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What things causes a PC with Windows XP to show DISK BOOT ERROR - INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER?

I am repairing a computer that shows this message and shows BOOT FROM CD: When I insert bootable DVD it does nothing, only repeats the same messages.

Changed boot order, but nothing happens but the same.

The hard disk and CD/DVD drive is recognized in BIOS/CMOS setup, both as master in IDE 1 and IDE 2, respectively.

Freecycle Me
2012-10-01 16:23:39
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Yes if there is HDD discrepancy, I normally set them to "cable select" and let the computer find them.
Abidhusain Momin
2012-10-01 12:24:28
If Operating system is installed then check it your HDD is proper configured (master and slave) position. If it is proper then you should either repair or re-install operating system it depending your problem. If hdd partition is deleted then either you can retriever your partition or install fresh operating system.
susendeep dutta
2012-09-30 14:53:49
I and my friends also used to have this kind of problem.Usually,they sort a workaround on this issue by replacing the SATA/IDE cable of HDD.Even after some months if the same message came and then the HDD died.So,I advise you to replace your SATA/IDE cable to new one so as to prolong its long to a little bit.Also,check whether if any grinding noise is coming from HDD.If yes,then your HDD needs urgent recovery of important data.
Dimal Chandrasiri
2012-09-30 03:57:48
dude, insert the DVD when the PC is on POST ( Power On Self Test ) and then wait for the prompt which says "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD" - If it doesn't appear, kindly go to bios -> Boot Options and enable "Boot from optical Drive" then when the prompt is give, boot from the DVD. then after booting is finished, you will be asked whether to install a fresh windows or, repair the existing windows. select repair and follow the onscreen instructions, :)
GrrGrrr
2012-09-29 22:31:10
I doubt if your DVD is bootable. At the prompt : Boot from CD" most probably you have to press Enter. But if the DVD is not bootable, it goes back trying to boot from hard disk.Please confirm if your DVD is bootable.Also a good read belowhttp://www.tomshardware.com/forum/264240-31-disk-boot-failure-insert-system-disk-press-enter
Bruce Epper
2012-09-30 19:25:18
If the inserted disk is not bootable, the Boot from CD message will not appear.
Suman Acharya
2012-10-06 12:31:45
What if CD-drive motor doesn't spin?
Bruce Epper
2012-10-07 05:01:30
If the motor is not spinning up, you either have a hardware configuration problem (cable plugged in wrong, etc) or you have a hardware failure (cable physically damaged or a bad optical drive).
ha14
2012-09-29 18:20:26
hirensboot cd has minixp on it, see if you can boot on hirens boot cd and use he available tools http://www.hiren.info/pages/bootcdWindows XP System Repair and Recovery CDs Available!http://neosmart.net/blog/2012/windows-xp-system-repair-and-recovery-cds-available/Bootable Hard Drive Diagnosticshttp://www.carrona.org/hddiag.html
Bruce Epper
2012-09-29 17:54:10
When you see the BOOT FROM CD: message, you normally need to press any key to make it boot from the CD otherwise it will attempt to boot from the hard drive again. The most likely cause of the original error message is that the MBR and/or bootloader has been corrupted on the hard drive. Booting the WinXP installation disc and selecting the Repair option will normally take care of the issue(s).
Suman Acharya
2012-09-30 01:22:33
I tried but the cd-drive takes cd in and does nothing.