[Nateman]

Have you changed the computer in any way (like adding memory perhaps)? It has to be at the original factory settings for the cd to work.

[calvin sun]

Ok, I checked again.

The computer IS checking the CD ROM drive at bootup time. It tries the diskette drive, then the CD ROM drive, then (apparently) the hard disk. Then I get the "corrupt/missing file" message.

The CD I am trying to use is purple, and is labeled "Operating System / reinstallation CD Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition". The computer and CD are from Dell.

Is this CD the right one for recovery purposes? Thanks.