Install XP without CD Drive and Remove VISTA
 

This is Driving me nuts.
I want to remove VISTA from from Compaq c740 notebook and install XP.
The CD drive only plays DVD's, If I insert any other disc ( Program, XP, Blank) it gives message 'Insert Disc in Drive F:' and open the CD trays.

All I want to do is, format the C drive, remove crappy vista and install XP professional. ( I have my own XP professionsl Ed disc)

How do I go around it.

Thanks

hello APSM

first, its really weird that your drive reads only DVD's.. have you tried playing an audio or VCD?

Try using Nero's Drive Info Tool
ftp://ftp6.nero.com/tools/InfoTool.zip
http://i56.tinypic.com/fjg6yh.jpg

it detects your optical drive and double checks the features that it supports.
if CD's really wont play, and the laptop is still under warranty, i suggest you bring it to the authorized service center for repair of the optical drive.

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if replacing the optical drive is not an available option at the moment, i suggest you try "WinToFlash"

http://www.wintoflash.com