Seems like a hardware conflict then, and/or a bug in the BIOS. I've seen problems similar to this before. Sometimes the computer even seems to press any key by itself (the CD or DVD automatically boots without any user input, which should not happen considering the hard disk was selected as first boot device).
In this situation I would look seriously at the actual drive. Is it possible for you to swap the drive out for a known good item - for testing. The best alternative is a usb CD/DVD drive if you can get access to one - mine has saved no end of time for me, so much so that I tend to use it by default with customer installs, not even bothering to check the built in units until after the OS is up and running.
hmm...try installing off usb, it's really quite simple if u have UltraIso:
with UltraIso loaded up stick the xp disc in the drive and press F8
Output Filename directory as I dunno, lets say c:\users\<username>\Desktop\XP disc.iso
Output format..Standard Iso..press Make
In the bottom pane locate the newly created image, double click on it
Bootable, Write Disc Image, choose the folder of ur thumbdrive, press Format when complete then press Write..
..Reboot
in BIOS set boot order as USB first then continue booting.
if that doesn't work post back for another straight forward but rather lengthy solution.
Hey guys thanks for the tips and as I said, I don't want any solutions, just wanted to know if it's possible. Thanks again :)
PS- I knew that XP could be installed over 7 but just wanted to ask
On some older PC BIOSs, USB ports are not enabled on entry to post. If you have a ps2 type keyboard port and you are currently booting with a USB keyboard, try using a ps2 keyboard and the problem might go away.
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