I am using the Dell CD.

By "boot menu option" do you mean am I able to change in DOS the order of priority: if the computer boots from itself or from a CD?

If so, yes, I had changed the priority to put CD on top. That is why I think the computer prompts me: "To boot from CD press any key". Right?

The computer froze again. But this time, when I restarted the computer, again I was prompted: "to boot from CD, click any button"

I clicked a button, and the CD took over and is going through the repair routine!

Continued:

So I ran the CD (a Dell CD for an HP computer) and tried to do repair. I received error messages that four things were missing:

1. idecoi.dll

2. fdco1.dll on NVIDIA nForce Networking Controller Driver Disk 1

(I think I found these two but didn't yet manage to include them in the repair. I tried a memory stick - but that wasn't recognized. I can probably put them on a CD [if I have the right files])

3. NVIDIA Network bus installation Disk #1

4. E:\i386 (perhaps it is supposed to be on the XP Professional Service Pack 1)

(these last two I didn't find)

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you.

Just to clarify:

When did you receive those errors?

Did the install manage to load an operating XP?

I'm afraid I did not get an operating XP.
The error messages were during the installation.
The computer is unable to boot - right now.

I would suggest trying to go back to the original OS from HP which of course will eliminate XP and any data therein.

Here is the HP page:

HP Pavilion dv9208nr Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

System Recovery HP Pavilion dv9208nr Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

Repairing a Corrupted Installation Using HP Recovery Manager HP Pavilion dv9208nr Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

Let us know if anything there helps.

Now that's an option I wasn't aware of - thank you!

However, is it difficult or impossible to conquer these error messages?

Might a technician be able to put on XP with these CD's (if I can't)

What happens when you boot and press F11?

I must go now, will be back in a couple of hours - THANK YOU!

I suppose if it was done once it can be done again.

Your errors are most likely Dell looking for Dell proprietary files on an HP system.

What you are trying to re-do I never would have suggested in the first place as these are two very proprietary systems.

If HP F11 does not still work you could try a Clean Install from the Dell CD however this will eliminate all old data.

If you still know who did this the first time perhaps they can help again.

You could also try running a Live CD of Ubuntu in order to extract data:

Ubuntu Home Page | Ubuntu