i tried to install windows xp after 4-5hrs still not working so shut down computer when i went back to try again computer wont except xp or anything i cant get it to work at all as you can tell im a complete novice and should never have tried to install it [how i wish i hadnt ] it keeps saying ntldr not available can anyone help please.

Welcome to techhelpforum.

Here's step by step instructions for a clean install of XP: http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html#steps

hi many thanks for your help really appriciated it unfortunatly it didnt work after number of attempts i keep getting NTLDR is missing and DISKBOOT FAILURE,INSERT SYSTEMS
disk AND PRESS ENTER the only disk i have is windows xp home edition if i re boot w ith this he end result is the same any advice would be greatly appreciated thanks brandon

hi many thanks for your help really appriciate it unfortunatly it didnt work after number of attempts i keep getting ntldr missing and disk boot failure, insert system disk and press enter i only have xp home edition disk and if i load this the same thing happends i really would appreciate any help/advice you can give cheer brandon

Brandon,

I have sent you a private message about this issue. I can see that you are local to Newcastle, which I am also. Reply to me on james_hollingsworth@blueyonder.co.uk just letting me know what part of Newcastle as I might be able to come over and do it for you, it wont take long.

Otherwise, what it sounds like is that you are inserting your Windows XP CD and pressing Enter which is not what the computer is requesting. Turn the computer off and when it comes on have a look on the screen for which key you need to press to enter Setup. It would usually be F1 or Del. You need to change in your BIOS Setup (the screen that loads after pressing the key to enter setup) for the computer to boot from CD, or for the primary boot device to be your CD Drive. Ensure the disk is in the computer at the time of doing this and then save all settings.

The computer will reboot, it will come up with a prompt "press any key to boot from CD" so press anything on your keyboard, a blue screen will then load and take you through the Windows installation process. You do not want to just press ENTER though, there will be an option for Repair (r) which if you do this it should get your computer up and working again.

Once you have got the computer working, ensure that you change your BIOS Settings back to the primary boot device being your hard drive (HDD).

Any problems / questions post back here.