XP Pro - Re-install help

I want to re-install or at least "repair" my installation of Windows XP Professional. try as I might, my computer won't boot off the CD, I entered setup, selected boot off CD drive, the startup screen says "press a key to boot off of CD" and I press the keys (wireless keyboard) with no response. I put my Window XP CD in the drive and tried to "install" but it won't because I have a newer version of Windows XP installed.

I do have the XP SP 2 CD and the original XP Pro CD and the windows key.

 

Well if you dont want to keep anything I would just wipe the hard drive and start new. This is only an option and I know there is more knowledgeable folks here that can provide more info for you on alternative methods. I use Darik's Boot and Nuke which is a free download here at Major Geeks. If you have anymore probs just post.

 

I do want to wipe the drive clean and start fresh, will give that Boot and Nuke a try, thanks

 

You don't say who made the wireless keyboard or how it is connected; but, I suspect you will have to connect an old, PS/2 keyboard and mouse to reinstall XP.

You should also go to the support site for your computer, download the drivers for XP, and burn them onto a CD or copy them to a flash drive BEFORE starting the reinstall. The most important ones are the chipset, network, video, and audio drivers which should be installed in that order immediately after Windows is running and before any applications.