Disk Boot Failure, Insert System Disk

Hi Guys,

My computer worked fine last night. This morning, I tried to cut it on and it says Disk Boot Failure, Please insert Disk and Press Enter

I have the recovery disk but when I put them in, it says Abort, Retry, Fail

The computer is not making any clicking noises or anything. What can I do? Is there a safe mode to goto? When it cuts on, there is 3 options that it says.....1) boot mode 2) system recovery 3) setup

Thanks In Advance

 

Laptop or PC? What operating system? Is it an off the shelf model such as Dell b5100?

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That error is basically that the PC can't find your operating system. It could be a failing hard drive.

Take all discs out and try to restart. [you will probably get the same Disk boot error]
Boot Mode could mean boot order...if you enter 1) what choices do you get?

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Just to be sure you don't have a floppy drive on that machine. With a floppy in it?

 

Compaq HP desktop

If I choose option 1) boot menu

it takes me to a blue screen that says select a boot first device

cd rom group
-2nd master: Lite on dvdRW SHM-165h6s

thats it

 

That is not good. It is not recognizing your HD.

It is unusual for a HD to fail on a Compaq without getting a warning for a few days beforehand.

Two things to try:
Unplug. Open the case and remove the battery (watch-type quarter coin sized disc) for a few minutes. Then put battery back in and plug back in and startup. This will force the PC to look for the HD again.

Another option is unplug and wait 2 or more hours and then try and boot. If it is a bad HD letting it cool down will often allow it to work temporarily again. If it does start up after a wait period then you know it is a failing HD.

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A third option would be to get the manufacturer's name off the HD Maxtor or Western Digital probably and then download there HD diagnostic utility from their website. Get the DOS iso version to make a bootable CD wich you can run even if your PC won't run Windows.

If you need help finding the utility, I can point you to the version you need.

 

Thanks so much....I took the battery out and left the computer off for about 2 hours and then put the battery back in and cut the computer back on. Everything seems to be working fine again. All programs are up and running and etc.

Thanks So Much For Your Help!!!!!

 

I'm glad things are running but I suspect your HD may be ready to fail.

I would begin backing up anything critical/personal to be safe.

Also try downloading Belarc Advisor, install and run. Look under Drives for the S.M.A.R.T. status. I suspect it is unhealthy. If it is then you really must replace your HD as soon as possible as it will be a flip of the coin whether your computer will start until it eventually fails. Usually a matter of weeks at the outside, sometimes days.