Ubuntu and various booting problems?

Question

I just decided to revive my old computer, its a dell dimension 4700. THe optical drive wasn't working so i also decided to buy a new one. My computer also has an issue where it wont boot up win xp now because it says the file (windows\system\winxp) or something like that is missing and it can't boot (can't see exact name). It also says to insert the setup disc and press r when the screen shows, and I don't have the setup discs for winxp until wednesday or so. So after all the, I'm trying to install ubuntu from a cd i just burned online. When I insert the cd and start my computer it just does the same error over and doesnt ask me to install ubuntu. Yes the ubuntu disc works as well because i tried it in my other computer. How do i get the ubuntu disc to initiate install so I can install that instead of my windows missing a vital file? Is it something to do with setting bios to initiate optical drive boot first? And could whoever answers give me a detailed answer I want to follow step by step. THanks!

Answer 1

Press f12 when your computer starts and select boot to whatever disk drive it's in. It will ask if you want to install or go to demo. Click install and follow the steps.

Answer 2

IF your machine has the facility to boot from cd you need to select the boot device by pressing whichever function key it displays during boot. Once you install Ubuntu you will not be ale to install XP without destroying the Ubuntu install. If you want both you must install the Windows system first as Microsoft does not recognize the existence of any other operating system.

Answer 3

before everything once you boot up the ubuntu cd, it asks you the place to place in the os and on which partiton. interior a similar reveal, you could edit the partitioning gadget. whilst it shows you the available partitions opt for between the partitions and format it in linux format and setting up in that partition. you will have the skill to twin boot between living house windows and ubuntu after that.