Windows 7: Windows 7 RC back to XP: 'can not read cd'

I was using the Window 7 RC but now I must go back to XP because of the RC bihourly shutdowns. Buying Win 7 is not an option right now for me, I am too poor, but thank you for the chance to try Win 7, I enjoyed it.

PROBLEM: When i try to install Windows XP from my original XP Home Disk, I get the error 'Setup could not read cd or cd is not a valid windows cd'. Well I know the disk drive is working because I tested it. I know the disk is valid because this is the original XP disk (I have all the paperwork etc)

Now I am not a computer wiz but I know the basics. I have searched for a few hours and tried to resolve the problem but can not.

What can I do now? I need to get XP back on here because instant shut downs every 2 hrs is messing things up for me.

Any help is appreciated, or possible solutions.

Check for smudges you can wash or wipe off of the CD.

Are you trying to boot the CD? Is it the CD for XP which came installed with that computer, or a retail copy you bought separately? Has it been installed on that computer before from that CD?

When you installed Windows 7, did it create a windows.old folder in the root of the C drive? If so, you can roll back to XP using that.

Thanks for the reply greg.

No smudges, I already wiped it down.
Yes I am trying to boot to disk. When I open the XP CD while windows 7 is up and running, the option to 'Install Windows XP' is greyed out and it will only allow me to 'Perform Additional Tasks' or 'Check Compatiblity'. This is a retail copy of Windows XP Home. Yes this has been installed on this computer from its first boot and was running up until I gave the Windows 7 RC a try.
The windows.old folder is gone because I ran out of space and did not think I would have a problem reinstalling XP.

THANK YOU so much for giving me some help with this. I havent gotten any responses on the official microsoft forums yet, and I appreciate you giving me some help.

As it should be, it's grayed out as you can't upgrade from a newer OS... Just for giggles, while in Windows 7 do you have Nero, Roxio, or any other software to copy the disc? If so, clone your XP cd and see if you can boot to it...

maybe this is off the mark,
but is the installation CD an XP Upgrade CD or a Full installation CD?

If it is an Upgrade CD, then you need an operating system (98, ME) already installed.
If it is a Full Installation CD, then you can try
1. Cleaning the CD
2. Check with another CD Drive
3. Burn another copy using this CD and try with that.

PS: Just saw your post in Technet

tomorrow I will be able to try another XP disk or make a copy disk of this xp, I just cant do it on this computer.

I dont know why it would be something wrong with the disk itself, because it reads from it just fine if I check the other options on the disk or up until that one part of the xp setup.


thanks for the responses!

XP? *shudder* If you must . . . but even then . . .

You'd be better off using a copy of your cd if possible, remember that unlike Win 7 your XP key is tied not to the disc but to the product itself. Therefore a XP Pro key won't work on XP Home disc, or XP Corp disc or whatever... Luck-

This error is common if trying to use an Upgrade CD to do full install. Is this an Upgrade CD? Was it used to upgrade Win98 or 2000 to XP originally?

Is it possible some settings were changed in BIOS for Windows 7 install? Check that the SATA controller is set to IDE mode for XP.

Try copying the CD using ImgBurn by first Creating Image File from Disk, then Burning Image File to (another) Disk.

Use ImgBurn to burn at 4x speed with Verify - it never fails. When loading the ISO to burn to new CD, make sure it says "Bootable" in text at left.

If you can see your way clear to buy a Windows 7 Upgrade copy in the next 120 days, we can help you change the RC to Home Premium or another retail version now so you can install the key later: Activation Trial Period - Extend Up to 120 Days
You need a Windows 7 RTM installer http://tech.icrontic.com/articles/up...7-rc-to-retail