How can I boot a PC without the CD?

[Puke]

My Windows XP PC did an automatic download last night and now it won't start. 
It won't go into safe mode either.
I have no idea where the original boot recovery disk is that came with the computer.

If you have any tips I would much appreciate them.

[error]

Linux.

[MengerFan]

Mac

[Puke]

I also tried shoving my head up my ass and punching a baby.
But alas, no luck.

I already have a Mac, this piece of shit is what I use for school. So I kind of need it to not die on me.

[error]

I also tried shoving my head up my ass and punching a baby.
But alas, no luck.

I already have a Mac, this piece of shit is what I use for school. So I kind of need it to not die on me.

Did you try giving Bill Gates a , er, nevermind.

Seriously, if you want help, you'll need to be more specific as to what's going on.

[les nessman]

   Get a Ubuntu Linux Live CD.   I think they are up to version 8.xxx now.  At your computers boot screen where it says "press F..." find out which one is the boot options and select DVD or CD ROM.  I set up a dual boot system between XP and Ubuntu Linux, though I dont use Windows all that much anymore.

[Puke]

Seriously, if you want help, you'll need to be more specific as to what's going on.

I was rather vague wasn't I? Sorry. I'm a bit pissed at the piece of Redmond shit.

After the screen with the option to click F2 or F12 the PC goes to  screen that reads:

For Realtek RTL8139(X)/8130/810X PCI Fast Ethernet Controller v2.13 (020326)
PXE-E61:Media test failure, check cable
PXE-M0F: Exiting PXE ROM.

Intel UNDI, PXE-2.0 (build 082)
Copyright (c) 1997-2000  Intel Corporation

This repeats endlessly.

I did download this program, http://www.ubcd4win.com/
I did change the "boot from" option to CD-ROM, still nothing.

[error]

Sounds like something went wrong with the boot sector on the hard drive. Or some piece of hardware has failed. Have someone look at it in person.

[Pat McCotter]

Next step because of that error:
Either remove the network card or disable onboard network card to see if it will boot.

[Puke]

Next step because of that error:
Either remove the network card or disable onboard network card to see if it will boot.

It's a laptop. I turned off the switch for the wifi but that didn't change anything.
As Error said I'll just have to take it to the shop. 

[K. Darien Freeheart]

The only thing I can think of is booting into the XP console and running chkdsk and fixboot but both of those require an XP installer. I can rip an ISO file for you of one if you need it.