I just read this at microsoft.com

"The Windows XP startup disk allows computers without a bootable CD-ROM to perform a new installation of the operating system. The Windows XP startup disk will automatically load the correct drivers to gain access to the CD-ROM drive and start a new installation of Setup. You cannot upgrade from a Windows XP startup disk." Are these startup disks what youl would usel if a boot virus would not let you boot normally?

Well, I have my XP /S CD that came with my computer. Am I correct that is what is meant by a "bootable CD-ROM"?

Now, let's say someday I find I can't boot. Is this a situation where I would use the startup disk(s) - 6 of them I guess - to fix things so that I could then reinstall the O/S from my Windows XP CD.

And going back to my quoted paragraph...why would anyone NOT have a bootable CD-ROM?

This whole topic is confusing to me!