How to make bootable cd and reinstall XP

I appear to have two problems. One is trying to create a bootable cd-rom (not working with either Nero or Roxio) Plus how to reinstall Win XP, without a key.
I have the install disk for xp from Dell, but no key with it. My system is seriously close to a crash I think.

 

Your product key should be printed on a sticker attached to the case. If not use Magical Jellybean Key Finder to read the product key from the registry, write it down and place it in a secure place. You can use that with the Dell disc to reinstall if it asks for the product key. As for getting around XP activation, you'll find you're asking in the wrong place.

 

You need to give us more information regarding your 'bootable CD' issues to really help you. There are many different versions of Roxio & Nero, with various different steps to take to create bootable CDs. So, what versions do you have, and try to give the steps you've tried so far. There are some good tutorials on the web you can follow as a first step:

http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=297

http://www.ehow.com/how_2000533_make-bootable-cd-nero.html

 

That worked great thank you.

 

Hi This is Nero 6 I choose created a bootable cd, and I get to the point where it appears to be about 2/3 of the way through the process when it just stalls out and the progress bar stops showing any progress.