Unable to boot from disc

And here are the results from the third test

So, what now?

Make sure EFI Boot Disk is removed from BIOS Boot Order.

Are you wanting to install XP or Win7 now? If you still want a Dual Boot then you need to install XP first. Boot the CD to create and full format a partition.

If you want Win7, boot the installer to Clean Install Windows 7

Remove one stick of RAM to try install.

ok, I've removed the uefi boot option, and left the 2 sata options. Do I need to change the sata mode?

and I still want to dual boot xp & 7

Try SATA mode first in AHCI mode first to see if XP will install.

If not try IDE mode.

ok thanks

Right, in a nutshell- installed windows 7, put in second RAM card, installed wifi adapter driver from disc, installed security essentials and updates it, installed system updates, restart, then get the screen pictured. Help please?

Did you already install XP first as it should be for a Dual Boot?

To start Win7 check that Win7 HD is set to boot first in BIOS setup, Mark Win7 or it's 100mb System Reserved (preferred if you have it) Partition Active then run Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times. Boot the Win7 DVD using HP ESC key at boot.

No, he's going to try a newer version of the program (he's sensitive to layout changes, so doesn't update program's all that often). This version is designed to run on W7 and as a result he decided not to get XP, although he still doesn't like 7's changes. And you mentioning marking the partition as active, I did that before the reboot that didn't boot 7.