Can't get system to boot from CD drive

[ell]

Hi, I have a dell 8300 with a boot issue. I'm trying to do a clean install of xp, but neither dvd drive will boot. Only one works (annoying) and it only works once windows is loaded. I've flashed the bios, installed newest dvd drivers, still no go. 1st boot is set the cd drive and even one time boot with it selected still goes to hard drive, any help? Do I need to disconnect the cable from non-working dvd drive? maybe disable it in device manager? its lights up but does not open.

 

[ell]

Solved!

I just went in and unplugged the dead dvd drive, moved its cable to the second dvd drive, and tada, it boots!

 

[ell]

Please don't take this the wrong way, but how long have you been working on computers professionally? I am just curious?

Just two years, I know your thinking two weeks, sometimes I need to think a little (it dawned on me shortly after posting)-but maybe putting these solutions up will help another newbie in the same situation too embarrassed to ask.

 

[Bloogen]

You actually charge your customers?

I was going to say that we don't really need comments like this but he was what I like to call "thinking out loud.". Maybe having a resource with qualified people standing by to answer questions makes some people a little lazy though.

 

[ell]

this is a good read... http://www.technibble.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9598

 

[ell]

You actually charge your customers?

$100 an hr, made $80k this year, not bad for a rookie, and they keep calling.

 

[ell]

How much of that has technibble helped you make? Perhaps you can make a donation to the site for the help and resources?

I already reply whenever I think I have a solution, (weather my own or someones I picked up here) spreading the wealth!

 

[ell]

You charge 100 dollars an hour and you cant fix a cd drive

LOL! sorry I couldn't resist! Had family diversions when I asked for help, I'm guilty of posting-before-thinking, senior moment! (first look at this old dell pretty scary, dust sticking out everywhere) but its running like a top now, you guys can just ignore me in the future.