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    install xp/vista from an external cd/dvd drive?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by wannabeapilot, Jun 20, 2008.

  1. wannabeapilot

    wannabeapilot Notebook Consultant

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    ok well my cd/dvd drive died on my e-1705
    and it really needs a reformat
    now ive tried booting the install disc from the external cd drive and ive looked in the bios to see if theres an option to boot from an external cd/dvd drive but there isn't so any other ideas?

    and i would've searched but the button's gone :confused:
     
    wannabeapilot, Jun 20, 2008
    #1
  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    There is a button you can hit during boot (F2 or F12 I think) that will pull up a menu to choose what to boot to. USB CD Drive is your choice.
     
    Greg, Jun 20, 2008
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  3. wannabeapilot

    wannabeapilot Notebook Consultant

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    ive tried that ,theres only the option to boot from the internal (non working) cd drive

    do you think my bios needs an update?
    im on A06
     
    wannabeapilot, Jun 20, 2008
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  4. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    I doubt the BIOS needs an update, the option to boot from an external device should be there be default. What are all the options listed under your boot menu? Nothing like "USB device" or anything?
     
    Commander Wolf, Jun 20, 2008
    #4