How to use Dell Recovery..cdrom can't read it

[pd123]

This is for a Dell Dimention 4600. When I put the recovery cd in and cold boot, it won't read the cd. I assume somehow I need to put a driver in maybe via floppy so the cdrom can read the recovery cd. Is my assumption correct and how can I get that recovery cd to be read?

[renovation]

you need to get into the bios and set the machine to read the cd rom before the hd . only a guess !

[pd123]

you need to get into the bios and set the machine to read the cd rom before the hd . only a guess !
That was the first thing I tried, I changed the bootup sequence from 1. Floppy, 2. C drive 3. CDROM and made CDROM first, and then tried to disabled the A and C drive so it would only read the CD drive. I think I somehow need to load CDROM drivers, maybe via dos but I don't know how to do that.

[renovation]

not to sound dumb .have you looked at dells site to see what they say .if memory serves me there was a f key you needed to hit on boot up .so some of there machines would read or load the recovery drives or disk .

[pd123]

Good call, when I chatted with Dell, they said hit F-12 but it didn't work, I think the cd drive may be bad.

[Cheesypuff]

did you try testing out another CD? maybe get another XP cd and trying to boot off of that.

[pd123]

I did that but on the problem machine. It didn't work but maybe because that machine cd drive may be a problem. I think it's time to replace this computer.

[mechmike0034]

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[mcs328]

I thought they created a hidden partition on your HD to return your computer back to the first day you got it. I've had a few dells and I've done this before and it works great except for all the crapware that comes back.

[pd123]

That's interesting, I will try a chat with Dell and ask them.

[mcs328]

I noticed because when you order say a 160gig HD you'll notice that XP or whatever says it's only 140gigs because 20gigs is for the hidden partition to set it back in case you fubar it.