BleepingComputer.com: Reinstalling the Operating System problems

Alright, long story short I ended up picking up a ton of crap on my computer and then I deleted important system files when I removed them. It started off with a ton of error messages, then my internet died, now I can't even make it to the desktop. Just a blank background screen after logging in. So I'm trying to reinstall my operating system but I have a problem because I can't run the CD from safe mode. What should I do?

Dont try to do it from safe mode. First you need to make sure the bios is setup to boot first from the CD Drive, then restart the system with the Windows CD in the drive. Watch the screen for it to say something to the effect of, press any key to load from CD drive, press a key and I believe it should then start the Windows disk which will give you options as to how you want to proceed

Is this a Windows XP Disk or a Recovery Set disk?

And you shouldn't need safe mode. You can just boot it straight from the CD. You will be able to run the reinstall of the OS from there.. Hopefully you didn't damage any peripheral drivers.. If you can't use your mouse or keyboard, your in for a long ride.

The CD is.. Microsoft Office Basic Edition 2003

Whenever I try to boot from my CD drive it just goes to the loading screen followed by the regular login one. Which if I try to login to the same thing happens as before.

Let's make sure we are all on the same page here.
You mentioned in your first post that you want to reinstall Windows XP.
When asked Is this a Windows XP Disk or a Recovery Set disk
you stated you were attempting to use Microsoft Office Basic Edition 2003 cd.

Is that the disc you are using in an attempt to reinstall XP operating system?
If it is, it won't work. Office is not an OS, it's a seperate software program.
It doesn't contain XP.

Do you have an XP disc or a set of discs that came with your computer?
If not, is your computer a Dell, HP, or other brand?
If it is you may have a recovery drive. The trend now is for manufacturers to include a recovery drive
with all the components for a re-install of the operating system instead of including cd's with the system.

You can check to see if yours has the recovery drive, it's usually Drive D.
Open My Computer from your desktop, see if it is there. Of course you have to have access to your desktop, which you state you don't have. Can you access one from safe mode?

If you have any questions, please ask. You might want to let us know the manufacturer and model number of your system.

This post has been edited by Queen-Evie: 28 February 2009 - 10:37 PM