Playing DVD's without booting?

So I just got my dv5000t yesterday and I have a question. I think you can play DVD's without turning the computer on. Is there preloaded software that allows this to happen? Or is this completely a hardware response when you put in a DVD? The reason I'm asking is b/c I want to format the machine to get a clean install of XP Pro on it, but I don't want to lose that functionality. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

There is a small quick play partition. If you want the feature, don't delete the partition.

 

The partition is all that's required? It doesn't interact with the primary partition in any way? Thanks for the quick reply.

 

I don't think so... There's a few installtion guides here. I suggest you read them before reinstalling Windows.

 

yeah, i plan on following them very closely and i'll make a system restore cd just in case as well. thanks for the help.

 

Question:

Is there a QuickPlay type of software or OS that can be installed 3rd party on a seperate partition to allow for the same features? I'd love to try that out some time. I thought there was a barebones version of Linux where it was like QuickPlay but unsure where I found it at.

 

It depends on how the partition table structured. The BIOS boot code should search into HD tail to find boot image(I guess).

I think any small OS can be installed/boot at that partition. But it is not so easy to make the same or even better feature that HP provides. There are several Linux media box available, but nobody had tried on QP button yet.

 

I don't have a QP button...was just looking for a dual boot option...

 

i have a QP button (on a v3000) but I don't know how to use the feature without booting up.
the notebook should be turned on and then press the button or with the notebook off?..

 

Just hit that QP button when the system is off, and it'll boot into the QP menu.

 

i hit it but nothing happens... ****..

 

Hmm. Have you tried re-installing the driver?

 

Do you have any other OS or have you reformatted the system. When you hit the QP button the system should partially boot into Windows and you should see QP appear right after Windows splash screen.

 

i have this notebook for about a week, it has all the original software, but QP doesn't work..
compaq presario v3017la
sempron 3200+
60gb
512mb ram
etc.

 

i was checking in the administrative tools on the control panel for the partitions in my harddisk and I only have 2: C: for windows and the recovery partition.
maybe that's the reason quick play isn't working or maybe the button for quickplay doesn't work with the notebook OFF (is like a touchpad, no mecanical action)

 

Is there a way to get QuickPlay as a "third-party" software to install on a separate partition, sorta like a dual boot situation?

Sorry, a tad OT.