Can't start xp

I have this same problem, but my computer is an Inspiron mini with Windows XP. I tried using the Windows XP disk when I start my computer, but since its a mini laptop and doesn't have a built in CD-ROM Drive it doesn't start, nor do I get the option to Boot from CD. I've tried everything I can, but nothing seems to be working. Can you give me some step by step instructions on what to do. I'm not all that old so please simplify it as best you can. This is a... well I'm not sure about the specifications of the laptop. I'll find them as soon as I can.
Thank you for help.

 

I have an external CD drive, I think I forgot to mention that (my bad), and that's what I was using with the Windows XP disk.

 

Okay..Bios is the screen that asks to boot into Safe Mode right? If yes, then yes. The CD does not show up, though, which is where I'm confused.

 

Oh, that. I get the options to, but when I press the F12 or F2 keys nothing happens.

 

It says "Press F2 for Setup" "Press F12 for Boot Menu" But when I press either of them, they don't work. When I press F1 though, it takes me to the Menu where it asks me if I want to start in Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, Safe Mode with Command Prompt, Go to last configured setting or something or start up windows normally. After I click either of these, it leads me to the screen for Windows XP as if it were staring up, then after it finishes loading, it goes to the blue screen saying that there is an unmountable boot volume 0x0000000ED or some number.

 

Dell - XPS, Dimension, Inspiron, Latitude. OptiPlex, Precision, Vostro

Press F2 when the Dell logo appears. Press every few seconds until the message Entering Setup appears.

Older Dell desktops and laptops may instead use Ctrl+Alt+Enter or Del to enter BIOS.
Older Dell laptops may use Fn+Esc or Fn+F1.

Upon re-boot of your mini rapidly press F2 key this will get you into the Bios.

set your boot order to boot from cd first then save the settings and exit the Bios.
put the xp disc in the cd drive and re-boot, at the option during boot you will have to press any key to boot from cd.

iain.t :major

 

Thank you, I think I might try the older commands you gave me and see if they work. If not, I'll come back here. Only the F1 key works that goes to the Safe Mode menu works at the start up -- or any screen.

 

Fn and F1 gets me to Safe Mode menu, Ctrl and Alt and Delete restarts the start up process, Ctrl and Alt and Enter does nothing.

 

None of the Safe Mode menu options work after I click on them. They lead to the starting up Windows XP then it goes to Unamountable Boot Volume.

 

How do I take the Hard Drive out a notebook? Might it mess up something?

 

Where do I find the door. I've had my laptop for about two years now and know most of it. I don't think I've ever seen a "door" on it. Step by step please?

 

We need to know the exact model of your machine.. i.e Dell Insperon ###

this will help in finding the correct manual for your machine to get the diagrams of where and how to access your harddrive to remove it, once we have that info we can post images and give you a step by step guide, as some machines require different methods.
Have you tried just pressing " Del" to enter the bios??

iain.t :major