Quote Originally Posted by jones172
For concreteness, please assume that I want to use the cheat code md5. In some sequence, I need to:

(1) Enter the characters "knoppix md5" (without the quotes).
(2) Put the CD-ROM into the drive.
(3) Open the drive.
(4) Turn on the power.
(5) Close the CD-ROM drive.
Question: Just what is the sequence?
OK, I hope you understand that md5 is not a valid cheat code. And that your md5 sum should have been tested before burning the CD, not after.

You seem to have steps 2 , 3 and 4 in a very confusing order. How do you put the CD rim into the drive before you open it? How do you open it without power?

Try this: Turn on the computer (plug it into the wall if needed).

Windows might start booting befor you get the following done. You might hit the DEL key to go into the BIOS so that doesn't happen, or you can just let it happen and shut down Windows later.

Open the CD drive before inserting the CD into the drive.

Insert the CD, label side UP, data side down.

If Windows is running, do a restart (the restart process will normally close the CD drive for you as part of the reset process).

If Windows is not running because you went into the BIOS, exit the BIOS (there should be hints on-screen telling you the key to use, or just hit the reset button).

If you managed to get the CD inserted fast enough without entering the BIOS and without Windows starting, just close the door.

Your system should boot from CD. If it does not boot from CD you may need to change the boot order so that the computer boots from CD before it boots from hard disk. Go into the BIOS to change this setting. Only change this and other things you understand; there are some setting you can make in the BIOS that can cause you problems if you just make random changes.

Good Luck.