BleepingComputer.com: Compaq EVO N180 Boot Question

Need help! I bought 2 Compaq EVO N180 laptops. I can get into BIOS screen and change boot order(I think) by making the top of list to CD rom.
I can"t get the units to boot from the CD(or dvdrom) to load new copy of OS . I have a fresh xp pro to install -the laptops have xp pro COA on bottom-
They just keep saying " no operating system found". How do I force them to boot from the dvdrom so they will load windows os?? these laptops are in almost new condition, so I would really like to fix for my kids!

On occasion (usually older systems)...I have found that I had to set all three of the BIOS boot options to CD/DVD drive...before the system would boot from such.

Might as well try it .

You might also be missing that "Press any key to boot from CD" message that sometimes occurs.

Louis

In the bios page, I only can see how to change the list order, so I put cdrom on top.
Still says no os found, no where to opt to hit any key. Ther is nowhere on the setup page that I can see if it is recognizing the HDD, is there a differant page to be found?

The hard drive...should be reflected on the main page of the BIOS, same page that reflects the system clock, date, etc.

Have you read the following?

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechS...ectID=c00400062

Page 2-1 indicates that you ought to be able to change your boot options, http://bizsupport.austin.hp.com/bc/docs/su...2/c01137202.pdf

Louis