[flipside65]

Here's the situation...

Compaq Presario V6000 with Vista built in.
I started to install a fresh copy of XP and the cd-rom gave in during the install, so I cannot use that any longer.
Usually hitting F11 brings up the System Recovery, but that option does not show up.
I think I need to set the active partition to the recovery, but I am not sure how to go about doing that.
Am I on the write path?
Please help!!!

[Mak213]

Well you overwrote the boot loader to the Recovery Partition. Do you have the media to reinstall Vista?

[flipside65]

No I dont. How can I fix the boot loader?

[Mak213]

Repairing the Windows Vista Bootloader - NeoSmart Technologies Wiki

That will be your best bet.

[flipside65]

CD-Rom doesn't work. Can I boot and install an OS with a USB CD-Rom? It does read drives and boots to them no issue. I don't know if I can format C from a bootable USB Drive.

[Mak213]

Can try. Best option for now.

[flipside65]

Have you ever heard of an OS being installed from external?

[Mak213]

From a USB CD ROM yes. From a USB External hard drive no.

[flipside65]

Looks like I will have to pick up an external cd-rom. thanks

Here's another question; most USB cd-roms are USB powered. Will they still get power while the computer is booting (not in the GUI) ?

[Mak213]

Most External USB CD ROM's get their power from a built in power source. There isnt enough power going thru the USB port to power them. Just like a External Drive has its own power source.