatting. Locked up.
Tried a factory restore using Ctl F11. Has worked in the past. Computer is so messed up that won't even work.
Need to know how to reformat the computer so I can load the XP disk again. Also need to know how to begin loading it if it won't automatically load.
Thanks

What happens when you try to boot from the XP cd? Usually have to go into DOS and change the boot order for the machine.

dam

You change the boot order in BIOS.

It was booted from the disk. Goes into setup and then receive error messages every time saying different files are corrupt or missing. Appears that the utility partition is "unavailable". Somehow the partition has disappeared. Have a computer friend that is going to look at it today and see if he can fix it.

[This message has been edited by beam (edited 7/12/2012 9:13a).]

Do you know how to go into your BIOS settings? What's your boot disk priority look like?

If you mean the order, booting from the CD is in the number one spot. The computer will boot from the disk and goes into Windows Setup. Runs for a few minutes and each time I have tried it, I get a different error msg. Such as:
File\i386\biosinfo.inf could not be located. Error code is 47872
INF file txtsetup.sif is corrupt or missing status Error code is 47872
File:\i386\ntkrnlmp.exe could not be loaded. Error code 47872
Utility Partition not available.

Create a new 25 GB using partition magic or whatever the latest cool application is. Install Windows on to that. Copy needed files from other partition somewhere. Format old partition. Use as storage. Winning!!!!