I’m trying to do a clean install of XP Pro and combine all partitions into one, but installing Pro from Windows will place setup files on the C: thus not allowing me to delete the partitions. 

So, I’d like to boot from the Windows CD and get to setup that way.  How do I do that?

I ran into this problem too, but eventually I just ran the Sony Restore Discs, combined the partitions together, then installed WinXP Pro. Probably not what you wanted to hear, but as long as you’re installing a new OS, it’s not too big of an extra step. A 37.2GB C drive awaits! 

When you see the VAIO boot logo, press the ESC key and you should be presented with Sony’s Boot menu that allows you to choose which device you want to boot from first.

When the CD spins up, you additionally have to press the space bar for the Windows XP installation to startup. You’ll see the prompt do to so…

cellery, i cant boot off CD, so I’m going to try your solution now…only, in my case, 28 GB awaits. 

Is your copy of Windows XP legit? If it is, then it should give you the option to boot from it. All Windows XP CDs have the ability to boot off the CD.

You can actually choose the boot order of your devices in the Sony BIOS. You’ll need to hit F2 (might need to repeatedly press this so you don’t miss it) when you see the VAIO logo.

Once inside the BIOS, you should make sure that the CD/Optical drive is the first choice. On mine, I have CD first, Floppy second, and HD third.

Yah, it’s legit alright…maybe I’m just doing somethin wrong.